Frequently Asked Questions




What is Medicare? [top]

Medicare is a health insurance program for people age 65 or older, people under age 65 with certain disabilities or people of all ages with End-Stage Renal Disease. Medicare has Medicare Part A (Hospital Insurance) and Medicare Part B (Medical Insurance).

Who is covered under Medicare? [top]

Medicare covers all who qualify, regardless of age, medical condition or ability to pay. At the age of 65, you qualify for Medicare Part A if you or your spouse paid into Social Security or the Railroad Retirement system for at least ten years. You automatically qualify for Part B when you turn 65. Certain younger people with disabilities may also qualify for Medicare benefits and supplemental policies.

What is a Medigap policy? [top]

A Medigap policy is a health insurance policy sold by private insurance companies to supplement the Original Medicare Plan. Medigap policies help you pay some of the health costs that the Original Medicare Plan does not cover. Except in Massachusetts, Minnesota, and Wisconsin, there are 12 standardized plans labeled Plan A through Plan L. Medigap policies only work with the Original Medicare Plan.

What is Medicare Select? [top]

With a Medicare Select policy, you must use specific hospitals and in some cases specific doctors to get full insurance benefits, except in an emergency. Medicare Select policies generally cost less then other Medigap policies.

What is a benefit period? [top]

A benefit period is used by Medicare to measure your use of hospital and skilled nursing facility services. A benefit period begins the day you go to a hospital or skilled nursing facility. The benefit period ends when you haven't received hospital or skilled nursing care for 60 days in a row. If you go into the hospital after one benefit period has ended, a new benefit period begins. You must pay the inpatient hospital deductible for each benefit period. There is no limit to the number of benefit periods you can have.

What is coinsurance? [top]

The percent of the Medicare-approved amount that you have to pay after you pay the deductible for Part A and/or Part B. In the Original Medicare Plan, the coinsurance payment is a percentage of the cost of the service (like 20%).

What is a co-payment? [top]

In some Medicare health plans, the amount you pay for each medical service, like a doctor visit. A co-payment is usually a set amount you pay for a service. For example, this could be $5 or $10 for a doctor visit. Co-payments are also used for some hospital outpatient services in the Original Medicare Plan.

What is a deductible? [top]

The amount you must pay for health care, before Medicare begins to pay, either for each benefit period for Part A, or each year for Part B. These amounts can change every year.

What is an open-enrollment period (Medigap)? [top]

A one-time-only six-month period when you can buy any Medigap policy you want that is sold in your state. It starts when you sign up for Medicare Part B. You cannot be denied coverage or charged more due to past or present health problems during this period.

How do I change the bank account or Pre-Authorized Checking (PAC) information on my policy? [top]

To change the bank account on your bank draft payment plan, mail us a completed bank authorization form along with a voided check from the bank account that will be drafted. Please note, if premiums are due, a check for the premium should be sent with the authorization form.

To download this form, you will need a PDF reader. If you don’t already have one, then click on the Acrobat reader icon below to download the plug-in for free. Then, come back and click on the link below and the form will open in a separate window.

Pre-Authorized Checking form


What should I do if an agent tries to get me to replace my Medicare Supplement policy? [top]

Carefully consider all of the information being presented to you. We know that price is a very important factor when it comes to Medicare Supplement Insurance, please make sure that you keep your current coverage in effect until your new coverage goes into effect and it is something you want.

What happens if I cannot make my premium payments on my Medicare Supplement policy? [top]

Your policy has a thirty-one (31) day grace period to make premium payments before the policy is canceled due to nonpayment of premiums. At least fifteen (15) days before the policy is canceled you will receive a warning letter of policy cancellation.

How can I get service done on my Medicare Supplement policy? [top]

There are different service forms that you may download from our Forms link. If you can not find the form that you need, then please Contact Us and request the forms you need by e-mail or telephone.

How do I file a Medicare Supplement claim? [top]

Your health care provider will file your claim with us.

How can I request a new Medicare Supplement ID card? [top]

To request a new Medicare Supplement ID card, please Contact Us and request a new ID card by e-mail or telephone.






































Lincoln Heritage Life Insurance is not connected with or endorsed by the U.S. Government or the federal Medicare program.
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