Help Choosing a Medigap Insurance Policy

Page 6 of How to Choose a Medigap Insurance Policy

One place to begin looking is the Medicare website, which offers a link called "Medicare Personal Plan Finder." By entering your state and zip code, you'll get information about locally available medigap policies. This is just a starting point, however. You always need to get detailed information about a policy directly from the company that issues it.
Some insurance agents sell medigap policies. But agents aren't always knowledgeable about policy details and usually know about only a few policies from one or two insurance companies. So, while an agent might alert you to a good policy, don't restrict your shopping just to the agent's list. And never rely on what an agent says about a policy's terms. Always get a copy from the insurance company itself and read it carefully.
Organizations that cater to seniors sometimes advertise or "sponsor" medigap policies. These offers sometimes come with frills, such as an organization newsletter. However, the organizations aren't truly sponsoring the policies -- nor do they guarantee the policy's quality, add anything to its terms, or take responsibility to pay claims. It's the insurance company, not the organization, that issues the policy, sets the terms, and pays -- or doesn't pay -- the claims.
If you have difficulty comparing one policy with another or have questions about a specific policy, you can get free expert help from your local nonprofit State Health Insurance Assistance Program (SHIP) or Health Insurance Counseling and Advocacy Program (HICAP).

How can I get help in looking for a medigap insurance policy?

Page 6 of How to Choose a Medigap Insurance Policy

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