Switch Medigap Plan (medical, supplement, coverage, benefits)

[theminnow]

I turn 65 in March next year and I'm looking into Medicare and additional insurance. I understand if I sign up for Medicare Advantage I may or may not be able to switch to Medigap. So most likely I will sign up for Medigap, and I'm currently looking at the various plans. My question is if I sign up with, for example Plan G, is it possible to switch to plan A a few years down the road or would it be difficult to switch plans. Thanks.

[Ariadne22]

Your guaranteed rights to switch plans depends on your state law:

Medigap state variation

Some states have implemented legislation that makes it easier for seniors to switch from one Medigap plan to another, and for people under age 65 to enroll in Medigap plans.

In New York and Connecticut, Medigap plans are guaranteed-issue year-round.

Massachusetts has a two-month window each year (February through March) during which Medigap plans are guaranteed-issue.

California and Oregon both have “birthday rules” that allow Medigap enrollees a 30-day window following their birthday each year when they can switch, without medical underwriting, to another Medigap plan with the same or lesser benefits.

In Maine, Medigap enrollees can switch to a different Medigap plan with the same or lesser benefits at any time during the year, and all carriers must designate one month each year when Medigap Plan A is available on a guaranteed issue basis to all enrollees.

Missouri has an Anniversary Guaranteed Issue Period; anyone with a Medigap plan has a 60-day window around their plan anniversary each year during which they can switch to the same plan from any other carrier, guaranteed issue.

https://www.medicareresources.org/states/

If you aren't in any of the above states, the insurer can require health underwriting before issuing a policy should you want to switch plans.

[theminnow]

Thanks Ariadne22.

[SCGamecock]

An update to the information quoted in post #2. Illinois, Idaho and Nevada are implementing Medigap "Birthday Rules" to allow current policyholders to change plans annually without medical underwriting.

Illinois: Effective 1/1/2022, Medigap policyholders age 65-75 can change plans with the same carrier to one with equal or lesser benefits. The annual opportunity begins on the policyholder’s birthday and lasts 45 days.

Nevada: Effective 1/1/2022, one can enroll in another Medigap plan of equal or lesser benefits with the same or another carrier. The annual opportunity begins on the first day of the beneficiary’s birth month and lasts 60 days. Innovative plans which cover extra benefits such as dental, vision, and hearing are considered equal to the corresponding letter plan.

Idaho: Effective March 2022, one can enroll in another Medigap plan of equal or lesser benefits with the same or another carrier. The annual opportunity begins on the policyholder’s birthday and lasts 63 days. Innovative plans are considered equal to the corresponding letter plan. Idaho is also implementing a community-rated requirement for new policies at the same time.

Source: https://www.senior65.com/medicare/ar...s-idaho-nevada

[Ariadne22]

^^Wow. Great info. Thanks, SCG, for that update. Illinois is the most restrictive - age and carrier. Interesting, Idaho was an issue-age state, now moving to community-rating.

My 77 y/o brother is with WPS in WI, bought when he first went on Medicare. Current premium $330 for WI's equivalent of Plan F - way too high for someone his age. He is now pricing w/UHC - but, b/c of CHF and AFib developed five years ago, probably won't be accepted at better than level 2 pricing w/no enrollment discounts which is $334 - same as WPS. At least future increases won't be as bad.

Imo, attained-age policies should be outlawed in states without special GI windows such as anniversary or birthday rules. They become a huge ripoff over time, not to mention a trap if one's health deteriorates. Most people know nothing about the ramifications of supplement pricing - easily victimized.

[GWoodle]

Originally Posted by theminnow

I turn 65 in March next year and I'm looking into Medicare and additional insurance. I understand if I sign up for Medicare Advantage I may or may not be able to switch to Medigap. So most likely I will sign up for Medigap, and I'm currently looking at the various plans. My question is if I sign up with, for example Plan G, is it possible to switch to plan A a few years down the road or would it be difficult to switch plans. Thanks.

You can apply to change your Medicare Supplement at any time, but if you are past your Open Enrollment window, you will have to answer health questions in most states.

The Medicare supplement insurance company will review your health history and medication history. They can accept or decline you.

There are a few states where the rules are different. For example, California, Oregon, Connecticut and Washington have established exceptions to this rule.

Plans F, G, N are the most comprehensive. With Plan F your MOOC is the premium. You pay nothing for service. With Plan G you pay the Part B deductible. With Plan N you pay the deductible + some outpatient costs.

Most likely if you choose Plan A to "save money" you could find yourself in a heap of trouble. Medicare may pay 80% of a procedure. Your Plan F would cover the 20%. Most likely later when/if you are diagnosed with cancer, heart issues, some other disease the insurance co can & will ask questions. They may be able to deny coverage.

IMHO get the most comprehensive plan you can afford. From 65 it may last 30 years.

All this is different from your Part D prescription plan. Every October you need to review & change plans if needed.