If you are just starting with Medicare, it’s important to know that what you do in the first six months can shape your health coverage for the rest of your life. Below, this Medicare Supplement provider in Northwest Indiana is going to explain why this short period is so crucial.

Your six-month Medicare window gives you some important rights.

When you sign up for Medicare Part B, a six-month timer starts. This time is called your Medicare Supplement Open Enrollment Period. During these six months, you have special rights that you will not get later.

For example, you can buy any Medicare Supplement plan you want during this time. Insurance companies must sell you a plan no matter what your health looks like, and they cannot charge you higher prices because of your past or current health problems.

But once your Medicare Open Enrollment Period ends, things change. This is because insurance companies can now look at your medical history. They might charge you more if you have health problems or even reject your application.

So why should you care about this?

Most of us will face health challenges as we get older. As a matter of fact, about 85% of Americans over 65 have at least one chronic health issue, like heart disease, diabetes, or respiratory diseases like COPD and asthma.

If you wait too long and your health changes, getting the coverage you need could become harder and more expensive. You can always talk to an experienced Medicare Supplement provider in Northwest Indiana to lock in coverage now while you still have full rights.

Choosing the right plan now gives you more freedom in the future.

During your six-month Open Enrollment Period, your choices are wide open. You can pick a plan that gives you the freedom to see any doctor who accepts Medicare and visit any hospital in the country. This is a huge benefit.

Some Medicare Advantage plans cost less each month but come with rules. For example, you must stay within certain networks, and you usually need approval before seeing specialists.

With a Medicare Supplement plan, however, you have the freedom to travel. You can move to a new city or get surgery from a specialist in another state. Choosing a flexible plan like this gives you more control in your hands.

Missing your Medicare Open Enrollment can limit your coverage options.

If you miss the six-month window, getting a Medicare Supplement plan becomes harder. This is because insurance companies can now use medical underwriting and check your health history before deciding whether to give you a plan. Even if they don’t say “no” to your application altogether, they can still increase your monthly premiums based on your present and past health.

Imagine that you get a new health diagnosis and then realize that you need more coverage than what you already have. But now you are stuck because you can’t get the Medicare Supplement plan you need, or it costs much more than you can afford. This is why it’s essential to take early action with the help of an experienced Medicare Supplement provider in Northwest Indiana.

You can count on SCIS to help you find the right Medigap plan.

Choosing a Medicare Supplement plan can feel overwhelming. Most states have 10 main Medigap plans, with names like “Plan G” and “Plan N.” There are also terms like out-of-pocket limit, benefit period, excess charges, lifetime reserve days, guaranteed issue rights, assignment, pre-existing condition waiting period, etc. Naturally, it is easy to get confused.

SCIS is here to help. We can meet with you in person, explain everything as clearly as possible, and help you find plans that suit your health needs and budget. We are aware of the importance of healthcare freedom, which is why we want to make sure that you get good coverage today and for the years in the future.

Looking for a Medicare Supplement Provider in Northwest Indiana?

Are you ready to partner with an experienced Medicare Supplement provider in Northwest Indiana that can help you enroll in a plan that’s right for your health needs? If so, you’ve come to the right place — Senior Care Insurance Services (SCIS) is here to help. Contact us today to get started.