As you approach retirement age, the ever rising cost of health care, makes understanding Medicare, its gaps in coverage and limitations, a very important consideration.  Since 1965 Medicare has provided millions of American senior citizens with vital health care services.  As good as Medicare is, it may not pay all the cost of being sick.  Consequently, what Medicare does not pay becomes your personal financial responsibility.

Choose the Medicare Supplement plan that best meets your needs and your budget. Below lists four of the industry standardized Medicare Supplement plans and the benefits available under each plan. Additional plans may be available.

COVERAGE	WHAT MEDICARE SUPPLEMENT WILL PAY IN 2012	PLAN A	PLAN C	PLAN D	PLAN F
Part A:  Medicare Eligible Hospital Expense	$1,184 Part A Deductible $296 per day co-pay for days 61-90 $592 per day co-pay for days 91-150 100% Medicare - eligible expense after day 150 for an additional 365 days
Skilled Nursing Care	$148 per day for days  21 - 100 for medical approved stays in a skilled nursing facility.
Blood	First Three Pints of Blood
COVERAGE	WHAT MEDICARE SUPPLEMENT WILL PAY	PLAN A	PLAN C	PLAN D	PLAN F
Part B:  Physician Services and Supplies	$147 Part B Deductible 20% Medicare Eligible Part B Medical Expenses and first three pints of blood  Eligible Part B charges that exceed Medicare approved amount.
Emergency Care Received Outside the U.S.	After you pay a $250 calendar-year deductible, Insurance Plans pay you 80% of eligible expenses incurred during the first 60 days of a trip up to a lifetime maximum of $50,000. Benefits are payable for health care you need because of a covered injury or illness.
Federal guidelines limit the amount a doctors can charge for benefits covered by Medicare.  According to The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) almost 90% of all doctors accept "assignments".  That means they accept the Medicare approved amount as full payment for services rendered.  Some plans may not be available in every state.