Can I Make Changes During Medicare Supplement Open Enrollment?
Can I Make Changes During Medicare Supplement Open Enrollment?
Medicare Supplement open enrollment guarantees you the right to purchase any Medigap policy offered with your state. The Medigap insurance companies must sell you a Medigap policy. They must cover all your pre-existing medical conditions. The best part is they cannot charge you more for your Medigap policy because of previous health conditions or your current health status.
When Is The Best Time To Buy A Medicare Supplement Policy?
The best time to buy a Medicare Supplement policy is during the Medicare Supplement open enrollment period. The open enrollment period last for 6 months. It begins on the first day of the month you celebrate your 65th birthday or if you are older and you have enrolled in Medicare Part B. The Medigap companies are prohibited from using medical underwriting to refuse to sell you any of their Medigap policies. They can’t make you wait for coverage to start. They are also prohibited by law from charging you more for pre-existing conditions. Though your coverage starts as soon as you make your payment, some of the Medigap companies may refuse paying for your pre-existing conditions for up to a period of six months.
How Does Creditable Coverage Reduce, Avoid Or Shorten The Waiting Period For Pre-Existing Conditions?
If you are unfortunate have a pre-existing conditions, you may not have to wait the full six months before coverage for that condition kicks in. If you are buying during the Medicare Supplement open enrollment period, the pre-existing coverage wait can be avoided or reduced if you were covered prior to your enrollment. You must have been covered without a break by another policy such as your employer for at least 63 days. Verify with the company you are interested in. Shop around as there are Medigap companies whose pre-exisiting rules are different from their competitors.
Related posts:
- When Is The Best Time To Apply For A Medicare Supplement Policy?
- When Is The Open Enrollment Period For Medicare?
- When Is The Medicare Open Enrollment Period?
- What If I Missed The Medicare Open Enrollment?
- How Does Medicare Open Enrollment Affect Me?