06.05.08
06.01.08
AARP Medicare Supplement Insurance
Medicare Supplement Insurance – Insurance Basics
These plans are competitively priced and offer outstanding customer service. In fact, some of our representatives have over 20 years of experience!
Why do I need Medicare Supplement Insurance?
The average person on Medicare could wind up spending thousands per year out of their own pocket.* These costs include deductibles, co-insurance and more. For more on Medicare click here.
Why should I choose an AARP Medicare Supplement Plan?
It will help cover some of the expenses that Medicare doesn’t-and you’ll get all this:
1. Freedom to choose your own doctors
2. No claim forms to file
3. Special Extras
4. You can’t be singled out for a rate increase. Any rate change will apply to all members of the same class insured under your Plan who reside in your state
5. Coverage wherever you travel in the U.S.
6. Great customer care – 98% of issues are resolved on first call
7. Available in all fifty states, plus D.C., Puerto Rico, U.S. Virgin Islands and Guam
To learn more about AARP Medicare Supplement Plans available in your state,
click here.
Medicare Supplement Insurance – Insurance Basics – Why You Need It
What is Medicare?
Medicare is a federal program developed to help Americans over 65 and some disabled Americans pay for the high cost of health care. There are different parts:
Medicare Part A (hospital insurance) is free if you paid Medicare taxes while working.
There’s a monthly charge for Medicare Part B (medical insurance). Medicare Part D (prescription drug plan) is a Medicare benefit that offers a choice of prescription drug plans (PDPs) to anyone enrolled in Part A or Part B.
Medicare was never intended to cover all your health care costs-in fact, the average person could end up spending thousands per year out of their own pocket.* So an illness or injury could end up costing you quite a bit of money.
What is Medicare Supplement Insurance?
It’s designed to help pay some of the medical expenses that Medicare does not pay.
For instance, you can choose a Medicare supplement plan that pays the $1,024 Part A deductible for you.
When is the best time to get Medicare Supplement Insurance?
Generally, your six month “Open Enrollment” period is the best time to buy a Medicare supplement plan, particularly if you are no longer working or covered by an employer-sponsored health plan. This period begins the first day of the month in which you turn age 65 or enroll in Medicare Part B. During this time, as long as you have Medicare Part B, you can buy Medicare supplement insurance without answering any health questions.
Medicare Supplement Insurance – How It Works
AARP plans make it easy to file claims.
Usually, you do not have to do a thing. Your doctors and hospitals will file Medicare claims for you. Supplemental payments are sent to the same doctor who filed your Medicare claim. So there are no claim forms to fill out, photocopy or mail.
You can change providers, even with pre-existing conditions.
It’s also easy to change providers — even with pre-existing conditions. If you decide to replace your current health insurance coverage with a Medicare supplement plan, you won’t have a waiting period for conditions you have now.
Switching from Medicare HMOs.
Rights vary by state. Under certain circumstances, you’re eligible for guaranteed acceptance into certain Medicare supplement insurance plans with no health questions asked or waiting period for pre-existing conditions. To find out more, contact the administrator of your prior health plan or your local state department on aging.
Medicare Supplement Insurance – Plan Details
The federal Medicare program doesn’t cover all the costs of hospital and medical care. That’s why AARP Health Care Options makes available a choice of competitively priced insurance plans – to help pay for what Medicare does not.
Every one of the traditional AARP Medicare Supplement Insurance Plans, underwritten by United HealthCare Insurance Company, lets you keep your own doctor, specialist and hospital and other health care providers. There are no lists from which you have to select. What’s more, you can’t be singled out for a rate increase because your health changes.
These are the highlights of our most popular plans…
Plan A is our most economical coverage. It provides basic benefits, including Medicare’s Part A hospital and Part B medical co-payments, and your first three pints of blood each year.
Plan C is our most popular option among members. It covers the basic benefits just described, PLUS Medicare’s Part A and Part B deductibles, skilled nursing facility co-payments and foreign travel emergencies.
Plan F has everything that Plan C has, PLUS it provides benefits for the difference between what the doctor charges and what Medicare approves (important if your physician charges more than Medicare’s eligible expense).
