will act as a secondary insurance to Medicare and the types of costs Medigap would normally cover. Another consideration is that Medicare beneficiaries may also reduce their out-of-pocket costs by enrolling in a Medicare Advantage Plan. For some beneficiaries, this may be a better option than purchasing a Medigap policy, depending on their specific health care needs. Beneficiaries can go to to find interactive electronic that compare various Medicare and Medigap plans. CWICs can also refer beneficiaries to a SHIP counselor for help deciding whether a Medigap plan would be useful. For additional information on Medigap policies, including how to decide if a Medigap policy makes sense, and what Medigap policies cover, CWICs are advised to read the publication titled a Medigap Policy: A Guide “Choosing to Health Insurance for People with Medicare,” which can be found online at: Medicare Eligibility specific groups of people are eligible for Medicare: Individuals age 65 and who are insured for retirement benefits under Social Security, either through their own work or through a spouse’s work. Individuals receiving Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) who have met the 24-month qualifying period for Medicare. Individuals receiving benefits as a Childhood Disability Beneficiary (CDB) who have met the 24-month qualifying period. Individuals who meet the Social Security disability standards and who are either entitled to Disabled benefits (DWB) or Medicare on a deceased worker’s record and who have met the qualifying period. Individuals who lost Title II disability benefits due to work and are in the Extended Period of Medicare Coverage (EPMC). Individuals with disabilities who have exhausted their Extended Period of Medicare Coverage (EPMC) and are eligible to purchase Medicare Parts A, B, and D coverage through Premium-HI for the Working Disabled. Individuals who have Renal Disease (ESRD) who
will act as a secondary insurance to Medicare and the types of costs Medigap would normally cover. Another consideration is that Medicare beneficiaries may also reduce their out-of-pocket costs by enrolling in a Medicare Advantage Plan. For some beneficiaries, this may be a better option than purchasing a Medigap policy, depending on their specific health care needs. Beneficiaries can go to to find interactive electronic that compare various Medicare and Medigap plans. CWICs can also refer beneficiaries to a SHIP counselor for help deciding whether a Medigap plan would be useful. For additional information on Medigap policies, including how to decide if a Medigap policy makes sense, and what Medigap policies cover, CWICs are advised to read the publication titled “Choosing a Medigap Policy: A Guide to Health Insurance for People with Medicare,” which can be found online at: Medicare Eligibility specific groups of people are eligible for Medicare: Individuals age 65 and who are insured for retirement benefits under Social Security, either through their own work or through a spouse’s work. Individuals receiving Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) who have met the 24-month qualifying period for Medicare. Individuals receiving benefits as a Childhood Disability Beneficiary (CDB) who have met the 24-month qualifying period. Individuals who meet the Social Security disability standards and who are either entitled to Disabled benefits (DWB) or Medicare on a deceased worker’s record and who have met the qualifying period. Individuals who lost Title II disability benefits due to work and are in the Extended Period of Medicare Coverage (EPMC). Individuals with disabilities who have exhausted their Extended Period of Medicare Coverage (EPMC) and are eligible to purchase Medicare Parts A, B, and D coverage through Premium-HI for the Working Disabled. Individuals who have Renal Disease (ESRD) who
2016_WIPA_Manual_Module_4_S.docx