RICHMOND — Whether you are currently receiving Medicare benefits, or will soon be eligible for Medicare, or are helping your parents make decisions about their Medicare coverage, the 2009 Virginia Medicare Supplement Insurance Premium Comparison Guide provides basic information you need to know about Medicare and private insurance plans designed to supplement Medicare.
The State Corporation Commission’s Bureau of Insurance developed this free publication to facilitate comparison shopping for Medicare supplement insurance (also called Medigap) products. The guide contains the rates for more than 35 companies writing Medicare supplement insurance in Virginia. It also includes the companies’ telephone numbers – most of which are toll-free – and their website addresses.
There are 12 different Medicare supplement plans, A through L, from which consumers can choose the benefit level that best suits them. There is a significant range in the premiums between plans and insurers. While price is an important consideration, consumers should also consider an insurer’s stability, benefits, and service. Comparison shopping can result in considerable cost savings, but the process can also help consumers evaluate what is important to them; thereby ensuring that they get a policy with suitable benefits from a company that has the most appropriate services for their needs.
Because Medicare supplement rates vary widely, the Bureau of Insurance recommends that consumers compare prices before making a decision. The Premium Comparison Guide helps to make this task much easier. Consumers can request free individual copies of the Premium Comparison Guide by calling the Bureau of Insurance toll-free at 1-877-310-6560 or in Richmond at (804) 371-9092. Consumers may also visit the Bureau’s website at www.scc.virginia.gov/boi. The website includes the current Medigap rates for the companies included in this publication as well as other valuable consumer information.
The Bureau of Insurance also offers free consumer outreach programs on a number of insurance topics. Speakers are available to talk to your group or organization on the insurance topics of your choice, and provide answers to general questions regarding insurance. The Bureau offers outreach through many different means: health fairs, seminars, and speakers for civic or professional group meetings. For more information, please refer to the above referenced phone numbers or contact the Bureau’s Life and Health Insurance Outreach Coordinator, Olivia B. Claud at 804-371-9389 or e-mail L&HOutreach@scc.virginia.gov
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