The Medicare Supplement Plans also offer you a convenient, easy way to pay your premium and save money at the same time. Save up to $24 a year when you sign up for Electronic Funds Transfer, our easy payment option. Your premium is automatically deducted from your bank account each month and forwarded to AARP Health Care Options.
You save $2 each month on your total household payment, plus the cost of postage and checks.
You save another 5% off your monthly premium when both you and your spouse enroll — under the same membership number — in an AARP Medicare Supplement, Medicare Select, or Group Hospital insurance plan. The discount applies even if you each enroll in a different plan.
This is a brief description of the insurance plans available through AARP Health Care Options. AARP’s Medicare Supplement Plans are underwritten by
United HealthCare Insurance Company, Fort Washington, PA under Policy Form No. GRP 79171 GPS-1 and are not connected with or endorsed by the U.S. Government or the Federal Medicare Program. In some states, plans may be available to persons eligible for Medicare by reason of disability.
Benefits and costs vary depending upon plan selected. These plans have exclusions, limitations and eligibility requirements.
Here are special discounts if within the last three years you’ve either turned 65, or enrolled in Medicare Part B at age 65 or older Savings for Loyal Participants in the Medicare Supplement Plans
AARP Health Care Options Early Enrollment Bonus Program
We want to demonstrate why the plans available through the AARP Health Care Options program should be your choice for quality health insurance coverage. That’s why we have created this special Early Enrollment Bonus Program. It rewards you by offering numerous ways to save on your insurance costs. All you have to do is enroll in an AARP Medicare Supplement Plan within 3 years of turning age 65 or enrolling in Medicare Part B at age 65 or older.
Here’s How This Program Can Save You Money
Enroll in an AARP Medicare Supplement plan within the required time period and you’ll save:
A guaranteed annual savings on your AARP Medicare Supplement premium. You’ll receive a rate that is at least 9% less than if you wait to enroll.
Plus an additional four-year “Early Enrollment Discount,” of 20% your first year of coverage…15% the second year…10% the third year…and 5% the fourth year.
AARP Medicare Supplement Quotes available at: www.lowcostmedigap.com
Mutual of Omaha Medicare Supplement Insurance
Why choose Mutual of Omaha for your Medicare supplement insurance?
Founded in 1909, a mutual company that makes business decisions based on the best interest of the policyholders.
Here are just a few of the reasons millions of Americans have chosen Mutual of Omaha for their Medicare supplement insurance policy coverage.
Commitment to the Medicare Supplement Market
Serving the Medicare supplement market for more than forty years – since Medicare began
Paid $4.46 billion in Medicare supplement insurance policy benefits since 1966 and $509 million in 2006 alone*
Preserve your health insurance choices through legislative efforts in Washington D.C.
Offer competitively priced Medicare supplement policies from coast to coast
Value-added Customer Service
Medicare supplement Part A and B electronic claims processing virtually eliminates your paperwork hassles
Friendly, professional and knowledgeable customer care representatives
Have the financial value and security you seek in your health care coverage with a Mutual of Omaha Medicare supplement policy.
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Medicare Supplement Insurance Policy
A Medicare supplement insurance policy helps pay some of the expenses not covered by Medicare. What’s more:
Your out-of-pocket health care costs are reduced
You choose your own doctors, hospitals and other health care providers
Your benefits increase along with Medicare’s deductibles and co-payments
With companies offering the same standardized insurance plans, your Medicare supplement choice comes down to price and a company’s service, reputation and experience with Medicare supplement insurance policies.
Determine Your Need
As we age, our health care expenses generally increase. Medicare pays many of those costs, but not all. See
how a Medicare supplement insurance policy can complete your health care protection.
Plan Details
From basic to comprehensive coverage, there’s a Mutual of Omaha Medicare supplement insurance policy for your specific needs and budget.
Why Choose Mutual
Mutual of Omaha’s Medicare supplement insurance helps give you the financial value you seek in your health care coverage.
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Mutual of Omaha Medicare Supplement Insurance Policies
There are 14 federally standardized Medicare supplement insurance plans (Plans A-L, including high deductible Plans F and J). Insurance companies must offer Plan A and may offer any other plans. Mutual of Omaha has a policy that helps meet your needs and budget.
Benefits
Most Medicare supplement insurance policies pay these basic benefits:
Medicare Part A hospital deductible ($1,024 in 2008), coinsurance plus coverage for 365 additional days after Medicare benefits end.
