Question about Medigap policies in New York (2013, insurance)

[acljump]

To sum up what Medigap is -- it is insurance from a private insurer that covers left over expenses from Medicare. Generally, you're able to sign up to a Medigap policy regardless of your health within six months of enrolling in Medicare Part B. If you don't sign up within this period, an insurer can deny your Medigap application based on your health condition.

However, I was browsing New York's Department of Financial Services website (Information for Medicare Beneficiaries) and I came across this statement:

New York State law and regulation require that any insurer writing Medigap insurance must accept a Medicare enrollee’s application for coverage at any time throughout the year. Insurers may not deny the applicant a Medigap policy or make any premium rate distinctions because of health status, claims experience, medical condition or whether the applicant is receiving health care services.


Does this mean that New York residents can apply for any Medigap policy at any point in time without medical underwriting from the insurer?

Has anyone successfully signed up themselves or their parents to a Medigap plan beyond the initial six month period after Medicare Part B without a medical test or a denial based on health?

[BugsyPal]

Originally Posted by acljump

To sum up what Medigap is -- it is insurance from a private insurer that covers left over expenses from Medicare. Generally, you're able to sign up to a Medigap policy regardless of your health within six months of enrolling in Medicare Part B. If you don't sign up within this period, an insurer can deny your Medigap application based on your health condition.

However, I was browsing New York's Department of Financial Services website (Information for Medicare Beneficiaries) and I came across this statement:

New York State law and regulation require that any insurer writing Medigap insurance must accept a Medicare enrollee’s application for coverage at any time throughout the year. Insurers may not deny the applicant a Medigap policy or make any premium rate distinctions because of health status, claims experience, medical condition or whether the applicant is receiving health care services.


Does this mean that New York residents can apply for any Medigap policy at any point in time without medical underwriting from the insurer?

Has anyone successfully signed up themselves or their parents to a Medigap plan beyond the initial six month period after Medicare Part B without a medical test or a denial based on health?

These might help:


http://www.nydailynews.com/life-styl...icle-1.1512508


https://www.ehealthmedicare.com/new-...directFormHTTP

[acljump]

Thanks but neither of those sites say whether New York residents need to submit a medical history for underwriting purposes when applying to Medigap after the initial six month period after enrolling in Medicare Part B.

Also, can someone confirm if New York Medigap policies are community rated?

[Kefir King]

acljump,


Buying a Medicare Supplement Plan When You Have Pre-Existing Medical Conditions – Medicare Pathways