Senior Health Insurance

Submitted by chris on Tue, 2007-02-13 17:56.

Those who are of age 65 or older, and eligible for social security, qualify to receive Medicare health insurance coverage. But even if senior citizens are eligible for Medicare, they often want more coverage than Medicare offers, and decide to purchase some form of private insurance that supplements Medicare. The following article explores some of the supplementary health insurance options that are available to senior citizens today.

Medigap

The health insurance that seniors purchase to supplement their Medicare policies is often referred to as Medigap insurance, a coverage option thus named because it is intended to fill-in the gaps that Medicare leaves. Medigap policies can be tailored to meet individual needs; they can be written to cover deductibles, prescriptions, and long term hospital care. Sometimes, they even provide coverage for nursing home stays.

Of course, the premiums for Medigap insurance will vary, depending on the level of coverage that is chosen. But it is important to note that, as long as premiums are paid, Medigap insurance plans are guaranteed to be renewable.

Sold by private companies, the rates for Medicare supplemental health coverage vary from company to company. For this reason, it is wise to compare the rates and benefits offered by several companies before you select one. With the convenience of being able to access information through the Internet, comparison shopping is no longer a difficult proposition; and you should make sure to do your research prior to making a commitment.

Long Term Health Insurance

Another type of health insurance that some senior citizens choose to purchase is long term care insurance. This type of insurance is specifically designed to cover the long term care that is usually given in places such as nursing homes and assisted living facilities.

Medicare only covers a stay at a nursing home for the first 100 days, and often does not cover stays in assisted living facilities. Because the cost of the average nursing home is about $40,000 a year, it is easy to see how a person might quickly expend his or her life savings, if an extended stay in a nursing home or assisted living facility became necessary -- that is why long term health insurance is such a necessary consideration.

Purchasing long term care insurance removes the worry of having to pay for extended stays in a nursing home or assisted living facility. It also gives the patient and his family the freedom to choose the best facility, not simply the one they can afford with what little money is available. In addition, it protects a remaining spouse who is in good physical health from having to change his or her standard of living in order to make payments.

Medicare coverage is a great option for senior citizens. However, those who can afford it should look into additional coverage options that ensure they get the full spectrum and quality of care they need."