Are you planning to apply for a Medicare Supplement (Medigap) plan? In these situations, many seniors worry about the possibility they could be denied coverage because of their pre-existing condition. This is a very valid concern given the fact that you could end up paying thousands of dollars out of pocket for doctor visits, hospital stays, or treatments without the right coverage.

Below, this Medicare Supplement provider in Hebron, Indiana is going to explain exactly how pre-existing conditions factor into Medicare Supplement eligibility for seniors.

How do your pre-existing conditions affect your Medicare Supplement coverage?

Medicare Supplement policies help you cover costs that Original Medicare does not cover. For example, costs like copayments, coinsurance, and deductibles. Although Medicare Supplement can give you strong financial protection, there are some rules about when you can enroll and how the process works if you have pre-existing conditions.

The best time to apply for a Medicare Supplement plan is during your Medigap Open Enrollment Period. This is a six-month window that starts when you enroll in Medicare Part B and are at least 65 years old. If you enroll during this time, insurance companies must accept you. They cannot deny you coverage, charge you higher rates, and force you to go through medical underwriting.

But miss that six-month window, and things will get much more complicated. At that point, insurance companies can review your medical history before deciding if they will accept you. If they think you are too high-risk, they might charge you a higher premium or even deny you coverage altogether.

Can insurance companies refuse to sell you a Medicare Supplement policy?

Yes, but only in some very specific situations. If you try to sign up for a Medicare Supplement policy outside of your Open Enrollment Period, insurance companies can review your health history before deciding whether to approve or deny your application or charge you higher monthly premiums.

But there are exceptions to this rule. For example, if you qualify for a guaranteed issue, insurance companies must sell you a Medicare Supplement plan without checking your health history. You usually qualify for a guaranteed issue right if you lose other health coverage unexpectedly, move out of your Medicare Advantage plan’s service area, or if your Medicare Supplement insurance company goes bankrupt or misleads you.

A professional Medicare supplement provider in Hebron, Indiana can help you figure out if you qualify for these protections and make sure you get the right plan without unnecessary complications.

What should you expect if you have a pre-existing condition and need a Medicare Supplement policy?

Even if you get approved for a Medicare Supplement policy, your coverage is not necessarily going to start right away. Insurance companies can enforce a waiting period before they start covering your pre-existing condition. This waiting period can last up to six months, and you would have to pay for medical expenses out of your own pocket during that time.

But you might be able to skip the waiting period altogether. If you have had at least six months of continuous prior creditable coverage (like an employer health plan or another type of insurance), and you have not had a gap of more than 63 days, the waiting period could be waived. In this case, your Medigap policy would start covering your pre-existing condition immediately.

This is why planning ahead is so important. If you are thinking about switching to Medicare Supplement, make sure you don’t go without insurance for too long. Otherwise, you could have to deal with a waiting period before getting full benefits.

If you want to learn more about whether your current coverage qualifies, a knowledgeable Medicare supplement provider in Hebron, Indiana can explain the details and help you make the best possible decision.

Looking for a Medicare Supplement Provider in Hebron, Indiana?

Are you ready to work with an experienced Medicare supplement provider in Hebron, Indiana who can help you review your Medicare Supplement options? If so, Senior Care Insurance Services is here to help. Our agents will make sure you don’t face unexpected denials due to pre-existing conditions. Contact us today to schedule an appointment with our agents.