Supplemental Health Insurance - get Smart About Health Insurance.

A recent survey showed that only 30 percent of us actually know what our health plan covers. 

"The time to learn about your health insurance is not when you're sick and not when you need it. The time to do it is on an annual basis. Do it for yourself," said Diane Koken, state insurance commissioner. 

We all know that health care is expensive and for that reason many people consider buying supplemental health insurance.  

You may think you're buying piece of mind, but you may just be losing money. 

"I would urge people to be careful, particularly when buying health insurance, to make sure they're not purchasing duplicate coverage of what they already have," Koken said. 

Many so called "discount" prescription plans that people are buying fall into that category. They shell out $300 to $400 for a prescription plan that's supposed to offer a 10 to 20 percent discount, only to find out their existing plan is getting them the same discount. 

If your insurance company tells you it won't cover a medical expense you incurred, that does not mean it's the end of the line. 

"And if, in fact, they believe they have something covered under their product, but the carrier does not pay for it, contact their carrier and make their case," Koken said. 

If you're still not satisfied, contact the state Insurance Department. They recovered more than $11 million for consumers last year.