Medigap

[melx]

Thanks for all your responses & yes yes more questions!
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<br />1. Had an agent tell me that since I am under 65 & on medicare that I would not be able to switch medigap plans or providers until I am 65. Is this true?? She said that if I wanted to change to another medigap plan I would have to do it before my first 3 months on medigap are up. After that I am out of my "open enrollment" period. She said people who are on medicare due to disability are only eligible for medigap enrollment from 3 months prior to & 3 months after their date they start medicare (basically the original open enrollment period). If this is true than I will have to stick to whatever plan I decide on until I am 65. This sounds pretty crazy.... but I am thinking it is probably true. Anyone know for sure?
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<br />Jenn have you ever switched Medigap or part D insurance companies?
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<br />2. RTW see my question #1 above. I think the info I got from this particular agent contradicts what you say about switching plans whenever I want. I am just not sure which is accurate. I live in Florida. Florida mandates that if insurance company is going to sell medigap they must sell at least one plan to those under 65. I recently went to Florida's insurance commissioner website; and via a public records search I have found that many medigap providers are currently applying for rate increases. Right now Florida providers are freaking out due to the relatively new mandate of insuring those of us under 65. The are realizing the cost involved and requesting rate increases out the wazoo . It is a mess. Gerber is looking to raise premium 100% for under 65 group. The insurance commissioners office suggested (to me via phone discussion) that would probably not happen; but that a 40% increase could easily happen.
<br />(Thank you for the info, I will check your wife's site)
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<br />3. Not so much a question but I am going to call Beth Sufian's office. I am hoping her clear input will alleviate some of this limbo I am in and allow me to finally get some sleep! Lord this insurance stuff makes me worry.

 

[JustDucky]

Uhm....huh?? ...I have to say that your agent isn't right as far as being able to switch. Yes, once you are eligible, you can switch up to 3 months after you enroll. So if you become eligible say in June, then you have until Sept to change it if you wish., Open enrollment for 2012 plans is between Oct 15th and December 7th . Once you are on Medicare, it is good to check the site to get the dates of open enrollment for each year. The months are essentially the same, it's the dates that may vary. I have changed my policies a few times, during open enrollment. You are not stuck in that same plan until you are 65....that's just crazy! The first year on medicare is the exception like I said because you may become eligible on months other than October thru December, so to be fair, they give you the 3 months to change if you want to. After you start a brand new year on Medicare, open enrollment is between October and December, that holds true for Part D plans as well (I have changed my part D plan a few times). It is for everyone on Medicare, including the disabled. Here's a nice timeline for things you need to do and by when if you get extra help for premiums etc. and when you can sign up for a new policy : http://www.medicare.gov/open-enrollment/index.html#1
If you have any doubts or questions, you can probably call the Social Security Administration or go to Medicare.gov and they can absolutely guide you as well.

I think that it is accurate that Medigap insurers do have to provide at least one policy for the under 65 age group. You can probably see which ones do if you go to the Medicare.gov site, plug in your state and see which plans come up along with their premiums. The plan I have is for everyone who has Medicare under Mutual. Companies like AARP have age exclusions, so you just have to see which companies don't.

Good luck! I agree, insurance woes are enough to drive you nuts.

Jenn 39 w/CF

 

[JustDucky]

Uhm....huh?? ...I have to say that your agent isn't right as far as being able to switch. Yes, once you are eligible, you can switch up to 3 months after you enroll. So if you become eligible say in June, then you have until Sept to change it if you wish., Open enrollment for 2012 plans is between Oct 15th and December 7th . Once you are on Medicare, it is good to check the site to get the dates of open enrollment for each year. The months are essentially the same, it's the dates that may vary. I have changed my policies a few times, during open enrollment. You are not stuck in that same plan until you are 65....that's just crazy! The first year on medicare is the exception like I said because you may become eligible on months other than October thru December, so to be fair, they give you the 3 months to change if you want to. After you start a brand new year on Medicare, open enrollment is between October and December, that holds true for Part D plans as well (I have changed my part D plan a few times). It is for everyone on Medicare, including the disabled. Here's a nice timeline for things you need to do and by when if you get extra help for premiums etc. and when you can sign up for a new policy : http://www.medicare.gov/open-enrollment/index.html#1
If you have any doubts or questions, you can probably call the Social Security Administration or go to Medicare.gov and they can absolutely guide you as well.

