Medicare Supplement insurance, aka Medigap, helps cover the costs that Medicare leaves open. Here are five reasons why Medigap might be right for you.

1) Medigap Pays for Your Blood

This sounds weird, but it’s true. Original Medicare only covers your blood transfusion after the first three pints of blood, which is the average blood transfusion. With over 95% of Americans needing blood by the time they are 72, and the average cost to the patient at $1400 a pint, this can really add up if you’re on a fixed income.

Medigap plans pay for your blood. With 8 out of 10 Medigap plans covering this cost at 100%, while Plan K and Plan L cover 50% and 75%, respectively.

2) Medigap Offers Xtra 365 Hospital Days

Original Medicare covers during each benefit period 60 hospital days after you met your deductible and 30 additional days that you pay $308 per day, with a lifetime reserve of 60 additional days at $608 per day. Unfortunately, if you stay in the hospital past those days you pay everything out of pocket.

All Medigap plans extend hospitalization for an additional 365 days and cover all coinsurance and hospital costs. Most plans cover your Part A deductible.

3) Medigap Has a Nationwide Network

Medigap keeps Original Medicare’s largest nationwide network of hospitals and doctors.

4) Medigap Offers Foreign Emergency Care

To be clear foreign emergency healthcare is only offered on 6 Medigap plans. How it works:Medigap has a separate foreign emergency travel deductible of $250, then Medigap will cover up to $50,000 if your emergency happens within the first 60 days of travel. Medigap does not cover regular doctors’ visits while traveling outside the U.S. and its territories.

5) Medigap Plans are Easy to Compare

Medigap plans are easy to compare because all plans throughout the U.S., save for Massachusetts, Minnesota, and Wisconsin, are standardized. This just means that all Medigap lettered plans offer identical coverage from every provider. You’ll want to choose a plan based off price, the reputation of the insurance company, and how your price will increase with age.

Next Steps
If you want to know more about Medigap call the number above or click here for an instant Medicare Supplement quote.