Medicare is designed to help older people and people with disabilities afford medical care. However, there are some things that aren't covered by traditional Medicare plans. Medigap insurance is a type of supplemental health insurance designed to make medical care more affordable for patients with Medicare. Here are some things that a Medigap insurance plan can pay for:

1. Copays

After insurance pays the cost of medical care, people still owe copays, which represent their portion of the responsibility for the bill. However, the cost of copays can quickly add up, especially if people need care from specialists. Medigap insurance plans can cover the cost of copays, which can help patients save hundreds of dollars each year. A Medigap plan can encourage people to seek medical care for conditions as they arise instead of putting off trips to the doctor's office due to concerns about cost.

2. Deductibles

Medicare, like many health insurance plans, includes deductibles. The deductible is the amount of money that a patient can expect to pay out of pocket before their insurance plan begins to pay for medical services. Your deductible can vary based on the type of Medicare you choose. People with high deductibles may benefit from Medigap plans that cover their costs.

3. Prescription Drug Costs

Prescription drug coverage can vary on Medicare plans. The amount of drug coverage you receive will depend on the type of Medicare plan you have as well as the drugs you are prescribed. New Medigap plans do not include prescription drug coverage. However, people with older Medigap plans can continue to receive benefits that help them pay for their medication. Prescription drug coverage can make it affordable to stay healthy. It can be especially important for people with chronic conditions, such as diabetes, and those who require treatment for cancer.

4. Skilled Nursing Care

After an injury, illness, or invasive medical procedure, people sometimes require care that they can't get at home. A stay in a skilled nursing home can give patients access to around-the-clock nursing care when they need it most. Standard Medicare plans cover 20 days of skilled nursing care, according to Paying For Senior Care. However, some people require medical supervision for longer, which means the cost will no longer be fully covered by Medicare. Medigap plans can pay for the remaining percentage of the bill so patients can receive skilled nursing care without worrying about finances.

Contact a local health insurance service to learn more about Medigap insurance plans.