I think that it is accurate that Medigap insurers do have to provide at least one policy for the under 65 age group. You can probably see which ones do if you go to the Medicare.gov site, plug in your state and see which plans come up along with their premiums. The plan I have is for everyone who has Medicare under Mutual. Companies like AARP have age exclusions, so you just have to see which companies don't.

Good luck! I agree, insurance woes are enough to drive you nuts.

Jenn 39 w/CF

 

[JustDucky]

Uhm....huh?? ...I have to say that your agent isn't right as far as being able to switch. Yes, once you are eligible, you can switch up to 3 months after you enroll. So if you become eligible say in June, then you have until Sept to change it if you wish., Open enrollment for 2012 plans is between Oct 15th and December 7th . Once you are on Medicare, it is good to check the site to get the dates of open enrollment for each year. The months are essentially the same, it's the dates that may vary. I have changed my policies a few times, during open enrollment. You are not stuck in that same plan until you are 65....that's just crazy! The first year on medicare is the exception like I said because you may become eligible on months other than October thru December, so to be fair, they give you the 3 months to change if you want to. After you start a brand new year on Medicare, open enrollment is between October and December, that holds true for Part D plans as well (I have changed my part D plan a few times). It is for everyone on Medicare, including the disabled. Here's a nice timeline for things you need to do and by when if you get extra help for premiums etc. and when you can sign up for a new policy : http://www.medicare.gov/open-enrollment/index.html#1
<br />If you have any doubts or questions, you can probably call the Social Security Administration or go to Medicare.gov and they can absolutely guide you as well.
<br />
<br />I think that it is accurate that Medigap insurers do have to provide at least one policy for the under 65 age group. You can probably see which ones do if you go to the Medicare.gov site, plug in your state and see which plans come up along with their premiums. The plan I have is for everyone who has Medicare under Mutual. Companies like AARP have age exclusions, so you just have to see which companies don't.
<br />
<br />Good luck! I agree, insurance woes are enough to drive you nuts.
<br />
<br />Jenn 39 w/CF
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[melx]

Jen,
I reviewed the Medicare booklet "Choosing a Medigap Policy" extensively. I have been to the medicare site numerous times (found medigap and D plans and insurance companies there)& I called medicare directly and guess what? The rep said she did not know about switching for people under 65 especially since Medigap is considered private insurance....she said it was a question for the state insurance program. I called Florida's SHIP program a while back. They are run by volunteers, and guess what? They were clueless (especially when it comes to those of us under 65).
I am going to talk to some more agents and ask them.
You are right about AARP(United) you have to be 50 to sign up with them. I called... they have great rates for Part D plans in Florida. But I am 42 <img src="i/expressions/face-icon-small-smile.gif" border="0">Oh well.
What state are you in Jenn?
I clicked on the link you provided... it is a good guideline, I just dont see any medigap open enrollment info. I think that all related to Part C & D.
Thanks so much for all your input. Knowing that you have been able to switch medigap plans over the years gives me some hope.

 

[melx]

Jen,
I reviewed the Medicare booklet "Choosing a Medigap Policy" extensively. I have been to the medicare site numerous times (found medigap and D plans and insurance companies there)& I called medicare directly and guess what? The rep said she did not know about switching for people under 65 especially since Medigap is considered private insurance....she said it was a question for the state insurance program. I called Florida's SHIP program a while back. They are run by volunteers, and guess what? They were clueless (especially when it comes to those of us under 65).
I am going to talk to some more agents and ask them.
You are right about AARP(United) you have to be 50 to sign up with them. I called... they have great rates for Part D plans in Florida. But I am 42 <img src="i/expressions/face-icon-small-smile.gif" border="0">Oh well.
What state are you in Jenn?
I clicked on the link you provided... it is a good guideline, I just dont see any medigap open enrollment info. I think that all related to Part C & D.
Thanks so much for all your input. Knowing that you have been able to switch medigap plans over the years gives me some hope.

