AARP 2025 AZ Group G rate increase -19%

[MichaelH904998]

A mere 19% after 12.7% last year.  This is not what I expected based on what I knew when I signed up.  Posting this here as reference as a follow up to my post on the 2024 increase.  

[MichaelH904998]

Interesting chart found here.  This reflects what my expectations had been and the last two years are way higher.  

[GailL1]

@MichaelH904998 

Have you decided what you are gonna do?  

[MichaelH904998]

What choice does one have at this time of year?  My posts are so people are aware?  I don't think there are many options that are much different?  Any advice you have to offer?  

[GailL1]

@MichaelH904998 

If you want to give people info - at least give them correct info. 

To do that, you have to understand Medigap at the Fed level and then which states are different.

You really do need to understand Medigap better - there is NO enrollment period for Medigap plans in AZ - the initial enrollment period is all that you get - that’s right after you sign up for Part B.

After that period, in AZ you can switch any time but you have to go thru underwriting.  

Medicare.gov- An overview of Medicare Supplement Insurance (Medigap) policies 

Medicare.gov- Get Medigap Basics 

Medicare.gov- Learn How Medigap Works  

Medicare.gov- Get Medigap Cost  

Medicare.gov - Your Medigap Open Enrollment Period  

from the last link ⬆️

Under federal law, you get a 6 month Medigap Open Enrollment Period. It starts the first month you have Medicare Part B and you’re 65 or older.

Unless your state has passed an extended guaranteed issue period (and AZ has NOT) then the above is what you have to enroll without underwriting.

After this period, you may not be able to buy a Medigap policy, or it may cost more. Your Medigap Open Enrollment Period is a one-time enrollment period. It doesn’t repeat every year, like the Medicare Open Enrollment Period.

Outside of your Medigap Open Enrollment Period:

• You may have to pay more for a policy.
• Fewer policy options may be available to you.
• The insurance company is allowed to deny you a policy if you don’t meet their medical underwriting requirements.

There are certain situations where you may be able to buy a Medigap policy outside of your Medigap Open Enrollment Period. Situations where an insurance company can’t deny you a Medigap policy are called “guaranteed issue rights” or “Medigap protections.”   What are guaranteed issue rights?

Check with your State Insurance Department to see if you can buy a Medigap policy outside of your Medigap Open Enrollment Period. You may have additional rights under state law.

In AZ, you do not have any special rights under state law. NO added periods of guaranteed issue times - AZ pretty much follows the Fed guidelines in this.

Medicare.gov - CAN I CHANGE MY MEDIGAP POLICY ? 

You can change your Medigap policy anytime but only WITH UNDERWRITING since you have had your policy for awhile.

Read all the links -

[TRL1111]

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@MichaelH904998 wrote:

What choice does one have at this time of year?  

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 There is no "time of year" for switching supplements.  In Arizona, where you are, switching your supplement on January 14 is exactly the same as changing it on March 31 and is exactly the same as on May 7 and is exactly the same as on September 25 and is exactly the same as on November 22.  You'll have to undergo underwriting no matter when you switch because Arizona doesn't offer a guaranteed-issue period (e.g. the birthday rule) beyond the initial enrollment period.

FWIW, it's the same in the majority of states--states with additional guaranteed-issue periods are very much the minority.

If you're unhappy with your premium, switch to one you like better if you're healthy and can pass underwriting.  Do it today.  Or tomorrow.  Or in June.  Or in October.  Or in December.  It'll be the same process no matter when you do it.

[GailL1]

@MichaelH904998 

And Arizona is a state that doesn’t require that Medigap insurers have to cover anybody less than 65 years old like those on SSDI who get medicare for disability rather than age.  

But Arizona is a state where AARP UHC is the biggest issuer of Medigap plans so you have lots of people - old people and maybe sicker people using their Medigap plan, so lots of use of the Medigap plan cause I bet the majority of them have Plan G.  I am sure they all say, Thank You for sharing in my health care cost.  

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