Addressing the confusion related to Medigap and Medicare Advantage plans...

I am considering a zero-premium Medicare Advantage plan. Then I noticed that the hospital copayment is $395 a day for the first five days? Can I buy a Medigap policy to with Medicare Advantage?

 Unfortunately, the answer is no. 

This is a very common question for those people enrolling in Medicare for the first time and from those enrolled in Medicare for many years.

Zero-premium plans are available to most Medicare beneficiaries. However with these plans, healthcare services generally come with copayments or coinsurance. Plans have an out-of-pocket maximum limit but the costs can add up. Those with an Advantage plan hope there's help with hospitalization copayments and other out-of-pocket expenses in their Medicare Advantage plans.

You cannot buy a Medigap policy to go with a Medicare Advantage plan during the Open Enrollment Period or at any other time. In fact, it is illegal for an insurance agent to sell a Medigap policy to someone who has elected Medicare Advantage. A Medigap policy, also known as Medicare supplement insurance, works only with Original or Traditional Medicare. 

Those on Medicare Advantage are responsible for the copayments the plan sets. If this is a concern, take time before choosing a Medicare Advantage plan or during the Open Enrollment Period to compare out-of-pocket costs.

If you would like help making Medicare plan decisions, check out 65 Incorporated's one-on-one Medicare enrollment consultations.