How to Choose a Plan

When you’re shopping for health insurance, there’s a lot to consider. Count on us to give you a hand when you’re searching for the right Medicare Supplement Insurance plan – and later whenever you need help navigating your health care and insurance coverage.

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Enroll in 3 Steps

  1. Compare our Medicare Supplement Insurance plans for eastern South Dakota, western South Dakota, Nebraska, or Iowa.

  2. Learn more and get your Original Medicare questions answered. Get tips about Medicare, or talk with a licensed agent.

  3. Make sure you have all the necessary details for your application – and request an appointment with an agent who can help you get started.

Have Medicare Coverage Questions?

With our Medicare Supplement insurance, you'll enjoy:

  • Coverage while traveling
  • Freedom to choose your own physician
  • Local customer service
  • Local agents who will travel to your community

Medicare coverage can seem complicated, at least until you get the hang of it. Here are some common questions we hear from those preparing to enroll in Medicare.

Who is eligible for Medicare Supplement Insurance?

To be eligible for Medicare Supplement Insurance, you must:

  • Be 65 years of age or older and have Medicare Part A and Part B
  • Be under 65 years of age and disabled and have Medicare Part A and Part B
  • Have ALS (Lou Gehrig’s disease) and have Medicare Part A and Part B

Each person has different needs, so it’s best to consult with our licensed agents to understand your best options.
If you are on Medicaid, you may not need this insurance plan or any other Medicare Supplement Insurance.

How do I enroll in Medicare?

For an Original Medicare plan: You must enroll in Medicare at the Social Security office, and there are certain time limits based on when you're enrolling. If you plan to enroll when you turn 65, you can enroll starting three months before your birthday month until three months after your birthday month.

For Medicare Supplement plans: You can enroll through private health insurance companies like Avera Health Plans once you’re enrolled in Medicare Part A and B.

When can I enroll?

  • We accept enrollments throughout the year as individuals become eligible for Medicare, based on a seven-month enrollment period beginning three months before the enrollee’s 65th birthday and three months after.
  • If you’re still working, you have eight months to enroll after an employer insurance ends.

Will my coverage be canceled if I have many or large claims?

As long as you pay your premiums on time, your Medicare Supplement coverage can’t be canceled because of the number or size of your claims.

What if I want to cancel my Medicare Supplement Insurance plan?

With our Right to Return Policy — if you find that you're not satisfied with your policy — you may cancel it within 31 days of receiving it. We'll treat your policy as if it had never been issued and will return your premium dollars for those 31 days. In order to make a cancellation, contact your agent.

If you’ve had your policy for longer than 31 days and wish to cancel, simply contact your agent and provide them written notice that you wish to terminate. Any premium paid beyond the termination date will be refunded to you.

I’m confused about Medicare. Who can I talk to?

An insurance agent can walk you through the process so you meet all the deadlines and requirements of signing up for Original Medicare and getting a supplement plan in place as well. Agents will also help you find a Medicare Supplement plan that fits your budget.

If you want to talk with someone about your Medicare Supplement needs, our agents are local and ready to answer your questions.

Am I paying too much? What are my options?

Medicare Supplement policies are standardized, which means they offer the same benefits, no matter which insurance company sells them. However, keep in mind that insurance companies may charge different amounts for the exact same Medicare Supplement policy. In addition, not all insurance companies offer all of the Medicare Supplement policies as there are up to 10 options to choose from.

That's why it's important to shop around and find not only a plan that's best for you, but an insurance company that offers a plan that fits your budget, along with the level of customer service you need.

Medicare Coverage 101

Original Medicare doesn't cover everything since you'll still pay coinsurance and deductibles, and there's no out-of-pocket maximum. To help, Medicare Supplement has many options for coverage. For example, Plan G is a popular choice to help budget for unexpected medical bills. Pay a small deductible and it covers out-of-pocket costs like coinsurance and co-payments for doctor visits and hospital stays.

If you have questions, talk to a licensed agent. They understand Medicare and can answer questions about network coverage, provider choice and travel coverage.

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Helping You Get Started

We’re here to help answer your questions, understand your options and apply for a Medicare Supplement insurance plan. Reach out online or call us today!

Call 605-504-3361 Request Appointment Find an Agent

©2025 Avera Health Plans, All Rights Reserved. Network restrictions apply with Select plans. Neither Avera Health Plans nor its agents are connected with Medicare or state or federal government. AVHP-1124101