Medigap Rate Going Up Mid-Year – Don’t Get Mad, Get Even!

January 30, 2013 by Leave a Comment

Did your Medigap rate go up in the middle of year? Don’t get mad – get even. Contrary to popular misconception, you can change Medigap plans at any time – not just at the end of the year. So there is no reason to pay “extra” premium since coverage is the same with all of the plans.

So, if your Medigap rates go up – and they will – the first thing you should do is see what other options are available for your age and zip code. It is likely that you can reduce your costs for equal coverage. In most states, there are 50 or so companies that do Medigap plans and each of them may be competitively priced in different areas, at different ages or for different standardized plans.

Many people make choosing a Medigap plan out to be a “lifetime” decision. While it is certainly ideal to choose a plan that is continually the most competitively priced and most financially stable, the reality is that insurance rates go up – Medigap rates go up, just like your homeowners or auto insurance rates. If you do not “shop” it to make sure you have the best deal, put simply, you won’t have the best deal.

So, when your rate goes up, what should you do?

  1. First, pay close to attention to how much it is going up and when. This information will be important to know in “shopping” other rates. Also, make sure you know which plan you have (i.e. G, F, N). Since plans are standardized, you can compare “like” plans.
  2. Second, we recommend that you contact an independent brokerage so that you can compare multiple companies in a centralized, unbiased place. While you can certainly call all of the 50 or so companies individually to get their rates, it does not cost you anything to use an independent broker. In fact, the knowledge that they hold can be invaluable, save you hundreds of dollars and is free to you.
  3. Compare plans with an independent broker. This can typically be done online if you are familiar with using a computer. Be careful about sites that display the rates online. There are two problems with this – it is very difficult to keep (and therefore very unlikely) these rates up to date as rates are always changing. Second, some companies do not allow their rates to be published online, so it is likely that you are receiving partial information. Most agencies will send you this information by email without requesting personal information.
  4. Once you have the information, you can compare “like” plans and make an informed, educated decision. The two factors to look at are rates and ratings. It is best to be with a higher rated company, all other things being equal, but the premium is the most important thing to consider.

If you have any questions about this process or would like to get a Medicare Supplement comparison for yourself (even if your rate didn’t just go up), it is likely that you can save money. You can reach us at 877.506.3378 or online at Medigap-Quote.com.

Filed Under: Frequently Asked Questions, Medigap Plans Tagged With: , , , , , , , , , , , ,

The Three Step Process to Changing Medigap Plans

September 4, 2012 by Leave a Comment

Changing Medigap plans is relatively easy to do. More importantly, it is essential to do – or at the least, to compare the options – on an ongoing basis every few years. Medigap plans are completely standardized by the Federal government – this means that all plans are the same, regardless of which company sells it to you. For example, a Plan F with one company is the exact same as a Plan F with another company. Often, though, rates can vary widely, as much as $100/month for the same coverage. So, comparing the options, and changing if necessary, is a vital part of your sound financial plan once on Medicare.

So, what is the process for changing plans, if you elect to do so? It is very easy to do:

  1. First and foremost, understand what you have, what the plans are and how to compare them. So many people that we speak with every day do not realize or understand what plan they have or how the plans work. The plans are standardized, as mentioned above, so that means YOUR Plan G is not any different from a different Plan G. Also, all plans pay the same way, can be used anywhere that takes Medicare and use the Medicare “Crossover” system to pay claims. Next, you should understand how to compare plans. Once you understand that the plans are standardized, understand that you can compare plans to see if there is equal coverage for a lower price.
  2. Compare the options from an unbiased source. Unbiased is the key word here. There are many sources out there for comparing/purchasing a Medigap plan. But it is important to use an independent agent, primarily for their expertise and ability to compare all plans in a centralized place. An agent that sells one company is, obviously, going to tout their company, but it is more advantageous for you to compare using an independent agent.
  3. Make the move – apply for a new plan for a future effective date, then once approved, cancel the old plan, effective the same date the new plan starts. Once you have compared the plans available in your zip code, based on monthly premiums and company reliability, you can simply choose a plan and apply. You will apply for a future effective date – usually, at least 2-3 weeks in advance. Then, once it is approved, you will cancel your “old” plan effective the same date that the new plan starts. This way there is no lapse or overlap in coverage.

Medigap-Quote.com and Secure Medicare Solutions help hundreds of people change to lower cost plans each year. Our job is to provide a full comparison of all the plans for your age and zip code, as well as providing information about which companies have been most reliable/stable over time. Once you have that information, we can work with you to help you decide on a plan and reduce your costs. If you would like to reduce your premium and have had your current plan over 12 months, you can easily do so. Contact us at 877.506.3378 or Medigap-Quote.com Quotes.

