Enrolling in a Medicare Supplement (Medigap) plan is a great idea for those on Medicare who wish to keep their Original Medicare (Medicare Parts A and B) freedoms, but do not want to be on the hook for out-of-pocket expenses. Medigap covers all the costs that Medicare Parts A and B do not cover. Nonetheless, you may be denied coverage if you do not enroll during your open enrollment period. The denial of coverage can also result from certain pre-existing health conditions.

Looking for more information? This supplemental insurance broker in Highland, Indiana is going to explain some of the key details below.

Open Enrollment Period

You are eligible to enroll in a Medigap plan when you become eligible for Original Medicare. You can enroll in a Medigap plan during your six-month Medicare Supplement Open Enrollment Period. The first day of the month your Medicare Part B becomes active is when your six-month deadline starts, and no insurance company can deny coverage during this period.

It is still possible to buy Medigap after the six months are over. You do not have to apply for a Medigap plan in a specific timeframe if you have Original Medicare. Those already covered by a Medicare Advantage plan who want to enroll in a Medigap plan must have a valid Special Enrollment Period to return to Original Medicare.

Pre-Existing Conditions

There is also a chance that individuals will be denied Medigap coverage if they have certain pre-existing conditions. However, it is worth noting that not all insurance companies have the same stance on pre-existing conditions. One insurer might deny you coverage if you had a heart attack ten years ago, while another may accept you if the event occurred over five years ago. In other words, if one insurance company denies you coverage, your supplemental insurance broker in Highland, Indiana can help you find other options.

Some pre-existing conditions that can prevent you from enrolling in a Medigap plan after your Open Enrollment period include cancer, cardiovascular disease, stroke, atrial fibrillation (AFib), chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), diabetes with complications, and mental health or neurological disorders.

To qualify for a Medigap plan, you must not have any of the conditions listed. However, this list is not exhaustive. The best way to find out for sure is to contact a reputable supplemental insurance broker in Highland, Indiana to explore your available options.

Denial of Medigap Renewal

Medigap policies are often guaranteed renewal — meaning as long as you pay your monthly premium, you can’t be denied coverage after enrolling in a Medigap plan. This remains true regardless of any health conditions that may arise.

If you lie on your application and fail to pay your monthly premium, you won’t receive guaranteed-issue rights to enroll in another Medigap plan. So, if you apply to a different insurance company, they will have the right to deny your coverage. However, if you lose coverage due to your provider going bankrupt, you will have a guaranteed issue right to enroll in another Medigap plan.

Final Thoughts

The inability to enroll in a Medigap plan can be frightening — particularly if you need medical insurance. If you believe you might not be approved for Medigap coverage, you may want to reach out to a qualified supplemental insurance broker in Highland, Indiana to learn about all the options that are available to you.

Looking for a Supplemental Insurance Broker in Highland, Indiana?

Not sure whether you are eligible for a Medigap plan? Ready to meet with a supplemental insurance broker in Highland, Indiana that can help you review your options? If so, our agents at Senior Care Insurance Services (SCIS) will be happy to meet with you. We work with a variety of top Medicare Supplement carriers to make sure our clients get the best possible chance to enroll in a plan that’s right for them. Contact us today to learn more.