Wednesday, June 23rd
2021 Medicare Supplement Plan Reviews
Go Medigap
Since 2005, Go Medigap has helped more than 35,000 seniors get the coverage they need to close the gap between what Medicare A and B covers and what it doesn't. This broker offers every available Medicare Supplement Plan, from A through N. They can connect you with coverage from 30+ different insurance providers, from big names like United Healthcare and Cigna to regional suppliers in your area.
All 50 states
The company is licensed in all 50 states. And, not only do they enjoy an "A+" rating and accreditation from the Better Business Bureau, but they also were the recipient of the BBB International Torch Award for Ethics - out of 18,000 other companies! That means that Go Medigap is a name you can rely on to give you a plan that's right for you.
Easy process
To begin the process of finding a Medicare Supplement Plan with Go Medigap, you'll enter your zip code to ensure that they have providers in your area. Next, enter your first and last name, your gender and your birthdate. Then, you'll be asked for your email address and preferred contact phone number (which gives them - and their "business partners" - permission to call or text you). Finally, click the button to get your quote.
Quote system had a problem
Unfortunately, when we did so, we got a message saying that their "quote system had a problem", and that we'd have to call them to get their rates. Since you typically have to speak with a licensed representative in order to buy a plan anyway, you'd wind up calling them eventually - but it would have been nice to get a preview of what insurance companies and Medicare Supplement Plans would be possible.
Finding an agent
So, how did Go Medigap do with our standardized quote of a 65-year-old woman in Wisconsin, no tobacco use, looking for Plan G? The first representative we reached wasn't licensed in that state, so he had to pass us along to another agent (not a big deal, but worth noting that they said that they didn't have many agents licensed in WI).
Higher premium
As with most of the brokers we evaluated, Go Medigap came up with Aetna as our lowest-priced option (and the agent mentioned that United Healthcare would be our best second choice). But, their quote was significantly higher than their competitors at $162.85 per month (not including the $198 annual deductible). Go Medigap also has a $20 one-time policy fee for the application, to get any policy started.
Waiting time
The whole process took longer than with our first-place broker of Medicare Supplement Plans: we waited more for someone to take our call, we were transferred to a second agent, and that agent wasn't able to pull up our quote as quickly. We also felt more confused while working with her - we already knew a fair amount about the Aetna plan, and we had to ask questions to get the specifics we wanted (namely, the $198 deductible with no co-pays). Otherwise, we wouldn't have known it existed - or, at least, we didn't understand that it did based on what the agent was telling us.
Rate Watch
One feature unique to Go Medigap is called Rate Watch: once you're enrolled with any Medicare Supplement Plan, they keep an eye on all of the companies' premiums and let you know if you're going to have a rate increase. After all, just like auto insurance, the company that has the lowest premiums now might not be your best option in a year, and it's nice that someone else can be tracking that for you.
Thousands of satisfied customers
At the end of the day, Go Medigap is trustworthy. Looking at customer reviews on independently-verified sites, we found thousands of 5-star reviews with plenty of compliments for the helpful service received from friendly, well-informed reps and for the great plans and rates they were able to get. Those reviews, along with the stellar track record with the BBB, mean a lot. Just keep in mind, you may be paying a higher premium than with other companies in our review.
More Medicare Supplement Plan Reviews
The 11 Best Medicare Supplement Plans
Where Can You Find the Best Medicare Supplement Plans?
If you or a loved one is approaching the age of 65, or will be qualified for Medicare Parts A and B soon for another reason, it's the ideal time to start shopping around for supplemental coverage.
You are probably already aware that your Medicare insurance pays for most of your costs - but not all. That's why Medicare Supplement plans are often known as "Medigap": they close the distance between the 80% that's covered and the 20% that isn't, so that you have fewer or no out-of-pocket costs.
Medicare Supplement Plan FAQ
Continued from above...
Medicare Supplement Plans are given letter names, so it can be easy to wind up confused. Plus, plans and their coverage are always changing. For example, Plan F was considered the go-to package, but it was discontinued for anyone starting coverage after January 1, 2020. Its replacement at the time, Plan G, offered similar benefits - fully covering that extra 20% and more - but added an annual deductible to the equation.
Another factor to keep in mind is the "guaranteed issue period". For the six months following your 65th birthday, you can get a Medicare Supplement Plan with no requirements beyond paying your premiums. By law, you can't be excluded for any health conditions, although your premiums will be higher if you're a smoker. But, once that grace period concludes, insurers can require more detailed information about your health conditions such as diabetes or heart conditions, and you can expect your premiums and available plans to change accordingly.
When buying a Medicare Supplement Plan, you have two basic routes: buy directly from an insurance company or go through a broker. Going to an insurance company you already trust can be an appealing option. You'll typically find the best rates for that particular insurer. On the other hand, using a broker often gives you access to not just your favorite insurance company but many others. So, with one process you can get the best rates from a number of providers at the same time - including that rate you got when you contacted the insurance company directly.
Whether you decide to use a broker or to buy directly from an insurance company, it's wise to do your research beforehand. The last thing you want is for an eager rep to steer you towards a plan that doesn't fit your needs, so take the time to browse several providers' websites before getting in touch. However, because Medicare rules state that all plans have to be sold in person or on the phone, you'll eventually have to speak with someone to finalize your Medicare Supplement Plan.
TopConsumerReviews.com has reviewed and ranked the best Medicare Supplement Plans available today. We hope our in-depth evaluations help you save time and money by giving you the information you need to choose the best provider and plan for your needs!
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