Medicare Supplement
FAQ’s
How do I pay the premium for my Medicare Supplement Insurance Plan?
At time of application, you chose to pay your Plan’s premium either by automatic bank draft or direct invoice. It is important you continue to pay your Plan’s premium or your policy will lapse. If your policy lapses you may be subject to medical underwriting in order to have your policy reinstated.
Can I pay my Medicare Supplement Insurance Plan’s premium from my Social Security Income check?
No. Unfortunately the IRS does not allows premium payments for Medicare Supplement Insurance Plans to be paid this way. You must pay your premium directly to your Plan’s carrier.
Can I pay my Medicare Supplement Insurance Plan’s premium from my Health Savings Account (HSA)?
No. Unfortunately, the IRS does not allows premium payments for Medicare Supplement Insurance Plans to be paid this way.
When does my premium change for my Medicare Supplement Insurance Plan?
It depends. Most carriers will adjust premiums on your policy’s anniversary date. However, some carriers may adjust premiums twice a year (example: on one’s birth month and one’s policy anniversary date) and some carriers chose a particular month each year to adjust premiums. Technically, carriers can change premiums for policyholders whenever they wish as long as the State Insurance Board approves the change. These rate changes cannot single you out, and if a carrier adjusts premiums, it is for all policyholders. Carriers will send you notice of your premium change in writing at least 30 days prior the change. It is always a good idea to keep a careful eye on your mail and read all communication from your plan.
Do I need to show my doctor’s office a Medicare Supplement Insurance Plan member card?
Original Medicare Parts A and B are your primary insurance and you should make sure your medical provider’s office has your Medicare card on file. Additionally, they may ask if you have secondary insurance and therefore it is a good idea to have your Medicare Supplement card handy to show at the doctor. The medical provider’s office will file a claim with Medicare and once Medicare is finished processing the medical claim, they will tell your Medicare Supplement Insurance Plan carrier what and who to pay. This is just one of the great benefits in having Original Medicare and a Medicare Supplement Insurance Plan.
My doctor’s office said they don’t accept the name of my Medicare Supplement Insurance carrier. What do I do?
No need to worry! One of the great benefits in having Original Medicare and a Medicare Supplement Insurance Plan is you do not have a provider network. In fact you may see any medical provider anywhere in the country which accepts Medicare and that includes 99% of providers (to find out if a provider accepts Medicare, use their search tool). We advise you explain to your medical provider’s office that you have Original Medicare as your primary insurance and make sure they have your Medicare card on file showing your Part A and Part B effective dates.
Since I have a Medicare Supplement Insurance Plan, I know I can see any medical provider, anywhere in the country that accepts Medicare. How do I find out if a provider accepts Medicare?
Good news, 99% of providers accept Medicare! Medicare has an excellent provider search tool. You can search for a medical provider by name, specialty, or zip code. You can even search for hospitals, Inpatient rehabilitation facilities, dialysis facilities, or hospice care.
I received an invoice for my doctor’s visit. Do I need to pay it?
Indeed you may. Unless you have Medicare Supplement Insurance Plan letter F or C, you are at least responsible for the annual Medicare Part B deductible. The Medicare Part B deductible is set each year by Medicare and is subject to change from year to year. Please see our Medicare Supplement Insurance Plan education webpage for a reminder on the benefits of your Medicare Supplement Plan letter. If you have further questions, please call or email HTA.
I received an invoice(s) which is greater than my Medicare Part B deductible for which I know I am responsible as I have a Medicare Supplement Insurance Plan G. What is going on?
Some medical providers my invoice patients instead of waiting for payment from Medicare and/or the Medicare Supplement Insurance Plan. You may check to see if Medicare received a claim for service and/or have completed the processing of a claim on your mymedicare.gov account. Likewise, you may reach out to your provider’s medical office. Please remember, once Medicare is finished processing the medical claim, they will tell your Medicare Supplement Insurance Plan carrier, what and to whom the remainder of the claim must be paid.
Do I need prior authorization or referrals to receive medical services?
No you do not! One of the great benefits in having Original Medicare and a Medicare Supplement Insurance Plan is that Medicare does not allow managed care restrictions such as referrals, prior authorization, or quantity limits.
I am moving permanently to a new address. How does this affect my Medicare Supplement Insurance Plan?
It does not affect your Plan’s benefits as Medicare Supplement Insurance plan benefits are standardized. However, your premium may change at some point depending on your carrier. If you have further questions, please call or email HTA.
PLEASE NOTE: If you are moving to or from the following states the Medicare Supplement plans offered are different than the rest of the county and action may be needed: Massachusetts, Wisconsin, and Minnesota. We advise you call HTA immediately for more information.
I am traveling/living part time in another state. Does this affect my Medicare Supplement Insurance plan?
Not at all! Medicare Supplement Insurance Plan benefits are standardized so your benefits do not change. In addition, you do not have a provider network. In fact you may see any medical provider anywhere in the country which accepts Medicare and 99% of providers accept Medicare (to find out if a provider accepts Medicare, use their search tool).
When can I change my Medicare Supplement Insurance plan?
Medicare Supplement Insurance plans can be changed any time throughout the year. However, if you are outside of your first 6 months of enrolling in Medicare Part B, Medicare Supplement Insurance plans ask medical questions to determine if you are eligible to purchase the new coverage (unless you live in a State with special guaranteed issue rules). If you wish to shop your current Medicare Supplement Insurance plan, please reach out to HTA to schedule an appointment.
Does my Medicare Supplement Insurance Plan offer a discount gym membership program such as Silversneakers?
Generally no. Medicare Supplement Insurance Plans are designed to provide quality medical care which is free of network limitations and managed care restriction. However, some Medicare Supplement Insurance Plans may maintain a contract gym discount membership program, although such agreements are often subject to change. For further information, please call or email HTA.
Does my Medicare Supplement Insurance Plan cover non-medical services such as dental, routine vision (glass or contacts) or hearing aids?
Unfortunately such services are not considered medical in The United States and thus are not Medicare eligible services. Please remember, Medicare is the coordinator of your benefits and if a service is not Medicare eligible, than it is not allowed to have coverage under your Medicare Supplement Insurance Plan. However, some Medicare Supplement Insurance carriers offer discounts on certain dental, vision, and/or hearing services. In addition, you may choose to purchase separate insurance coverage for dental, routine vision, or routine hearing needs. For further information, please call or email HTA.
Visit the following pages for more information on plan options
Medicare Supplement Plan Options
Medicare Advantage Plan Options
Medicare Part D Prescription Plans