[gerryann]

I know that if one is on a Medicare advantage plan, that they can switch to Medicare and a supplement (or medigap plan). Does anyone know if one can be turned down for a supplement due to health issues? Are the rates based on age AND health?

I helped someone with the application and no questions were asked about health. He was accepted and all is fine.
But, what if someone who is in the midst of expensive cancer treatments....or a pending hip replacement, or ??? ......can they still get the supplement at the same rate as a healthy person, same sex, same age?

I shall speak with a Medicare specialist, but just looking for others experiences.

[ejp52]

I was on a BCBS Advantage plan and switched back to regular Medicare with a supplement Plan F and had no issues.
I am disabled,hope this helps,I signed up through a Blue Cross representative recommended by a neighbor/friend.
Good luck.

[dbussone]

If you are on an advantage plan and wish to switch to a Medicare supplement, insurers providing those supplements are not obligated to offer you a plan. And they may ask you to provide information on your past and current medical history. If an insurer does offer you a supplemental plan, it is likely to be at a higher rate than another is paying who is the same age but has not been on an advantage plan.


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[Carla B]

When we switched from an employer plan some years ago, we had to answer some health questions and we went in at a higher $ rate than if we had joined when we turned 65.

[Dan9871]

I believe there are "life event" exceptions that require an insurer to accept you if you transition from advantage to regular supplemental. For example if your advantage plan goes away or you move to an area not covered by it.

Medicare calls it "guaranteed issue rights"... here is a link

guaranteed issue rights | Medicare.gov

Originally Posted by dbussone

If you are on an advantage plan and wish to switch to a Medicare supplement, insurers providing those supplements are not obligated to offer you a plan. And they may ask you to provide information on your past and current medical history. If an insurer does offer you a supplemental plan, it is likely to be at a higher rate than another is paying who is the same age but has not been on an advantage plan.


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[gerryann]

When I applied for a friend, the only questions that could have determined his rate was age, sex and current plan. I am thinking that possibly they research your current plan and are aware of health issues? So.....in other words , there is pre-existing with the secondary plans? He's in good health and ended up paying $190 for plan F.
But now, looking at switching myself......but waited too long, I think.

[villagetinker]

You can also contact SHINE as they will have specific info for your case, here is the link:

SHINE - Home

[NYGUY]

Originally Posted by Dan9871

I believe there are "life event" exceptions that require an insurer to accept you if you transition from advantage to regular supplemental. For example if your advantage plan goes away or you move to an area not covered by it.

Medicare calls it "guaranteed issue rights"... here is a link

guaranteed issue rights | Medicare.gov

I believe this is the correct answer. You can only go from an Advantage Plan to Medicare +Supplement if you qualify under one of the Life Events.

[dbussone]

Originally Posted by Dan9871

I believe there are "life event" exceptions that require an insurer to accept you if you transition from advantage to regular supplemental. For example if your advantage plan goes away or you move to an area not covered by it.



Medicare calls it "guaranteed issue rights"... here is a link



guaranteed issue rights | Medicare.gov

Interesting! Thanks.

I was reiterating what I was told by an insurer when I switched. The even provided a written copy. Your information is good news for those who could end up in an unplanned situation.


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[rustyp]

People you need expert advice on this subject. Do not trust info given on this blog. Much of it is very wrong. How are you going to filter the right ones from the wrong ones ? In the few posts already responded many big misgivings. SHINE is a good place to start. I used United Health Care downtown Spanish Springs. They did a good job of identifying type of plan for my particular situation. Simplified differences between types of plans and answered all questions to my satisfaction. No high pressure to sign up with United Health Care or The Villages health care system.

[dbussone]

Originally Posted by rustyp

People you need expert advice on this subject. Do not trust info given on this blog. Much of it is very wrong. How are you going to filter the right ones from the wrong ones ? In the few posts already responded many big misgivings. SHINE is a good place to start. I used United Health Care downtown Spanish Springs. They did a good job of identifying type of plan for my particular situation. Simplified differences between types of plans and answered all questions to my satisfaction. No high pressure to sign up with United Health Care or The Villages health care system.

I have a United Healthcare supplement, but I would take insurance advice from a golden retriever before a United sales person.

I dealt with health insurers for 40+ years. I understand health insurance plans.

P.S. please do not take my comment above as a slam against Golden retrievers; at least they know what they’re talking about. [emoji41]


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[NYGUY]

Originally Posted by dbussone

I have a United Healthcare supplement, but I would take insurance advice from a golden retriever before a United sales person.

I dealt with health insurers for 40+ years. I understand health insurance plans.

P.S. please do not take my comment above as a slam against Golden retrievers; at least they know what they’re talking about. [emoji41]


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On both counts!!

[rustyp]

Originally Posted by dbussone

I have a United Healthcare supplement, but I would take insurance advice from a golden retriever before a United sales person.

I dealt with health insurers for 40+ years. I understand health insurance plans.

P.S. please do not take my comment above as a slam against Golden retrievers; at least they know what they’re talking about. [emoji41]


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So does this imply one should take advice from this posters on this blog ? Where do we find this golden retriever ?

[dbussone]

Originally Posted by rustyp

So does this imply one should take advice from this posters on this blog ? Where do we find this golden retriever ?

There are several very nice golden retrievers roaming about The Villages.

As far as advice, I’d suggest SHINE if you are uncomfortable doing your own research. Health Insurance advice given by the sales staff of an insurer is not given objectively.


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[Wiotte]

Originally Posted by dbussone

There are several very nice golden retrievers roaming about The Villages.

As far as advice, I’d suggest SHINE if you are uncomfortable doing your own research. Health Insurance advice given by the sales staff of an insurer is not given objectively.


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Jake agrees !




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