Medicare Part B coinsurance (generally 20% of Medicare approved expenses)
First three pints of blood each year
Additional benefits, depending on the plan you choose, pay you for:
Medicare Part B deductible ($135 in 2008)
Medicare Part B excess charges
At-home recovery visits
Foreign travel emergency care
How to Select the Right Plan for You
As we age, our health care expenses generally increase and we see the doctor more frequently.
Ask yourself whether you could budget for any of these Medicare Part B costs and choose the Mutual of Omaha Medicare supplement insurance policy according to your needs:
Medicare Part B calendar-year deductible, $135 in 2008
At-home recovery visits for assistance for activities of daily living for your recovery from an illness, injury or surgery.
Charges for excess benefits – Your bill for Medicare Part B services and supplies may exceed the Medicare-eligible expense, leaving you to pay the difference on your own. A Medicare supplement policy can help you pay the difference.
Emergency care received outside the U.S.
In most cases, benefits are paid directly to your providers.
For a No-Obligation Mutual of Omaha Medicare Supplement Insurance Quote contact Golden Age Providers, LLC at www.lowcostmedigap.com
05.31.08
What is Medigap?
Medigap policies – or Medicare Supplemental Insurance – are private insurance policies that fill the “gaps” in Original Medicare Plan benefits. Medigap helps you lower your out-of-pocket costs for such services as hospital and skilled nursing facility stays, as well as Medicare co-payments and deductibles.
Almost 90% of Medicare beneficiaries in the traditional fee-for-service program have supplemental coverage. About 68% of beneficiaries have private coverage and 18% have Medicaid. Of those with private coverage, about one-half have individually purchased Medigap policies, and the other half receives these benefits as part of their employer retiree plans.
Standard Plans
With the passage of the Medicare Modernization Act of 2003 (MMA), there are now twelve standard Medigap plans labeled A through K. Plan A consists of the core benefits alone; plans B through J contain additional benefits such as coverage of at-home help and physician charges in excess of Medicare’s approved amounts; and plans K and L (newly created under MMA) provide fewer benefits at lower premiums than Medigap plans A through J. There are also high deductible options for plans F and J.
Insurers may offer some or all of these Medigap plans; but they are not allowed to vary the benefit configurations within each plan. There are three states – Massachusetts, Minnesota and Wisconsin – where this requirement has been waived.
Guaranteed Access
Federal law requires that seniors are given a 6-month open enrollment period to purchase any Medigap policy when they first enroll in Medicare Part B. During this period, Medigap insurers may not deny coverage to applicants or adjust premiums based on health status. Under Medicare Modernization Act of 2003 (MMA), insurers are also required to guarantee that they will issue policies to 1st-time Medicare Advantage enrollees who disenroll within 12 months and to those beneficiaries who lose coverage (under specified circumstances).
Consumer Protections
Medigap insurers must meet federal and state requirements. States are responsible for assuring that Medigap policies comply with these rules, and the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services has the authority to review state enforcement policies. Federal and state Medigap laws apply only to individually sold Medigap policies; employer-sponsored policies are not subject to these rules.
In addition to the standard benefit packages and 6-month open enrollment period that Medigap insurers are required to offer, insurers must comply with the following federal rules:
Marketing – No Duplication
Insurers cannot sell a Medigap policy to someone who already owns one.
Guaranteed Renewable
Your Medigap coverage must continue year after year as long as you pay your premium. However, in some states, insurance companies may refuse to renew a Medigap policy bought before 1990.
Preexisting Conditions
Waiting periods are limited to 6-months; however if a continuously insured Medigap subscriber switches policies, new waiting periods may not be imposed (beneficiaries cannot be dropped).
Premiums
Medigap premiums vary by insurer, area of the country and benefit package selected. Medigap premiums may increase each year for several reasons, including the steady rise in Medicare and healthcare expenses. Most Medigap packages cover Medicare Part A deductibles, and all packages cover the 20% Medicare Part B coinsurance amounts.
For assistance with the purchase of Medigap Insurance or questions regarding Medicare coverage, contact Golden Age Providers, LLC at:
1-800-495-1915 or www.lowcostmedigap.com
How to get Started? FAQ
How do I Find the Best Price for My Medicare Supplement Insurance Coverage?
