Member Benefits Scholarship Program Financial Services Identity Theft Shield / Legal Services Payroll Services Travel Medical Insurance Program Insurance Services  > Auto/Homeowners  > Life & Annuity   > Term Life   > Whole Life   > Universal Life   > Annuities  > Health   > Long Term Care   > Medicare Supplem.   > Dental   > Disability   > Critical Illness  > Endorsed carriers	Medicare Supplements What is Medicare? Medicare is a federally funded insurance program that pays a portion of health care expenses for eligible participants age 65 or older and eligible participants of any age that are classified as disabled or have End-Stage Renal Disease (ESRD). Currently there are two parts to Medicare. Part A (hospital insurance) is provided to all eligible participants at no charge. Part B (medical insurance) is optional; and participants that opt in pay a monthly premium, which is subject to change each year. On January 1, 2006, Medicare will add Part D (prescription drug coverage), which also will be optional and carry a monthly premium. To gain a better understanding of the Medicare program, read the Medicare and You handbook, which is available from your local Social Security office or by calling Medicare at 1-800-633-4227. You also may wish to visit the Medicare website at www.medicare.gov. What is a Medicare Supplement? A Medicare supplement is an insurance policy designed to pay for expenses that are not paid by Medicare. Examples of such expenses are the Medicare Parts A and B annual deductibles, coinsurance obligations and services that exceed Medicare limits in cost or duration. Some Medicare supplement policies are more comprehensive than others and are priced accordingly. Applicants for all supplement policies must be enrolled in both Medicare Part A and Part B. Who needs Medicare Supplement Insurance? Since circumstances vary, each eligible Medicare participant must decide for herself or himself whether to purchase a supplement policy. It’s important to note that a policy automatically will be issued if you apply during your open enrollment period, which begins when you enroll in Medicare Part B and continues for 6 months. If you apply after that period has ended, you could be denied coverage based on your state of health. You will have no need for a Medicare supplement policy if you are enrolled in any of the following: a Medicare Advantage plan (formerly called Medicare+Choice), a Medicare Managed Care plan or a Private Fee-for-Service plan. To learn more about Medicare Supplement insurance or to request a quote, please call 1-800-360-6117, or email info@MinnesotaBenefitAssociation.org

© 2007 Minnesota Benefit Association