Medicare Supplement Plan Question

[StephenK41866]

Hi Folks,

I'm trying to help a relative sign up for Medicare A & B and have been trying to figure out the best supplement for her. She just lost her company healthcare.

From the info I'm finding online it appears that C and F are going away as of 2020.

Unfortunately she has a pre-existing condition and it seems that Supplement-G may be the next best choice. 

Is there anyone out there that is currently enrolled in Plan-G? Any pros and cons for someone with a pre-existing condition.

Thanks for any info.

[somarco]

@KittuR492730 what's up with the "website" link to a survey?

[LookinAround]

Do NOT choose Plan F. Plan G IS the better choice.

The only difference between F and G is F covers your Medicare deductible ($195 this year) as well. When I compared annual premiums for 2020 (I'll be 68) annual premiums for F where far greater then what they saved you ($195)

Also with F going away, it's premiums will increase as people leave it and with no new people coming the F population will age and cost the plan more which get passed along to the people in the plan.

Plus, in all but 4 states, you may have to go through medical underwriting to switch plans. 

Best to start on F not G

[lirong120]

"Best to start on F not G"? Is that you meant?

[somarco]

@lirong120"Best to start on F not G"? Is that you meant?   

Your referenced quote was from a 2019 post when F was still available to anyone. From a monetary perspective, G was almost always a better VALUE than F in most states.

IMO the F plan was oversold by agents and carrier alike.

[Snack52]

For those currently in a AARP UHC supplement plan you will be getting shafted on your enrollment rates going forward ( if you joined within few years )   I joined at 66 in Jan of 2019, my enrollment discount was 33% and this year will drop to 30% , then each year another 3%. Those enrolling in at age 65 in 2020 will get a 39 % discount , which stays that way for four more years. At age 70 the discount will be 33 % , mine at age 70 will be 21%. Thanks AARP for shafting your current members. Maybe time to change.

[Snack52]

for those current members , your discount goes off the 2019 discount rates ( 36 , 33 , 30 , 27 , 24 , 21 and so on ) , only a new enrollee will get the better discount rates of 39 , 39 , 39 , 39 , 36 , 33 , 30 , 27 and so on 

[somarco]

Plans C & F go away for NEW APPLICANTS ONLY as of 1/1/2020. Those who have C or F now can keep them as long as they pay their premiums.

Plan G is an excellent choice in most states. Medigap carriers are generally required to offer plan F but not G. As such, some carriers do not write G.

UHC, Humana and a few others introduced G for the first time in 2018.

If an applicant is enrolling in a Medigap plan during their IEP (Initial Enrollment Period) there are no health questions. Some carriers in some states may impose a pre-ex waiting period if you did not have prior creditable coverage. The pre-ex limit will apply for up to 6 months depending on the state or carrier.

[AndyM579679]

You should speak with a licensed agent that specializes in Medicare to go over all the options.  I would be more than happy to answer any and all questions that you might have. My number 1 priority is educating you on how Medicare works.

[BurnardshawS871032]

You can apply for Medicare Supplement Insurance during open enrollment. Open enrollment includes a six-month period from the date you enrolled in Medicare Part B if age 65 or older, or up to six-month after you turn 65 if you were eligible for Part B benefits before age 65.

[john258]

You are setting people on the right path to getting real help. I would add one additional comment. If you are not licensed in all 50 States a person should talk with the local expert before making a final decision. They can always get some help from their local AARP in doing that.