I applied for a Medigap plan and got denied because of my health history-how is that even legal when I've paid into Medicare for years?
Answered by 8 licensed agents
Cleo Martin
803-730-8368
Answered by Cleo Martin on April 2, 2025
Agent Licensed in SC, AL, FL & GA, MI, NC & TX
Answered by Timothy Brown on April 8, 2025
Broker Licensed in PA, CT, DE & 15 other states
Answered by Steve Brauer on April 8, 2025
Broker Licensed in AZ & CA
After that, most insurance companies can deny you coverage when you're first signing up for Medicare plan.
If you already have a Medicare plan and want to change it, there are a few states that have special consumer Medicare laws that allow you to change them, for example, for a period around your birthday
People often think that with the ACA plans often called Obamacare that you couldn't be denied coverage that does not apply to Medicare. It applies to insurance in the ACA plans for people 65 and under only
Answered by Gary Henderson on April 19, 2025
Agent Licensed in TX, AK, AL & 46 other states
However, you do have rights during your open enrollment period and under specific guaranteed issue rights.
Here's a more detailed explanation:
Medical Underwriting:
Medigap insurers use medical underwriting to assess risk. This involves reviewing your medical history to determine the likelihood of future claims and potential costs.
Guaranteed Issue Rights:
During your Medigap open enrollment period (six months after enrolling in Medicare Part B), you have guaranteed issue rights, meaning you cannot be denied coverage based on health. You also have guaranteed issue rights in other specific situations, such as if you lose coverage from a previous health plan and enroll in Medicare within 63 days.
Denial and Pre-existing Conditions:
Outside of guaranteed issue periods, Medigap insurers can deny coverage or impose restrictions (like waiting periods) for pre-existing conditions.
State Variations:
Some states offer more extensive guaranteed issue protections than federal law, according to United American Insurance Company.
Appealing a Denial:
If you're denied coverage, you may have the right to appeal the decision. You can gather information from your provider, explain your situation, and potentially provide additional medical records according to The National Council on Aging.
In summary: While it's understandable to feel frustrated about a denial, it's important to understand that Medigap insurers can deny coverage based on health history, particularly outside of guaranteed issue periods. However, you have rights during open enrollment and under other specific situations, and you may also have the right to appeal a denial.
Answered by Fred Manas on April 24, 2025
Agent Licensed in NY, CT, DC & 7 other states
We have also paid into the Medicare system to reduce cost for Part B premiums along with out-of-pocket medical expenses like deductibles. When we first age into Medicare under the 12-month rule we have an option to move from Medicare Advantage to Medicare supplemental plan with original Medicare and a separate Part D prescription drug plan or you could just simply go with original Medicare Parts A and B along with a prescription drug plan. Within that 12 months everything is guaranteed acceptance. When you aged into Medicare the person should have explained the process on Medigap versus MAPD versus original Medicare. The insurance companies have a legal right to underwrite for risk and if they view a person as a high risk then they do have the right to deny the coverage. After the first year then Medigap underwriting will always continue until there's some government change for those plans.
Answered by Robert Simm on April 7, 2025
Broker Licensed in NC, AL, AR & 14 other states
Answered by David Christian on April 11, 2025
Broker Licensed in CA & TX
Answered by Michael Hixson on April 23, 2025
Broker Licensed in OK, AR & TX
Tags: Eligibility Medicare Supplement
Agents: Share Your Expertise
Have insights or experiences related to this topic? Help others by sharing your knowledge and answering this question.