medigap-quote Archives - Medigap-Quote.com

How to Get a Medigap Quote

Getting a Medigap quote is a crucial part of turning 65 or going on Medicare for the first time. But, it also is a prudent idea for someone who is already on Medicare with a Medigap plan. The rates for Medigap plans change annually in most cases, and what was a good “deal” when you signed up, may not still be the most advantageous option. Since Medigap plans are Federally-standardized, in 90% of cases, you can reduce your cost for equivalent coverage.

So, just how do you go about getting a Medigap quote? It’s actually quite easy to do. One option – although not the most desirable one – is to find the names of the insurance companies offering plans in your state. These can be found on your state department of insurance website or at Medicare.gov. Then, you would call each specific company and try to obtain the rates for your age and zip code. Some companies will give their rates out by phone or publish them on their website. Others will require you to meet with or talk to an agent.

But the easiest way to get the quotes is via an independent Medigap broker. Comparing plans is easy to do since the plans are Federally-standardized. In other words, a Plan F with one company is the exact same coverage and works the same way as a Plan F with a different company. An independent broker can send a list of the plans in your area with customized quotes for your specific age, gender, and zip code. This list of plans will allow you to compare all options in a centralized place and make an informed choice about the plan that is the best overall deal from a reputable company.

If you have had your plan for more than 12 months, you have likely had a rate change to your Medigap plan. If you HAVE had a rate change, you should be able to reduce your costs for equivalent coverage. Medigap rates can vary as much as $100/month for the same coverage, and no matter your financial status, it certainly does not make sense to pay that much “extra” for the same plan.

While most independent brokers will do this via a face-to-face meeting or telephone conversation, Medigap-Quote.com believes in providing that information via email so you can compare the plans on your own time schedule, formulate your questions and/or pick a plan that is right for you. Because we are an independent brokerage, we can and do work with all the companies that offer plans in each area so that we can provide unbiased information and quotes.

Medigap-Quote.com, which is owned by Secure Medicare Solutions, has been in business for 9 years with thousands of satisfied Medigap clients from around the country. Watch the video below to see what our actual clients have to say about us:
Reviews of Secure Medicare Solutions and Medigap-Quote.com

The Three Step Process to Changing Medigap Plans

Changing Medigap plans is relatively easy to do. More importantly, it is essential to do – or at the least, to compare the options – on an ongoing basis every few years. Medigap plans are completely standardized by the Federal government – this means that all plans are the same, regardless of which company sells it to you. For example, a Plan F with one company is the exact same as a Plan F with another company. Often, though, rates can vary widely, as much as $100/month for the same coverage. So, comparing the options, and changing if necessary, is a vital part of your sound financial plan once on Medicare.

So, what is the process for changing plans, if you elect to do so? It is very easy to do:

First and foremost, understand what you have, what the plans are and how to compare them. So many people that we speak with every day do not realize or understand what plan they have or how the plans work. The plans are standardized, as mentioned above, so that means YOUR Plan G is not any different from a different Plan G. Also, all plans pay the same way, can be used anywhere that takes Medicare and use the Medicare “Crossover” system to pay claims. Next, you should understand how to compare plans. Once you understand that the plans are standardized, understand that you can compare plans to see if there is equal coverage for a lower price.
Compare the options from an unbiased source. Unbiased is the key word here. There are many sources out there for comparing/purchasing a Medigap plan. But it is important to use an independent agent, primarily for their expertise and ability to compare all plans in a centralized place. An agent that sells one company is, obviously, going to tout their company, but it is more advantageous for you to compare using an independent agent.
Make the move – apply for a new plan for a future effective date, then once approved, cancel the old plan, effective the same date the new plan starts. Once you have compared the plans available in your zip code, based on monthly premiums and company reliability, you can simply choose a plan and apply. You will apply for a future effective date – usually, at least 2-3 weeks in advance. Then, once it is approved, you will cancel your “old” plan effective the same date that the new plan starts. This way there is no lapse or overlap in coverage.

Medigap-Quote.com and Secure Medicare Solutions help hundreds of people change to lower cost plans each year. Our job is to provide a full comparison of all the plans for your age and zip code, as well as providing information about which companies have been most reliable/stable over time. Once you have that information, we can work with you to help you decide on a plan and reduce your costs. If you would like to reduce your premium and have had your current plan over 12 months, you can easily do so. Contact us at 877.506.3378 or Medigap-Quote.com Quotes.