Medicare typically covers about 80% of the cost for its covered services. Many people purchase a “supplemental plan” (also known as Medigap plan) to help cover the remaining costs.

Vermont’s Department of Financial Regulation (DFR) provides an excellent overview of Medicare Supplemental Insurance.

Medicare Supplemental Insurance policies are designed to cover certain expenses not covered by your “Original Medicare” hospital insurance (Part A) and medical insurance (Part B) coverage. Keep in mind that a Medicare Supplemental Insurance policy may cover some, but not all, of the gaps in your coverage. Also, this insurance does not cover long-term care (such as care in a nursing home), vision or dental care, hearing aids, eyeglasses or private-duty nursing.

The Department of Financial Regulation website includes these topics:

• What is Medicare Supplemental Insurance?
• How to know if you need it
• Standard plans and basic benefits
• Cost
• Companies that sell supplemental policies
• Important tips
• Frequently asked questions
• Where to get answers to your Medicare questions

You can compare the costs of supplemental insurance on the DFR website.