We make it easy for you at LowCostMedigap.com. All you have to do is request a multi-company Medicare supplement insurance rate analysis from our website, www.lowcostmedigap.com
Which Medicare Supplement Insurance Policy is the Best?
From our experience we have found plan F and plan J to be the most popular. However, many people have found plan D, G, E, H and I very economical. It always depends on your particular situation and risk tolerance. If you are having trouble deciding, one of our licensed Medicare supplement insurance specialists will be happy to assist you in finding the best plan for you.
What Should I Consider When Choosing a Medicare Supplement Insurance Company?
Though all companies offer similar standardized plans there can still be some differences. You want to make sure that you are purchasing from a licensed insurance company in your state with an approved Medicare supplement insurance policy. Other things you may want to consider is if the company puts a waiting period on pre-existing conditions and if that applies to you. Financial strength is also important. Do not be too concerned if you haven’t heard of the company before, there are many insurance companies out there that are very dependable that don’t spend tons of money on advertising to make their name known.
How Can LowCostMedigap.com Help Me in Choosing and Applying for Medigap Coverage?
We hope, first of all that you find the information on this site to be helpful. We feel that we have put together the most comprehensive website on Medicare supplement insurance information in the country. Furthermore, we have taken painstaking measures to present it in a way that is easy to understand and will help you to make the right money saving decisions about your Medicare supplement insurance coverage and be able to get back to your life. However, we know that all this information can be overwhelming when you don’t do this for a living like we do. We will be happy to help you in any way we can. You can call our toll free number and talk to a licensed Medigap specialist and we will help to educate you in deciding what the very best policy is for you and your family and we can even help you to enroll. You’ll find our specialists to be the most knowledgable in the industry because all we have been doing for such a long time is helping seniors save money on their Medicare supplement insurance while ensuring comprehensive coverage.
How do I Change My Medigap Plan in Order to Save Money?
If you already have a Medicare supplement insurance policy you most likely will be able to change to another policy if you find a lower premium. In most cases, you will be able to change without any waiting periods or loss of one day of coverage. However, this must be handled properly with the assistance of a licensed agent. If you would like to see if you are eligible to save money on your Medigap premiums, simply fill out our simple rate analysis inquiry or call us toll free at (800) 495-1915 and we will be able to determine if changing is right for you. If it is, we can guide you through every step of the process to make sure you save the most amount of possible without any gaps in your Medicare supplement insurance coverage.
If I Change My Medigap Coverage will I Have a Waiting Period for Pre-Existing Conditions?
In most cases you will not. Medicare supplement insurance providers have the option to put up to a 6 month waiting period on pre-existing conditions. If you are subject to this waiting period then previous conditions that you had before applying for coverage may not be covered. However, any new conditions that arise will be covered immediately.
Some companies exercise this option and some don’t. However, if you have been covered by a previous Medigap policy or other creditable coverage for the length of the companies waiting period, that waiting period will be deemed as satisfied and you will have coverage from day one. Furthermore, no Medicare supplement insurance company is allowed to have any exclusions to their coverage for past medical conditions beyond the pre-existing conditions waiting period. That means that if a company issues you a policy, they cannot exclude certain medical conditions that you have. If they issue you a policy and you are not subject to a waiting period on pre-existing conditions, they will have to cover all conditions old and new.
When Should I Make My Medigap Policy Effective?
If you are just now becoming eligible for Medicare you should make the effective date as soon as possible but no earlier than the effective date of Medicare Parts A and B. If you are replacing coverage, you should apply in time with a future effective date long enough out to recieve and review your policy before the effective date of coverage. This will give you time to make sure your transaction was handled properly and that the right policy was issued before cancelling your existing coverage.
What is the Fastest Way I Can Get Covered and Start Saving Money?
The fastest way is to call and speak with one of our licensed Medicare supplement insurance specialists at (800) 495-1915. They will be able to evaluate your situation, determine the best plan of action for you and help you get started.
