Although for some people there may some reasons why this general rule would not hold true, most commonly we see that individuals we work with will get a Medicare supplement plan at age 65 or when they retire. This article will explain the details regarding your different options.
When You Can Buy a Medicare Supplement (Medigap) Insurance Policy?
The best time to purchase Medicare Supplement insurance, also known as Medigap, is during your Medigap Open Enrollment Period. This period lasts six months and begins the first day of the month in which you are 65 or older and enrolled in Medicare Part B. So if you turn 65 on April 3 but don’t join Medicare B until May 25, your Medigap Open Enrollment Period will start on June 1, which is the first day of the month in which you are both 65 and enrolled in Part B.
Important: Once your Open Enrollment Period starts, it cannot be delayed or replaced.
Some states have an open enrollment period for eligible individuals under the age of 65, and a second enrollment period when they turn 65. If you are under 65, check with your state insurance department for guidelines.
Why is it important to buy a policy during the Open Enrollment Period?
Medigap insurance companies are generally allowed to use medical underwriting to decide whether to accept your application and how much to charge for the policy. But during your open enrollment period, an insurance company cannot do any of the following, even if you have a disability or health problem:
- Refuse to sell you any Medigap policy it offers.
- Charge you a higher premium than they charge others who are 65 and older.
- Delay the start of your coverage.
What is a pre-existing condition waiting period?
Although an insurance company can’t delay the start of your overall coverage during open enrollment, in some cases it may be able to make you wait for coverage related to a pre-existing condition.
If the Medigap insurance company has a pre-existing condition waiting period, it can refuse to cover your out-of-pocket costs for any services related to this condition for up to six months. (Original Medicare will continue to cover the condition during this time, but you will have to pay any coinsurance or copayments.) After six months, the Medigap policy will cover the out-of-pocket costs for the pre-existing condition.
A Medigap insurance company can delay coverage only if the condition was treated or diagnosed within the six-month period before your policy starts.
Is it possible to avoid or shorten the waiting period?
You can avoid or shorten waiting periods for pre-existing conditions if you meet all of the following criteria:
- You buy a Medigap policy during your open enrollment period.
- You are replacing creditable health coverage.
- You have had at least 6 months of continuous prior creditable coverage.
- You did not have a break in coverage for more than 63 days.
In addition, if you buy a policy when you have a guaranteed issue right, the insurance company can’t use a pre-existing condition waiting period.
What if I wait to enroll in Medicare Part B?
In most cases, it’s best to enroll in Medicare Part B when you’re first eligible so you avoid paying a Part B late enrollment penalty. However, if you or your spouse are working and have group health insurance through an employer or union, you could decide to delay Part B, even after you turn 65. If and when your employer coverage ends, you may be able to enroll in Part B without a penalty. Your Medigap six-month open enrollment period will begin at that time.
However, if you enroll in Part B while you still have employer-sponsored coverage, the Medigap open enrollment clock will start ticking. Unless you buy a Medigap policy before you need it–in other words, while you still have coverage through your employer–you will lose your open enrollment period.
Every company and union has different rules, so for more information on how your insurance works with Medicare, it’s best to contact your employer or union benefits administrator.
What if my Medigap Open Enrollment Period has passed?
If you apply for a Medigap policy after your open enrollment period ends, there’s no guarantee your application will be accepted if you don’t meet medical underwriting requirements, except under certain limited situations.
Article Source: Medicare.com
If you have any questions about this subject or would like to speak to us about any of your Medicare needs in regards to Medicare supplement, Medicare Advantage or Part D prescription drug plans, I would certainly be very happy to speak with you.
I am an independent agent specializing in the senior market. My services to you will always be FREE. I would be very happy to look at your current coverage and compare it to the marketplace to make sure that you are still getting a good value.
Billy Williams
800-499-1942
MedicareHealthInsuranceOptions.com
