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Glossary

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Term Definition
Open Enrollment Period (Medigap)

A one-time only six month period when you can buy any Medigap policy you want that is sold in your state. It starts in the first month that you are covered under Medicare Part B and you are age 65 or older (or under age 65 in some states). During this period, you can't be denied coverage or charged more due to past or present health problems.

Optional Supplemental Benefits

Services not covered by Medicare that enrollees can choose to buy or reject. Enrollees that choose such benefits pay for them directly, usually in the form of premiums and/or cost sharing. Those services can be grouped or offered individually and can be different for each Medicare Health Plan offered.

Original Medicare Plan

A fee-for-service health plan that lets you go to any doctor, hospital, or other health care supplier who accepts Medicare and is accepting new Medicare patients. You must pay the deductible. Medicare pays its share of the Medicare-approved amount, and you pay your share (coinsurance). In some cases you may be charged more than the Medicare approved amount. The Original Medicare Plan has two parts: Part A (Hospital Insurance) and Part B (Medical Insurance).

Out-of-Network

Generally, an out-of-network benefit provides you with the option to access plan services outside of the plan's contracted network of providers. In some cases, your out-of-pocket costs may be higher for an out-of-network benefit.

Out-of-Pocket Costs

Health care costs that you must pay on your own because they are not covered by Medicare or other insurance.

*NOTE: An asterisk (*) after a term means that this definition, in whole or in part, is used with permission from Walter Feldesman, ESQ., Dictionary of Eldercare Terminology, Copyright 2000.

This glossary explains terms in the Medicare program, but it is not a legal document. The official Medicare program provisions are found in the relevant laws, regulations,and rulings.