Medicare Supplement Worksheet

Written by HealthHarbor

There are many Medicare supplemental insurance policies available. They advertise through the mail, on television and through pharmacies. On the surface this could seem to be overwhelming. Choosing the one that is right for you can be easier than you think. You can find a Medicare supplement insurance to fit your specific needs and be of the lowest cost.

So how can you wade through all the information to find the right a supplemental plan for you?

Begin by making a few notes about yourself. List any diseases that you have, any medicines you take, any procedures you know that you need and any family health history that may affect your future health needs such as cancer or diabetes. (See the Worksheet, Example 1, attached to this article)

Next write down what you need from your Medicare supplement? Do you need it to cover the deductibles and co-payments of your Medicare Part A and B? Do you need it to cover your prescriptions? Should it cover you medicines during the Medicare donut hole? The worksheet at the end of this article, Example 2, may be helpful to organize your thoughts.

Not every Medicare supplement insurance plans are available in every state. To find the ones you can use, check the Medicare Web site http://www.medicare.org/ then click on the link to the Medicare and You Guide. Write down the plans that look like they might work for you. Fill in the information in Example 3.

Next, call each supplemental plan or go to their Web site to compare the plans you have selected. Fill in Example 4.

Ask for the co-pay for each drug you are taking. You will be able to see which plan will offer you the best price for each of your drugs. Ask if there each plan if they offer special incentives for signing up with a wellness coach or someone to help manage a specific health issue. Sometimes plans offer reduced or waived co-pays for drugs to treat chronic illnesses such as diabetes.

Once you have gathered each plan’s coverage and costs for your situation, you will be able to make an informed decision as to which plan will work best for you.

Choosing and Medicare Supplement Insurance Worksheet

I have high blood pressure, high cholesterol, chronic dry eyes and need a sleep aid. I have a family history of diabetes.

Now write a similar statement about yourself.

I need my Medicare Supplement to cover:

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Deductibles

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of Part A (hospitalization)

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of Part B (doctor visits, etc.)

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of part D (prescriptions)

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Co-payments

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of Part A

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of Part B

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of part D

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Prescriptions

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in general

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during the Medicare donut hole

Example 3: These are the supplemental insurance plans available in my area that I am comparing:

Example 4: Which plan covers my specific needs for the least amount?

I take high blood pressure medicine, a cholesterol medicine, an eye drop, and an over the counter multi-vitamin.

Co-payments for prescriptions

Premiums

Deductibles

Coverage through the Donut Hole and special prescription co-payment reduction benefits