Insurance (whether life or health) that is over and above the basic coverage provided under the policy.
Also called secondary coverage, supplemental insurance fills gaps in Medicare coverage by helping to pay for the portion of health care expenses that Original Medicare does not pay for, such as deductibles and coinsurance. Supplemental insurance includes Medigap plans and retiree insurance from a former employer. Supplemental insurance may offer additional benefits that Medicare does not cover.
Insurance policies designed to supplement other basic coverage.
Supplemental insurance generally pays most, or all, of whatever is remaining after TRICARE has made payment. These plans are frequently available from military associations and other private organizations.
Any private health insurance plan held by a Medicare beneficiary. Types of supplemental insurance include retiree coverage (from a former employer or union), Medicare+Choice plan, and Medigap insurance (bought individually from a private company or group).
Any private health insurance plan held by a Medicare beneficiary or commercial beneficiary, including Medigap policies and post-retirement health benefits. Supplemental usually pays the deductible or co-pay and sometimes will pay the entire bill when the primary carrier's benefits are exhausted. See Secondary Payer.