Delaware Medicare Supplement Insurance Shopper's Guide 2017 released

The Delaware Medicare Assistance Bureau announced that the 2017 Delaware Medicare Supplement Insurance Shopper's Guide is now available in print. This popular guide is updated annually and includes price comparisons and toll-free telephone numbers for all Medigap policies sold in Delaware.

Medicare supplement insurance, also called Medigap, is private insurance designed to supplement Medicare coverage. To view the guide online, go to www.insurance.delaware.gov/dmab.

While reviewing the rates on the Medigap plans in the 2017 guide, readers should keep in mind that a person's gender and status as a smoker/non-smoker will directly affect premiums. They should also be aware that listed rates may change during the year. Shoppers should contact at least two or three companies directly and seek quotes to find the plan that provides them with the best value. It is important to note that the best time to purchase a Medigap policy is during the six-month Medigap open enrollment. This period automatically starts the month a person turns 65 or older and enrolls in Medicare Part B, and once it's over, a person cannot get it again. After six months have passed, companies selling these plans are not required to sell a person a policy.

While Medicare is a federal program, the state bureau can help Delawareans with Medicare make sense of the complex health insurance system. All bureau services are completely free. Staff can assist with questions related to Medicare, Medigap, long-term care and related financial assistance programs. To receive a guide or ask Medicare questions, call 1-800-336-9500. For more Medicare resources, go to www.insurance.delaware.gov/dmab.