Medigap Plan B

The way Medicare is structured can leave many people in the dark about what their coverage provides. It can be a confusing health care program and you may not be aware that your Medicare insurance doesn't cover all expenses that you may encounter.

Fortunately, Medigap Plans, as their name suggests, are designed to "bridge the gap" and cover costs not included in Original Medicare Parts A and B. These costs might include deductibles, co-payments and any health care you receive while traveling outside of the U.S. They do not cover dental care, long-term health care, hearing aids, vision care or private nursing. Most plans do not provide cover for the cost of prescription drugs.

In this article, we'll focus on Medigap Plan B, what it is and what it provides cover for.

What is Medigap Plan B?

Medigap Plan B is one of the most basic Medigap plans available. However, where it might provide less coverage than other plans in the program, it also comes with cheaper premiums. If you are looking for additional support with your health care costs, Plan B is an excellent way to do so without paying large amounts each month.

Plan B provides cover for the following:

• Basic expenses such as Medicare Part B copayments and coinsurance costs

• First three pints of blood received as an outpatient or inpatient. Any additional pints you require after the first three will be covered by Original Medicare

• Medicare Part A deductible

• Hospital and coinsurance expenses up to 365 additional days once your Medicare benefits have been used

• Hospice care copayment and coinsurance (Part A)