You may also request an online Medicare Supplement Insurance quote at: www.lowcostmedigap.com
Medicare Supplement Insurance Consumer Rights
Your Rights as a Medicare Supplement Consumer
Open Enrollment
Seniors: Medigap companies must sell you a policy – even if you have health problems – if you are at least 65 and apply within six months after enrolling in Medicare Part B. These six months are called your “open enrollment” period. During open enrollment, a company must allow you to buy any of the Medigap plans it offers. You can use your open enrollment rights more than once during this six-month period. For instance, you may change your mind about a policy you bought, cancel it, and still have the right to buy any other Medigap policy, so long as the sale takes place during the six months after you enroll in Medicare Part B.
Although a company must sell you a policy during your open enrollment period, it may require a waiting period of up to six months before covering your pre-existing conditions. Pre-existing conditions are conditions for which you received treatment or medical advice from a physician within the previous six months.
Your right to open enrollment is absolute, even if you wait for several years after you become 65 to enroll in Medicare Part B because of continued employment or other reasons.
People under age 65 who receive Medicare because of disabilities may have a six-month open enrollment period beginning the day they enroll in Medicare Part B. (Rules differ by state) This open enrollment right is only applicable to the Medigap Plans made available in your state.. Companies selling Medicare supplement insurance in your state may not deny you a policy because you have pre-existing conditions. Companies are not required to offer all plans to people with disabilities, but they may do so if they wish. During the first six months after you turn 65 and are enrolled in Medicare Part B, you will have a right to buy any of the 12 plans.
Guaranteed Issue
You may have the right to buy a Medigap policy outside of your open enrollment period if you lose certain types of health coverage. For people over age 65, the guaranteed issue right applies to Medigap plans A, B, C, F, K, and L. For people under age 65, this guaranteed issue right applies only to Medigap Plans which are required by your state. In general, this right is for 63 days from the date coverage ends or from the date of notice that coverage will end. Companies may not place any restrictions, such as pre-existing condition waiting periods or exclusions, on these policies. This is called “guaranteed issue.” You must provide proof of the loss of your health care coverage. People under age 65 with disabilities who enroll in Medicare Part B may also have guaranteed issue rights, but they are only eligible for the Medigap coverage required by their state. This guaranteed issue right is also extended to people on Medicare who lose Medicaid because of a change in their financial situation. For more information, read the Guide to Health Insurance for People with Medicare.
30-Day “Free Look”
You can return your Medigap policy within 30 days after receiving it and get your money back-with no questions asked. Be sure to keep a record of the date you received the policy. Read the policy as soon as you get it. If you return the policy to the company, use certified mail with a return receipt as proof that it was returned within the 30-day time limit.
Renewability
All Medigap policies are guaranteed renewable. A company cannot cancel your policy or refuse to renew it unless you made intentional material false statements on your application or failed to pay your premium. However, the amount of the premium is not guaranteed. An insurance company may raise your premium as often as once a year on a class basis. In addition, if you have an “attained-age policy,” a company may raise your premium on your birthday.
Medicare Supplement Claims
Your doctor and other health care providers must submit Medicare claims to the appropriate carrier or fiscal intermediary for you. In most cases, the carrier or intermediary will send your Medigap claim directly to your insurance company.
Medigap policies won´t pay for services that Medicare does not deem medically necessary.
Therefore, if the carrier or intermediary denies your claim as medically unnecessary, your Medigap company won´t pay it. You have the right to appeal the decision to deny a claim. The appeal process and timeframes to request an appeal are described in your Medicare Summary Notice.
State law requires insurance companies to pay claims promptly. If your Medigap company refuses to pay a claim for a Medicare-approved charge or delays payment of your claims, you may file a complaint with TDI.
Group Medicare Supplement Insurance
Your rights with a group Medigap policy are essentially the same as with an individual policy. Because the group might make decisions that are out of your control, you have the following additional protections:
If the group changes insurance companies, the new company must offer coverage to everyone previously covered. The new Medigap policy must cover pre-existing conditions that were covered by the old policy.
If you leave the group, the insurance company must offer to provide unbroken Medigap coverage with an individual policy or continuation of your group insurance.
If the group cancels its coverage, the insurance company must offer you either an individual policy continuing the benefits you had before or a different policy meeting Texas requirements.
