Medicare Supplements from Ernstam and Lewis in California
 

We can help you clearly understand your options.

CALIFORNIA MEDICARE SUPPLEMENTS - ERNSTAM AND LEWIS

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We’re here to bring clarity and connect you to coverage in California.

Here’s how we can serve you:

  • Helping you evaluate and understand Medicare Supplement options.

  • Assisting you in applying for Medicare Supplements (though we cannot legally apply for you).

Medicare isn’t known for being easy to understand. At the same time, people 65 and older are increasingly turning to it for health coverage. Ernstam & Lewis helps you cut through the bureaucratic language and understand the bottom line. There is no charge for our Medigap services.

If you’re age 65 or older, retired or working, health insurance premiums rise as you age. Many find Medicare to be more affordable than private alternatives.

Background

What is a Medicare Supplement?
Medigap is a Medicare Supplement Insurance policy that pays for some of the costs not covered by Medicare. This includes deductibles, coinsurance and copayments.

In order to receive Medigap coverage, you must currently have Medicare Part A and Part B. For reference:

Medicare Part A covers hospitalization, skilled nursing facility care, hospice and home health care. 

Medicare Part B covers:

  • Services from doctors and other health care providers

  • Outpatient care

  • Home health care

  • Durable medical equipment (such as wheelchairs, walkers, hospital beds, and other equipment)

  • Preventive services (such as screenings, shots or vaccines, and yearly wellness visits)

Medicare Advantage
A Medicare Advantage Plan provides an additional way to obtain Medicare Part A and Part B coverage. Sometimes called Medicare Part C, advantage plans are offered by Medicare-approved private companies that must adhere to Medicare regulations.

Getting Medigap coverage
If you currently have a Medicare Advantage Plan, you can apply for a Medigap policy. But make sure you are able to leave the Medicare Advantage Plan prior to beginning a Medigap policy.

Medigap policies only cover one person. In order for both you and your spouse to receive Medigap coverage, each of you must apply separately.

An excellent benefit of Medigap coverage is that all standardized (federally approved) policies are guaranteed renewable, regardless of your health status.

When to purchase Medigap
The time to purchase a Medicare Supplement is during your six-month open enrollment period. This period begins the month you turn 65 and ends six months later. Medigap must be purchased in this six-month window.