Filed Under: Frequently Asked Questions, Medigap Plans Tagged With: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

Medicare Enrollment Period – Preparing for the Upcoming Annual Election Period

August 9, 2012 by Leave a Comment

The Medicare enrollment period, as it is commonly referred to, is the end-of-year period during which you can make changes to your Medicare Part D or Medicare Advantage plan coverage. It is a frequent misconception that this is the only time of year that you can change, cancel or enroll in a Medigap (Medicare Supplement) plan. Actually, you can make changes to this kind of plan at any time of the year. The AEP (Annual Election Period) – which is the correct name for this period – starts on October 15 this year and runs through December 7. So, what are some steps you can take in preparation for that period?

  • First of all, understand what changes can be made during this period. You can change Part D plans, if you currently have one and wish to change it. Or, if you do not have a Part D plan, but are already on Medicare, you can enroll in a plan during the AEP. If you have Medicare Advantage, you can choose a new Medicare Advantage plan during this period or you can disenroll from your Medicare Advantage plan, return to regular Medicare and choose a Part D plan and a Medicare Supplement. Note that this period has nothing to do with Medicare Supplements – you can change those plans at any time of the year.
  • The most important changes to be made are really the Part D plans. These plans change each calendar year. If you are on a plan, you’ll receive a notice of plan changes around October 1. Once you receive this, you should look over it to see what the changes are and how they affect you. In many cases, the premium and deductible of a plan will change. Also, the co-pays for specific medications can change, or medications can move to a different tier. It is essential to look at this material when you receive it.
  • Compile a list of your medications with exact names and dosages. This will be needed to do a complete comparison, whether you are doing it yourself or whether you are using a broker to do it for you.
  • Starting around October 1, you can compare the other Part D plans, either through a Medicare brokerage or on Medicare’s website (www.Medicare.gov). Then, starting October 15, you can make any necessary changes to your plan.
  • If you have a Medicare Supplement (Medigap) plan, this is a good time to re-evaluate your plan and make sure you have the best deal for your specific plan. Although you can change plans at any time of the year, this is a good time to also consider your Medigap coverage. Many of companies change rates around this time of year, and it is wise to add this into your consideration of other plan options for Part D. Medigap plans are standardized, so for example, if you have a Plan F and have had it for more than a year or so, it is likely that you would be able to save money on equal Plan F coverage from another company. The easiest and most productive way to do this is to get Medigap quotes online.

If you have any questions about the AEP or the Medicare Enrollment period, feel free to contact Medigap-Quote.com or call us at 877.506.3378.

Filed Under: Medicare Advantage, Medicare Part D, Medigap Plans Tagged With: , , , , , , , , ,

Medigap Enrollment Period – When Can I Change My Plan?

July 16, 2012 by 1 Comment

One of the most commonly held misconceptions about Medicare and Medigap plans is that there is an annual enrollment period for Medigap plans. This misconception holds that you can change plans only during this period, and you do not have to answer medical questions or “qualify” to do so. Put simply, that is just not the case. On the contrary, there is NO annual enrollment period – you can change plans at any time. Whenever you change Medigap plans, you DO have to answer medical questions (in most states).

So, how does this misconception get perpetuated and repeated to new generations of Medicare-eligible people? The main reason is because there IS an annual enrollment period, it just does not apply to Medigap plans. This annual enrollment period, which occurs from October 15 through December 7 in 2012, is for Medicare Part D (the drug coverage part of Medicare) and Medicare Advantage plans (the plans that replace Medicare). During this “AEP” (Annual Election Period), you can change your Part D plan, with the changeover taking effect on January 1. You can do this with no hassle, underwriting or penalty. This leads many people to believe that this is a Medicare annual enrollment period that applies to all plans, when in reality, it does not apply to the Medigap plans.

Changing Medigap plans is certainly possible, though. You can change plans at any time of the year. In most states and with most companies, there are underwriting criteria that determine if/when you are eligible to change. These criteria do vary from company to company. In general, you have to be in relatively good health to make a change; however, there are exceptions. A few of those are:

  • If you are losing employer coverage or an Advantage plan, you have “guaranteed issue” to get a Medigap plan
  • You have six months from the time that you sign up for Medicare Part B to get a Medigap plan with no underwriting
  • Some companies extend a limited underwriting period past that required six month period
  • There are some states in which underwriting is not used/allowed on Medigap plans – for example, WA and NY

Overall, it can seem daunting to many people to change their Medigap plans. However, it should not be that way – it is a very easy process that can be done with limited hassle or paperwork. Basically, you apply for the new plan; then, once approved, you cancel the old plan effective the same date that the new plan takes effect. There is no overlap and no gap in coverage. This can save you hundreds, if not thousands, of dollars a year.

If you have questions about the process for doing this or want to find out what your savings would be, contact us online or call us at 877.506.3378.

 

Filed Under: Frequently Asked Questions, Medigap Plans Tagged With: , , , , , , , , , , , ,
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