Request a Personalized Rate Analysis at: www.lowcostmedigap.com
One Couples Search for Medicare Supplement Insurance
The History
Eugene and Regina Wisekopff are two average retirees age’s sixty-four and sixty-eight respectively. Eugene turned sixty-five three years prior and had to make the difficult decision to continue to pay for his group health insurance due to the high cost of insuring his wife Regina prior to her turning sixty-five and becoming eligible for Medicare Part A and Medcare Part B. Although Eugene maintained his group health insurance after turning sixty-five, Eugene took the advise of his local Social Security office and enrolled in both Medicare Part A and Medicare Part B which shared in the payment of his claims with his current group health insurance plan. Eugene and Regina both found Medicare Coverage confusing.
How We Met
While doing research on the Internet, Eugene approached our agency, Golden Age Providers, LLC on our website at www.lowcostmedigap.com and requested that we provide he and his wife with assistance in locating a Medicare Supplement Insurance plan which would meet their individual needs. Eugene’s desire was to obtain as many Medigap Quotes as possibe. The Wisekopffs wanted a Medicare plan to work hand-in-hand with their Medicare Coverage.
Differing Needs
Eugene and Regina were under the impression that their needs were similar and therefore the ideal solution was identical for the two of them. Eugene and Regina, not unlike most retirees, were unaware that the solution is never “one-size fit’s-all” when shopping for Medicare Supplement Insurance. Eugene’s “Open Enrollment” period for Medicare Supplement eligibilty had long since past and Regina was approaching her one and only “Open Enrollment” period. Two vastly different situations. Eugene and Regina were both unaware that the “Open Enrollment” period lasted for only six months from the date of their Medicare Part B effective date. Regina was a very healthy individual, but Eugene had developed many serious physical impairments over the last few years. Eugene was very concerned that he learned that his “Open Enrollment” period had ended. Eugene was unaware that he qualified under the “Guarantee Issue” provisions of his state. Medicare Coverage is complex and that is why one needs to utilize the services of a Medicare Supplement insurance expert.
An Uphill Battle
Prior to locating Golden Age Providers, Eugene and Regina had placed a telephone call to their local car insurance agent. The local agent who was not well versed in the complexities of Medicare and Medicare Supplement Insurance told Eugene and Regina that he would need at least two weeks to research their best available options. The local agent didn’t really know how to provide Medigap Quotes. This was a concern to both Eugene and Regina as her sixty-fifth birthday was only three weeks away. Two weeks passed and neither Eugene or Regina had heard back from their local car insurance agent. Regina placed a call to the local agent who informed them that with their elderly age and Eugene’s poor health, that there was nothing anyone could do for them. Eugene and Regina were not only offended by the statement that their local car insurange agent had made when refering to them as elderly, but they were also seriouslly concerned by the statement that there wasn’t anything anyone could do to help them.
In the Right Hands, An easy Solution
One can only imagine the peace of mind felt by both Eugene and Regina when they were informed by their agent at Golden Age Providers that this would be a “piece of cake” for the staff of Golden Age Providers, LLC. They were informed by their agent that although Eugene had many medical impairments a federal law entitled him to purchase any Medicare Supplement policy A,C or F being offered by any Medicare Supplement insurance company in his state to go along with his Medicare coverage. Eugene and Regina’s agent at Golden Age Providers also informed them that since Regina was approaching her sixty-fifth birthday in only three short weeks, that Regina was also approaching her “Open Enrollment” period and was entitled to purchase any Medicare Supplement plan being offered by any Medicare Supplement insurance company in her state. The sigh of relief could be heard by their agent at Golden Age Providers, LLC while informing them of these easy solutions by telephone. Eugene and Regina were also comforted by the fact that Golden Age Providers, LLC specializes in the area’s of Medicare, Medicare Advantage, Medicare Part D and Medicare Supplement Insurance. Their agent also informed them that Golden Age Providers, LLC represented nearly forty Medicare Supplement insurance companies and therefore, played no favorites. Golden Age Providers, LLC works for the client, not the company. Golden Age Providers, LLC represents such well respected companies as AARP Medicare Supplement insurance, Blue Cross Blue Shield Medicare Supplement insurance, Mutual of Omaha Medicare Supplement insurance and many, many more.
