| Abstract: | Elderly consumers’ knowledge of Medicare coverage and the major factors they considered in purchasing supplementary health insurance were examined. Perceptions of the financial consequences of being hospitalized also were investigated. The findings based on a sample of Florida residents indicated that many older people may be ill-prepared to correctly assess their medigap protection needs and to choose wisely among alternative insurance policies if they decide to purchase supplementary coverage. Inadequate knowledge may result in unfulfilled expectations about protection when medical expenses are incurred, vulnerability to questionable insurance sales appeals and methods, and purchase of uneconomic duplicate coverage. |
