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As per some of the threads here, and my own experience, the medicare.gov page that's supposed to show available Medigap plans in my area isn't entirely accurate. For example, UHC offers a plan G on their website that doesn't show up on the .gov website.
So...I'm thinking of going to an insurance broker, hoping they'll have a more complete database of what is available. For those of you that went to a broker, do you have any tips how to select an unbiased one? Did you go to a local broker, or use one online?
Your profile shows posts in the Oregon forum so I assume you live there. 2019 Medigap plans and rates start on page 38 of the "2019 Medicare Guide" found in the left column of this website.
As per some of the threads here, and my own experience, the medicare.gov page that's supposed to show available Medigap plans in my area isn't entirely accurate. For example, UHC offers a plan G on their website that doesn't show up on the .gov website.
So...I'm thinking of going to an insurance broker, hoping they'll have a more complete database of what is available. For those of you that went to a broker, do you have any tips how to select an unbiased one? Did you go to a local broker, or use one online?
Where are you in the Medicare process - newly-eligible or considering a switch in Medigap carriers?
If you do reside in Oregon, because of its "birthday rule," you are fortunate as you have guaranteed issue rights to switch Medigap carriers annually on your birthday without health underwriting.
Quote:
The opportunity to compare prices and change Medigap plans starts on the beneficiary's birthday and ends 30 days later.
The change is guaranteed, regardless of your health.
Otherwise, if you are not in Oregon or another guaranteed issue state, pricing is important. Cheapest initially could become very expensive in the end. Rates quoted for various age groups is the rate at the time you purchase the policy.
If you are a long-term holder of an attained-age policy, your rate will be substantially higher than that shown on the above link for a new enrollee. You cannot make a comparison of your future premium for an attained-age policy based on rates shown on that link.
Note the United Healthcare rates - there is no change in premium after age 75 (actually UHC ceases age-based rate increase at age 77) because UHC is community-rated. UHC discounts premium for those under age 77. Thereafter, everyone pays the same. Many here have the UHC G or F.
If you are new to Medicare and fairly young yet, consider either an issue-age policy - the base rate never changes, you only experience rate increases because of medical cost inflation - or a community rated policy generally only offered by AARP UHC. Attained-age policies are risky as you age. Many companies implement age-based rate increases to age 85.
SCGamecock, that's exactly what I'm talking about. The link you provided has information different than medicare.gov or the UHC website. So that's three different sets so far. That's why I asked about a broker, thinking maybe they have the true scoop? I don't know, just getting a little frustrated...
And yes, I'm in Oregon, and will be eligible for Medicare soon, Ariadne22. The HD F plan is tempting because of the lower rates, but if you get sick, the high deductible will equal the difference pretty quickly, I think? Guess I'm leaning toward G so far.
Thank you both for all the information you provide, by the way.
And yes, I'm in Oregon, and will be eligible for Medicare soon, Ariadne22. The HD F plan is tempting because of the lower rates, but if you get sick, the high deductible will equal the difference pretty quickly, I think? Guess I'm leaning toward G so far.
Most people on the hd-F find substantial premium savings over time. Of course, that could change as you age. You'd need to experience annually Medicare-approved charges of $11,500 in order to meet the $2,300 deductible. Even w/Oregon's birthday rule, you could not upgrade to a regular Medigap without health underwriting should chronic illness strike and going forward you experience consistently high expenses. If the higher premium for a regular G isn't an issue and will set your mind at rest, then choose that. Some here have the hd-F, more have a full Medigap.
As per some of the threads here, and my own experience, the medicare.gov page that's supposed to show available Medigap plans in my area isn't entirely accurate. For example, UHC offers a plan G on their website that doesn't show up on the .gov website.
So...I'm thinking of going to an insurance broker, hoping they'll have a more complete database of what is available. For those of you that went to a broker, do you have any tips how to select an unbiased one? Did you go to a local broker, or use one online?
When I was looking to change my medicare supplement to another company, I had to go through medical underwriting. With my aortic aneurysm, I knew that might be a problem. I used a medicare broker that I found online. He was great and did the legwork to see which companies would take me on with my condition. I really appreciated that as I was getting a High Deductible F policy, which does not pay the agent very much at all.
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