What Do Sentinel Security Medicare Supplement Plans Cover?

Sentinel Security Medicare Supplement plans are becoming increasingly common as a Medigap plan option. They are competitively positioned in the marketplace and historically rate-stable. Also, with Medigap plans, all plans are Federally-standardized. That is, the companies offer the same coverage layouts. This means that a Plan F with one company is the exact same as a Plan F sold through a different company. So, ultimately, when it comes down to it, the only differentiating factors are price and company reputation.

As far as the coverage goes, ALL Medicare Supplement plans cover what Medicare calls “basic benefits”. These basic benefits include the 20% of the Medicare-approved amount that is not covered by Medicare at the doctor and hospital. In addition, nearly all of the plans that are offered by Sentinel Security also provide coverage of the Medicare deductibles (which are (in 2011): Part A Deductible = $1,132/benefit period for 2011; Part B Deductible = $162/year for 2011).

In addition to these primary benefits that are offered on the plans, there are additional benefits that are offered under many of Sentinel’s plans. Some of these additional benefits that are offered in some cases include: Skilled Nursing Facility coinsurance, hospice coinsurance, Part B excess charges and foreign travel emergencies. To see exactly what plans cover what benefits, view theMedigap coverage chart.

Sentinel Security Plans – How Do They Work?

Because Sentinel Security Medicare Supplements are Federally-standardized, they work the same as any other Medicare supplement plan.

• That is to say that the benefits are the same with one Plan ‘F’ as they are with another Plan ‘F’. This makes comparing the plans easy.
• Also, and most importantly, there are no networks with Medigap plans. This type of plan can be used at any doctor or hospital that takes Medicare. This is in contrast to other types of plans (i.e. Medicare Advantage plans), which have a network of doctors and hospitals.
• Lastly, the plans all pay claims through the Medicare “crossover” system. This means that there is little, or in most cases, NO involvement by you in the claims process. It is handled through Medicare’s automated system.

One thing you must know and understand, in regards to Medicare Supplement plans is when your open enrollment period is. It is important to sign up for a Medicare supplement plan during your open enrollment period – or your guaranteed issue period, if applicable. During these times, you do not have to answer any health questions and cannot be made to pay more for coverage of pre-existing conditions.

For the purposes of Medicare Supplement insurance, your Medicare supplement open enrollment period starts the first day of the month that you are both over 65 and on Medicare Part B and lasts for 6 months. Most companies allow you to sign up (under open enrollment provisions) up to 6 months prior to your Medicare start date. For example, if you turn 65 in June, you would have the entire calendar year to sign up for a Medicare supplement plan (from Sentinel Security or any other company).

As far as “guaranteed issue” periods, these periods usually occur when you are leaving employer-type coverage or losing some type of coverage due to moving to a new state (there are other circumstances that are “guaranteed issue” too but these two are the most common).

Why Should You Consider Sentinel Security for Your Medicare Supplement Insurance?

Put simply, you should consider Sentinel Security for Medicare Supplement coverage because it is a reputable and stable company with competitive prices. Since coverage is the same with all companies, it is highly advisable to make a decision based primarily on price. This makes Sentinel a strong consideration when you are comparing plans.

How Do I Get More Information or Enroll in a Sentinel Security Medicare Supplement Plan?

Enrolling in a Medicare Supplement plan is very easy to do, particularly if you are in open enrollment or guaranteed issue. To enroll in a plan, you have the option of either signing up directly through the company or through an independent agent. If possible, and no matter whether it is us or someone else, we always recommend using an independent agent or agency. The reasons for this are many, but here are the most important reasons.

First and foremost, it doesn’t cost you any more, and you get the unbiased service and support from an agent who is working on your behalf. In reality, you are paying for an agent, as part of the premiums, whether you use one or not. If you sign up directly through an insurance company, you do not have a dedicated person to call if you ever have any problems or question – you just have an 800 number to a call room. On the contrary, with an independent agent, their loyalty is to you to ensure that your questions are answered and any problems are taken care of. And if you are ever dissatisfied with the company for any reason, an independent agent is on your “side” to help you find an option that you ARE satisfied with.

To get a comparison of companies available in your area, including Sentinel Security and other competitively-priced options for your age and zip code, simply request the information online using: Medicare Supplement Quotes. We can provide the information you are seeking so you can compare multiple quotes in a centralized place and make an informed decision.

Sentinel Security Medicare Supplements – Reasons to Choose Them

Sentinel Security Medicare Supplements are a great choice for Medigap coverage. In many states where they are offered, they are among the most competitively-priced plans available. As a market leader in pricing, and because you aren’t paying for the big name and advertising that you are with some of your other options, Sentinel is quickly becoming a major player in the Medicare Supplement marketplace.

Here are just a few reasons why you should consider Sentinel Security when you are comparing Medigap policies:

• Medigap Plans are Federally-standardized.
• In the states where they are available, Sentinel Security is very competitively-priced.
• Sentinel Security is a highly rated company (‘B++’ by AM Best, 2011)
• Sentinel has an excellent track record for rate stability and customer service.
• You can use any Medicare Supplement plan at ANY doctor/hospital nationwide that takes Medicare. So, there is no advantage to paying for a company’s “name”.

NOTE: Sentinel Security Medicare Supplement plans are not available in every state nationwide. As of September 2011, the states they offer plans in are: NC, IA, LA, ND, SD, NE, KS, OK, TX, NM, CO, WY, MT, ID, UT, AZ, HI, WA, OR, CA, and NV.