If you and your spouse are getting close to Medicare age, you have probably noticed that health coverage as a couple is no longer as simple as it once was. The days of one-size-fits-all family plans are gone.

Medicare Supplement (Medigap) plans work differently. But with some careful planning and professional advice, you can both get reliable coverage. Below, this Supplemental insurance broker in Knox, Indiana is going to explain how you and your spouse can coordinate your Medigap policies.

Your coverage is personal, even when you are married.

You may share a home, a bank account, and a whole lot of life experiences. But when it comes to Medigap, your health coverage is handled separately.

There are no family or joint Medigap plans. Each person applies for their own policy.

However, these plans are standardized by the government. That means Plan G offers the same basic benefits, regardless of which company you buy it from.

What does change is the price. Your premium depends on factors like age, gender, and tobacco use. So even if you both get the same plan, your costs could look different.

You should also consider your individual health needs. Maybe one of you sees the doctor frequently or takes regular prescriptions, while the other rarely needs medical attention. One of you might want a more comprehensive Medigap plan, even if it costs more. The other may prefer basic coverage to keep expenses down.

This is where working with a Supplemental insurance broker in Knox, Indiana can help. They will guide you through your options so you can make informed choices.

Planning together can still save you money.

Even though you buy your policies separately, choosing the same insurance company can still benefit you.

Many insurance companies offer a “household discount.” If you both get your Medigap policies from the same company, you could save between 5% and 15% on your premiums. That may not sound like much, but over the course of a year, those savings add up.

Keep in mind that the discount only applies to your monthly premiums. It does not lower deductibles or copays. But it is still a simple way to lower your overall costs.

You can still qualify for the household discount even if you choose different Medigap plans, as long as you stay with the same insurance company.

These discounts vary by company, and not all offer them. Having a local Supplemental insurance broker on your side makes comparing plans much easier. They can also tell you if combining your policies under one insurance company is a good financial decision.

Timing is everything.

Medigap enrollment is handled separately for each person. Being married does not change that.

You each get a six-month Medigap Open Enrollment Period. It starts the month you turn 65 and enroll in Medicare Part B.

During that window, you can buy any Medigap plan sold in your area. You will be asked no health questions and face no risk of denials for pre-existing conditions.

After those six months, getting Medigap can be much more challenging. Insurance companies can ask questions about your health, increase your rates, or even deny you coverage.

This can get tricky for couples. One spouse might enroll in Part B on time, while the other delays because they are still working or covered under an employer plan. That is fine, but it is important to plan.

The spouse who delays will not start their Medigap window until they enroll in Part B. But if you don’t plan carefully, one of you could miss that guaranteed window. That could mean higher costs or fewer options.

The best thing you can do is sit down together, check the calendar, and plan when each of you will enroll in Part B. A Supplemental insurance broker in Knox, Indiana can help you map out the details and make sure you both get the coverage you need.

Looking for a Supplemental Insurance Broker in Knox, Indiana?

If you are looking for a Supplemental insurance broker in Knox, Indiana who can help you understand your Medigap options and coordinate your coverage as a couple, Senior Care Insurance Services is here to guide you. Contact us today to begin the process.