There are many decisions to make when planning for retirement. Here is one important question to ask yourself as you prepare to leave the work force: "Will Medicare be enough to cover my medical needs?"

Designed to go hand-in-hand with your regular Medicare coverage, Medicare supplement insurance helps cover what your Medicare insurance does not. This private insurance, often called "Medigap," helps fill the gap between health care costs and Medicare coverage.

Here are some tips from Mutual of Omaha on purchasing Medicare supplement coverage:

* Understand Medicare. Find out what your Medicare insurance does and does not cover.

* Find the best fit. Determine the supplement plan that best fits your needs based on your health and financial situation. Study all Medigap plans before deciding which one is best for you.

* Figure out when to enroll. The best time to buy Medicare supplement insurance is during your open-enrollment period, which starts the first month you are at least age 65 and enrolled in Medicare Part B. It ends six months later.

* Find the right insurance company. Consider the price as well as the level of customer service provided before and after the sale. Check the reputation of the company and its financial stability before you buy.