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Medicare/Medigap
Medicare is a program under the federal government, which is designed to provide health insurance for individuals over 65; those under 65 with certain disabilities, as well as individuals with end-stage renal failure, which requires dialysis or a kidney transplant.
Medicare is broken into four parts:
Part A: hospital insurance;
Part B: medical insurance;
Part C: Medicare advantage; and
Part D: Medicare prescription drug coverage.
The Medicare program is administered by the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services, which is part of the Department of Health and Human Services.
Medicare supplemental policies, commonly known as Medigap policies, are available from private insurance companies and they can pay benefits that are not covered under Medicare, including copayments, deductibles and coinsurance. It is important for Medicare participants to select the plan that is best suited for their particular needs.
QuickSource documents
QS90064—2013 Choosing a Medigap policy: a guide to health insurance for people with Medicare
Additional resources
Centers for Medicare & Medicaid
How to compare Medigap policies
Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services Medigap (Medicare supplement health insurance)
Frequently asked questions regarding Medicare and the Marketplace—Aug. 1, 2014
Connecticut resources
The dos and don'ts of Medicare open enrollment marketing practices