National health insurance Medicare is offered not only to individuals 65 years old and above. Individuals with disabilities and with kidney disease can also apply for Medicare. Seniors who are eligible for Medicare usually get Medicare Part A (hospital coverage), Medicare Part B (medical coverage) and the optional Medicare Part D (prescription drug coverage). National health insurance Medicare does not cover dental and eye care, purchase of hearing aids, long-term care and medical services that are used outside the US. It might be difficult and costly if the said services will be paid upfront especially in an emergency facility outside the country. Individuals choose to get other supplemental plans offered by private health insurance companies to cover other costs. Individuals with Medicare prefer to get Medigap or the Medicare Supplement Insurance Plan. It helps pay for the deductibles, co-payments and co-insurance. However, only those with Medicare Part A and B are qualified to get a Medigap. Medigap has standardized Plans A through L. The difference among the plans depends on the monthly premium. All the plans are created after the enactment of federal and state laws to protect individuals who need a comprehensive health care plan. You can get these Medigap plans from private health insurance companies, but not all of them offer all of the 12 plans. The insurance companies offering Medigap cannot deny your application regardless of your health condition. The open enrollment period for individuals who just got their Medicare and who are applying for Medigap is within the first si months before their 65th birthday. You can learn more about national health insurance Medicare from your local health insurance agent. Keep in mind that health insurance laws are different from state to state. - June 26, 2009 @ 1:19 pm