General Questions Regarding Supplements

Why do I need a Medicare supplement? 
If you do not have a Medicare supplement, you will be responsible for all of the charges that are not paid by Medicare.

Do I have to have both Medicare Parts A and B to get a supplement? 
Yes, to purchase a Medicare Supplement policy, you must be enrolled in Medicare Part A and Part B.

Will a supplement only cover what Medicare agrees to cover? 
Yes, a Medicare Supplement policy will only cover services that are approved by Medicare. For more information, please refer to the Medicare & You Handbook or call Medicare at 1-800-633-4227.

If I compare a Medicare Supplement plan with the same plan at a different company, is the coverage the same? 
Yes, Medicare's standard plans are the same no matter which company offers the plans. The only difference is the cost of premiums and any add-on products the insurance company might offer.

Is there a lifetime maximum amount Medicare will pay? 
No, Medicare does not have a lifetime maximum dollar amount that it will pay.

If I am on a group plan and am continuing to work, do I need a supplement? 
If you or your spouse is still working and you have coverage through that employer or union, contact your employer or union benefits administrator to find out how your coverage works with Medicare. For more information, you can also refer to the Medicare & You Handbook or call Medicare at 1-800-633-4227.

If I lose my coverage, what happens? 
If you lose your supplemental coverage through "no fault of your own," you may be entitled to enroll in another Medicare Supplement without having to medically qualify. For more information, please contact Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Kansas in Topeka at 785-291-4301 or toll free at 1-800-752-6650.

For more information or counseling regarding Medicare and Medicare Supplemental policies, please contact Senior Health Insurance Counseling of Kansas (SHICK) at 1-800-860-5260 or visit kdads.ks.gov/SHICK/shick_index.html.