Can Your Pre-Existing Conditions Keep You From Getting Medicare Supplemental Insurance?
If you have reached a certain age and have pre-existing conditions, you may find it hard to find various types of insurance coverage without paying an arm and a leg. Even if you qualify for Medicare, there will be expenses that you will be expected to pay out of pocket. To help cover these expenses, you may want to invest in a Medicare Supplemental Insurance, or Medigap, policy. But will you be able to qualify with your pre-existing conditions? This may depend on when you apply.
What Exactly Is Medicare Supplemental Insurance Coverage?
Medicare supplement insurance are uniformed policies that you purchase from private companies which are designed to pay some of the health related expenses not covered by traditional Medicare. These cost include co-pays, deductibles, as well as extra coverage for medical care received outside of the U.S. Medigap does not cover eye care, dental care, hearing aids or private-duty nursing.
Medigap polices are designated universally by the letters A-N, with each lettered plan offering different levels of benefits. This type of plan is only available for a premium for people who still have traditional Medicare Part A and Part B. People who have Medicare Advantage Plans are not eligible to purchase a Medigap policy.
When Is The Best Time To Purchase Medigap Coverage?
From the first day of the month in which you turn 65 or older and are enrolled in Medicare Part B until exactly six months later, you have a Medigap Open Enrollment Period. This is the best period in which to enroll. During this time, the company you purchase your Medigap from is unable to do any of the following:
- Use medical underwriting to approve your policy
- Rate your policy or charge you a higher premium
- Delay the implementation of your policy
- Refuse to cover you and more
Can You Really Be Denied?
If you do not apply during your open enrollment period, the insurance company has the right to use underwriting to determine whether you are an acceptable risk for the company to accept. This may mean if you have certain pre-existing conditions such as certain types cancers or other serious conditions, the company can choose to not insure you.
Even if they choose to offer you a policy, they can delay covering your pre-existing condition for a specified period of time if you have received a diagnosis or treatment for the condition within six months prior to you applying.
If you think you want to purchase Medigap coverage don't let your open enrollment period pass you by. This will guarantee that you will be covered. For more information, contact a service like Senior Advisors.