 

[melx]

Jen,
<br />I reviewed the Medicare booklet "Choosing a Medigap Policy" extensively. I have been to the medicare site numerous times (found medigap and D plans and insurance companies there)& I called medicare directly and guess what? The rep said she did not know about switching for people under 65 especially since Medigap is considered private insurance....she said it was a question for the state insurance program. I called Florida's SHIP program a while back. They are run by volunteers, and guess what? They were clueless (especially when it comes to those of us under 65).
<br />I am going to talk to some more agents and ask them.
<br />You are right about AARP(United) you have to be 50 to sign up with them. I called... they have great rates for Part D plans in Florida. But I am 42 <img src="i/expressions/face-icon-small-smile.gif" border="0">Oh well.
<br />What state are you in Jenn?
<br />I clicked on the link you provided... it is a good guideline, I just dont see any medigap open enrollment info. I think that all related to Part C & D.
<br />Thanks so much for all your input. Knowing that you have been able to switch medigap plans over the years gives me some hope.

 

[JustDucky]

I live in NY, so far I have had Empire Blue Cross/Blue Shield and Mutual of Omaha as my Medigap insurance. For part D, I have had Humana and currently Medco. Every September, my ins. companies send out a letter that basically states that open enrollment is coming up and then they send info as far as rate changes, formulary changes etc....When I want to shop around, I go to Medicare.gov and click on the link Compare Medigap Policies . It has been a great tool as far as comparing prices etc.....
<br>Most of the companies listed have websites you can explore and numbers you can call to ask questions. I have found most of them helpful as far as guiding me. It is so confusing because each state has different laws and such, but from what I also understand is that they are regulated federally to some extent as well. It sure sounds like you have been getting the run around! Frustrating I am sure!
<br>That link I gave you just gives you the dates for open enrollment, the insurance companies do all of the enrolling.....I would check into a few of them before settling on one. Shopping around is a good idea. I think when I first enrolled into a Medigap policy I called no fewer than 10 companies, when I finally narrowed my choices down to 2, I must have called each of them a few more times just to be sure.  I just wanted to be sure, so many people told me it was a nightmare....and it is to some extent. I just wish they could make things a whole lot less complicated......<br><br>Hang in there <img src="i/expressions/face-icon-small-smile.gif" border="0">
<br>Jenn

 

[JustDucky]

I live in NY, so far I have had Empire Blue Cross/Blue Shield and Mutual of Omaha as my Medigap insurance. For part D, I have had Humana and currently Medco. Every September, my ins. companies send out a letter that basically states that open enrollment is coming up and then they send info as far as rate changes, formulary changes etc....When I want to shop around, I go to Medicare.gov and click on the link Compare Medigap Policies . It has been a great tool as far as comparing prices etc.....
<br>Most of the companies listed have websites you can explore and numbers you can call to ask questions. I have found most of them helpful as far as guiding me. It is so confusing because each state has different laws and such, but from what I also understand is that they are regulated federally to some extent as well. It sure sounds like you have been getting the run around! Frustrating I am sure!
<br>That link I gave you just gives you the dates for open enrollment, the insurance companies do all of the enrolling.....I would check into a few of them before settling on one. Shopping around is a good idea. I think when I first enrolled into a Medigap policy I called no fewer than 10 companies, when I finally narrowed my choices down to 2, I must have called each of them a few more times just to be sure. I just wanted to be sure, so many people told me it was a nightmare....and it is to some extent. I just wish they could make things a whole lot less complicated......<br><br>Hang in there <img src="i/expressions/face-icon-small-smile.gif" border="0">
<br>Jenn

 

[JustDucky]

I live in NY, so far I have had Empire Blue Cross/Blue Shield and Mutual of Omaha as my Medigap insurance. For part D, I have had Humana and currently Medco. Every September, my ins. companies send out a letter that basically states that open enrollment is coming up and then they send info as far as rate changes, formulary changes etc....When I want to shop around, I go to Medicare.gov and click on the link Compare Medigap Policies . It has been a great tool as far as comparing prices etc.....
<br>Most of the companies listed have websites you can explore and numbers you can call to ask questions. I have found most of them helpful as far as guiding me. It is so confusing because each state has different laws and such, but from what I also understand is that they are regulated federally to some extent as well. It sure sounds like you have been getting the run around! Frustrating I am sure!
<br>That link I gave you just gives you the dates for open enrollment, the insurance companies do all of the enrolling.....I would check into a few of them before settling on one. Shopping around is a good idea. I think when I first enrolled into a Medigap policy I called no fewer than 10 companies, when I finally narrowed my choices down to 2, I must have called each of them a few more times just to be sure. I just wanted to be sure, so many people told me it was a nightmare....and it is to some extent. I just wish they could make things a whole lot less complicated......<br><br>Hang in there <img src="i/expressions/face-icon-small-smile.gif" border="0">
<br>Jenn