Most countries have their own health care programs. Their governments pass laws and bills to enhance its provisions and conditions for senior citizens and severely ill individuals. In the United States, the federal government continues to refine its Medicare program. This improves the conditions for health insurance plans and gives bigger and better coverage for medical needs.

 

The Medicare program originally comprised of 10 plans. Plans, distinguished by letters A to J, offer different medical coverage to policyholders. Plan A, the basic insurance plan, provides free hospital stays during health emergencies. It covers necessary medical tests and examinations, meals, and supplies for care while in the hospice.  It also provides patients a free semi-private room. Plan B, sometimes referred to as medical insurance, incorporates outpatient medical and surgical services, medical equipment, and diagnostic tests. It offers preventive and home health care services.

 

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Senior citizens who have paid contributions to the social security system for 10 years can claim the benefits of their Medicare insurance after retirement. They can generally avail of the free hospitalization services of Plan A. However, only those who have paid the monthly premium can enjoy the privileges of Plan B. Inasmuch as it provides a wider scope of medical service, policyholders need to give deductibles and make monthly payments to Social Security.

 

Others find these plans insufficient to cover their medical needs. They therefore obtain Medicare Supplements, or Medigap. These plans comprise Plans A to J. In June 2010, Congress passed legislation eliminating plans E, H, I, and J. In addition, they added plans M and N to the Medicare supplements. Medicare supplement plan N and M lower the out-of-pocket costs of consumers and provide them with extra benefits that are not found in other insurance plans.

 

What is Medicare supplement plan N? It utilizes a cost-sharing system, thus keeping the monthly premiums of policyholders within their means. Patients need to shoulder a percentage of the total sum of medical expenditure, for checkups and admissions to the emergency room. They are required to give a and co-payment for doctor appointments and emergencies, respectively.

 

Medicare supplement plan N and M keeps premiums low while providing affordable health care. Legislators have estimated as much as 30% savings on premiums for these newly added plans.