Medicare SELECT Plans

In addition to the standard Medigap policies, Medicare SELECT is a type of Medigap policy that can cost less than standard Medigap plans. These plans work in a similar way to an HMO. In order to receive Medigap coverage, you can only go to certain doctors and hospitals for treatments. (Note that you can still go to any provider and receive standard Medicare coverage, only that the portion of the bills that your Medigap plan would normally cover won’t be covered for an out-of-network provider.)

Important points about Medicare SELECT plans:

• Medicare SELECT plans typically have lower premiums than standard Medicare Supplements because the insurance company is able to negotiate lower rates with its network of providers.
• Check with your state insurance department to find out if Medicare SELECT policies are available in your state.
• If you are considering a Medicare SELECT plan, it is important that you review the participating doctors and hospitals before you purchase the policy.
• If you need emergency care, your policy pays the Medicare Part A deductible no matter what hospital you use. For non-emergency care, you must use a participating network hospital for the Medicare Part A deductible to be covered.