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REMINDER: Open Enrollment for Medicare Supplement Insurance begins February 1
By Margie Ware, SHINE DirectorMedicare Supplement Insurance, also referred to as Medigap, is health insurance sold by private insurance companies to people enrolled in Medicare. It helps pay for deductibles and co-payments not covered by Medicare.
There are three policies sold in Massachusetts: Core, Supplement 1 and Supplement 2. Berkshire County residents may buy one of these policies from either Blue Cross & Blue Shield of MA or United Health Care Insurance Company. (United Health Care Insurance Company sells only to members of AARP.) Coverage under each of the three policy forms is identical for each insurer. Monthly premium costs between the two insurers do vary slightly.
The annual open enrollment period starts February 1 and ends March 31, 2005. Coverage begins on June 1.
There may be special situations when Medigap insurers are authorized to enroll beneficiaries other than the open enrollment period.
To find out more about Medicare Supplement Insurance, or to enroll in one of the available plans, call SHINE (Serving the Health Insurance Needs of Elders) Director Margie Ware at 499-0524 or 800-544-5242.
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