Many elderly Americans enroll in Medicare and immediately assume that their medical bills are now covered. While a Medicare policy does help, you will still have to pay your insurance deductibles, copays, and hospital or doctor bills.

This is where a Medicare Supplement plan (“Medigap”) can be useful. Medigap is a type of private insurance that fills some of the gaps in Medicare coverage.

But there is a catch…if you wait too long, most insurance companies can deny coverage or increase your rates due to your preexisting conditions. Below, this Medicare Supplement provider in La Porte, Indiana is going to explain some ways to avoid this situation.

Don’t miss your window to apply for a Medigap plan.

When you sign up for Medigap at the right time, you get a “guaranteed issue right.” This is when your health history is not a factor. You can buy your policy regardless of whether you have any preexisting conditions.

So, when exactly is the right time?

• Your first six months after signing up for Medicare Part B (at age 65 or older). This is the easiest time to buy a plan. You will lock in the best price, which is based on your age, gender, and whether you smoke. The price is not based on your medical history.
• Within 63 days of losing job-based coverage that is secondary to Medicare. For example, if you or your spouse is still working for a company with fewer than 20 employees, Medicare is usually considered your primary insurance. If that job-based plan ends, you can get a guaranteed issue.
• During a trial enrollment period. Say you pick a Medicare Advantage plan first, then you realize that it is not for you. As long as it is within the first 12 months, you can switch back to Original Medicare and get any Medigap policy available in your area.
• If your Medicare Advantage plan shuts down or you move out of its service area.

If you would like to discuss this further with a professional, you should contact your local Medicare supplement provider in La Porte, Indiana.

What should you do if you have preexisting conditions?

If you apply for a Medigap plan outside of one of those guaranteed windows, the insurance company can ask about your health. They usually will not review your entire medical record, but they will certainly check your prescriptions and recent medical history.

And depending on what they find, you could have to pay more. In some cases, you might even get turned down. For example, if you have had conditions like atrial fibrillation, cancer, COPD, or congestive heart failure in the last couple of years, your premiums might be higher. Some companies are especially strict about chronic issues like Parkinson’s, lupus, or a recent cancer diagnosis.

On the other hand, not everything raises red flags. High blood pressure, diabetes, or high cholesterol are usually not a concern. Although you may still see an increase in your rates.

Insurance companies also want to know if a doctor has told you that you might need certain big procedures. Think a joint replacement, an organ transplant, back surgery, or heart surgery.

If you have been in the hospital within the past 90 days or are currently living in a nursing home, this can be another reason they hesitate to offer coverage.

So, if you have recently undergone surgery or received a new diagnosis, you may still have options. But your options will depend on the company and the plan. This is where it helps to sit down with your local Medicare supplement provider in La Porte, Indiana. They can analyze your situation and help you understand your options.

Looking for a Medicare Supplement Provider in La Porte, Indiana?

Are you interested in enrolling in a Medigap plan? If so, and if you’re ready to consult with the top-rated supplemental insurance provider in La Porte, Indiana, look no further than Senior Care Insurance Services (SCIS). Our qualified and experienced insurance agents will help you decide which policy best matches your needs and financial situation. Contact us today to get started.