Insurance questions

Age 75, covered by Medicare A & B and pharmacy part D. Looking for info on obtaining supplementary insurance to Parts A & B , rather that an "Advantage" type plan which replaces A & B. (Not looking for an agent, but for general member experience.)

All agents have been super friendly at first, and then get nasty when I want exact answers as to whether or not I am actually insurable at all, other than Medicare, with a pacemaker. Most answer "No" with a supplementary policy, but possibly with an "advantage" type plan. One agent whispered aside to somebody as she was explaining her policy to me "Oh God, this is going to take forever". I thanked her kindly and hung up.

Does anyone have personal information on this. I think if I had obtained extra supplementary insurance before the pacemaker implant I would have been fine. Actually, Medicare plus possible extra hospital funds have covered a huge part of my surgeries (pacemaker plus hysterectomy plus other) this past year and we are able financially to handle this level of care, but I was concerned about possible future monumental medical expenses.

2 Comments

Advantage plans

by kmom - 2014-11-19 02:11:44

If available in your area can not turn you down or have higher premiums because of your health. The only thing you cannot have on an advantage plan is ESRD ( end stage renal disease) I don't know much about supplemental ( or medigap) plans. I work with advantage medical plans and part d plans with a medicare advantage plan your premiums will generally be lower than a medigap plan and some have part d pharmacy imbedded into the plan but you will have co pays for dr visits hospital etc

Medical unerwriting is done

by mkaz03 - 2014-11-19 08:11:09

If you have a supplement now and want to change you are eligible to do so during each open enrollment period but if you have certain health conditions (including pacemaker) the insurance company will apply their medical underwriting guidelines before they decide to take you as a participant in their plan. If you have one of the conditions on their list they look to see that you have not required special treatment in the previous 3 year period. If so, they can deny you coverage or accept you but apply a waiting period to treatment for that condition. I believe the waiting period is 6 months but I am not certain. If you have gone all this time without a supplement I believe you would still be eligible to apply during open enrollment. As the agents have said you would more easily be able to get the insurance via an Advantage Plan at this point but if your health has been stable it may be worth a try to enroll. Nothing to lose by trying.

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