How can I evaluate the insurance companies that offer Medigap plans?

Although Medicare does not directly sell Medigap policies, it does regulate what the policies must include and certifies companies to participate in the program. Take a look at the Medicare website, which offers a link called "Compare Health Plans and Medigap Policies in Your Area." Click on that tool and enter the state of Maryland and your zip code. It will give you information about Medigap policies available where you live. These companies and their policies will all have been approved by Medicare.

To find out more about the company selling a policy, check the record of complaints against the company with the state of Maryland Insurance Administration. You can also get free expert information about that company's policies from the local office of the nonprofit State Health Insurance Assistance Program (SHIP). To get information about how to contact your local office, you can go to the SHIP section of the Maryland Department of Aging web site.