A Happy Outcome
After reviewing Medicare Supplement plans being offered by AARP, American Republic, Blue Cross Blue Shield, Equitable Life and Casualty, and many more, Eugene and Regina chose to purchase Plan “F” Medicare Supplement Insurance plans from Mutual of Omaha Insurance Company. Mutual of Omaha had been offering the Mutual of Omaha Medicare Supplement since 1966 and offering insurance to Americans since the 1800’s. The longevity of Mutual of Omaha Insurance Company played heavily into their decision to purchase the Mutual of Omaha Medicare Supplement.
Since providing these solutions to Eugene and Regina, many of their friends have contacted Golden Age Providers, LLC to choose the Mutual of Omaha Medicare Supplement insurance after reviewing their Medigap quotes.
For assistance with the purchase of Medigap Insurance or questions regarding Medicare coverage, contact Golden Age Providers, LLC at: 1-800-495-1915 or at: www.lowcostmedigap.com
Eligibility for Medicare Supplement (Medigap) Insurance
Insurance companies must sell you a Medigap (Medicare Supplement) plan during certain periods of time — one period is called “open enrollment period.” The others are called “guaranteed issue periods.”
At other times, insurance companies may refuse to sell you a policy. If you have or used to have health problems, you may not be able to buy the Medigap plan of your choice. Most companies will have a few simple health questions that your Golden Age Providers, LLC Medicare Supplement Specialist can ask you to determine your eligibility.
Eligibility: Open Enrollment & Guaranteed Issue Periods
Open Enrollment
Seniors: Medigap companies must sell you a policy – even if you have health problems – if you are at least 65 and apply within six months after enrolling in Medicare Part B. These six months are called your “open enrollment” period. During open enrollment, a company must allow you to buy any of the Medigap plans it offers. You can use your open enrollment rights more than once during this six-month period. For instance, you may change your mind about a policy you bought, cancel it, and still have the right to buy any other Medigap policy, so long as the sale takes place during the six months after you enroll in Medicare Part B.
Although a company must sell you a policy during your open enrollment period, it may require a waiting period of up to six months before covering your pre-existing conditions. Pre-existing conditions are conditions for which you received treatment or medical advice from a physician within the previous six months.
Your right to open enrollment is absolute, even if you wait for several years after you become 65 to enroll in Medicare Part B because of continued employment or other reasons.
People with disabilities: People under age 65 who receive Medicare because of disabilities have a six-month open enrollment period beginning the day they enroll in Medicare Part B. This open enrollment right is only applicable to Medigap Plan *A. Certain states may allow you to apply for other plans. Companies selling Medicare supplement insurance in Texas may not deny you a Plan A policy because you have pre-existing conditions. Companies are not required to offer the other plans to Texans with disabilities, but they may do so if they wish. During the first six months after you turn 65 and are enrolled in Medicare Part B, you will have a right to buy any of the 12 plans. (This applies to Texas only, other states differ)
Guaranteed Issue
You may have the right to buy a Medigap policy outside of your open enrollment period if you lose certain types of health coverage. For people over age 65, the guaranteed issue right applies to Medigap plans A, B, C, F, K, and L. For people under age 65, this guaranteed issue right applies only to Medigap Plan A, C or F. In general, this right is for 63 days from the date coverage ends or from the date of notice that coverage will end. Companies may not place any restrictions, such as pre-existing condition waiting periods or exclusions, on these policies. This is called “guaranteed issue.” You must provide proof of the loss of your health care coverage. Texans under age 65 with disabilities who enroll in Medicare Part B also have guaranteed issue rights, but they are only eligible for Medigap coverage under Plan *A. This guaranteed issue right is also extended to people on Medicare who lose Medicaid because of a change in their financial situation. (Texas only, other states rules may differ)
Guaranteed Issue and Medicare Advantage Plan Disenrollment
What often goes unnoticed about Medicare Advantage Plans is that they reserve the right to terminate their contract with Medicare from year to year in any service area that they wish. When this happens, you will no longer be able to continue with your plan and will be placed back on Original Medicare at the beginning of the following year.
If your Medicare Advantage plan terminates its contract in your service area, you have the right to purchase any Medigap plan A, B, C, F, K, or L offered in your state without regard to your medical history or condition. If your Medicare Advantage plan ends services in your area, it must explain to you in writing your options and timeframes to buy a Medigap policy.
Reqest a Free Multi-Company Rate and Eligibility Analysis at: www.LowCostMedigap.com
