I want to clarify the California law for those people who have the AAPR-United Heath Care Medicare Supplemental plan. In California, I found out it's really called the Guaranteed Issue Period. We don't have an official "Open Enrollment" like the Medicare Advantage Plans. In theory, I could change plans at any point during the year. BUT if I do that the insurance company may or may not choose to give me a policy and it may be suject to "underwriting" where they look at my health, claims, etc. The Guranteed Issue Period is found in the Califonia Insurance Code - Section 10192.11 (h)(1). And I've pasted it below. The bottom line is that within the 30 day period AFTER your birthday each year, you CAN change to a Medicare supplement polcy of the same or lesser benefit and the insurance company cannot deny coverage!
That being said, I intend to "shop" my coverage and will likely drop United Heath Care duing my 30 day period! Good Luck Everyone!
(h) (1) An individual shall be entitled to an annual open enrollment period lasting 30 days or more, commencing with the individual’s birthday, during which time that person may purchase any Medicare supplement policy that offers benefits equal to or lesser than those provided by the previous coverage. During this open enrollment period, no issuer that falls under this provision shall deny or condition the issuance or effectiveness of Medicare supplement coverage, nor discriminate in the pricing of coverage, because of health status, claims experience, receipt of health care, or medical condition of the individual if, at the time of the open enrollment period, the individual is covered under another Medicare supplement policy or contract. An issuer shall notify a policyholder of his or her rights under this subdivision at least 30 and no more than 60 days before the beginning of the open enrollment period.
