Independent Agent & Medicare Supplement Specialist, reMEDIGAP, USA
Medicare Beneficiaries who are in their Initial Open Enrollment Period (the one time only 6 month period when federal law allows you to buy any Medigap policy sold in your state) cannot be declined a Medigap Policy.
However, if you are out of your Initial Open Enrollment Period, you will have to qualify for a Medigap policy based upon the insurance company's medical underwriting guidelines. There are certain situations that allow Medicare Beneficiaries to obtain Medicare Supplement insurance without worry of being declined.
You cannot be declined for Medigap insurance if you have a Guaranteed Issue Right. A Guaranteed Issue Right may be obtained if your other health insurance coverage changes. Definitely consult Medicare or an independent agent to find out if you have a Guaranteed Issue Right.
If you don’t qualify for Guaranteed Issue and you’re no longer in your Initial Open Enrollment Period, you'll have to answer the health questions on the Medigap application. Each insurance company has their own unique set of questions and underwriting guidelines. Your specific health issue may be a concern with ABC insurance company but not with XYZ insurance company.
The best way to see if you can get a Medigap Policy is by working with a Medicare Supplement Specialist who can shop the independent market to help you determine if there are companies that meet your unique health situation.
You can be denied Medigap coverage if you have serious pre-existing health conditions. Once your Part B Medicare coverage is activated at age 65 or older, you have six months to enroll in a Medicare Supplement without having to answer any health questions. After your Open Enrollment Period ends you can enroll in a Medigap Plan at anytime, but you could pay a higher rate or be denied coverage for serious health problems.
Regional Marketing Director, Capital Choice Financial Group,
Yes, you can be denied medigap coverage if you are out of your one-time open enrollment period which is 3 months before and 3 months after your birthdate. When applying for coverage at any other time outside of your open enrollment you must answer health coverage and disclose any medications in order to determine qualification.
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However, if you are out of your Initial Open Enrollment Period, you will have to qualify for a Medigap policy based upon the insurance company's medical underwriting guidelines. There are certain situations that allow Medicare Beneficiaries to obtain Medicare Supplement insurance without worry of being declined.
You cannot be declined for Medigap insurance if you have a Guaranteed Issue Right. A Guaranteed Issue Right may be obtained if your other health insurance coverage changes. Definitely consult Medicare or an independent agent to find out if you have a Guaranteed Issue Right.
If you don’t qualify for Guaranteed Issue and you’re no longer in your Initial Open Enrollment Period, you'll have to answer the health questions on the Medigap application. Each insurance company has their own unique set of questions and underwriting guidelines. Your specific health issue may be a concern with ABC insurance company but not with XYZ insurance company.
The best way to see if you can get a Medigap Policy is by working with a Medicare Supplement Specialist who can shop the independent market to help you determine if there are companies that meet your unique health situation.