How likely am I to qualify for Medigap at 73 after the six-month enrollment period? I have some medical history and a possible cancer workup, but no diagnosis, hospitalizations, or treatment.
Answered by 7 licensed agents
Once your six-month Medigap Open Enrollment Period has ended, most insurance companies can use medical underwriting to decide whether to accept your application. Having no cancer diagnosis, hospitalizations, or treatment may work in your favor, but an ongoing cancer evaluation or other medical history could still affect your eligibility, depending on the insurer's underwriting guidelines. Every company evaluates health conditions differently, so the outcome can vary.
There is a chance you could qualify, and it's worth trying if that's your desire. However, I would caution that the potential cancer diagnosis could make things difficult. Once you are past your initial enrollment period at 65, you would have to answer a variety of health questions. Each carrier has different questions, so if you were to attempt this with me, I would see which ones you'd be most likely to actually qualify for.
It is always possible to get a quote with another Medigap plan to see if you can qualify and if so, what the cost would be. These quotes have no impact, and many times people pass the underwriting even with some medical history. In addition, we have found special programs the past two years where a specific company will offer anyone on another Medigap Guaranteed Acceptance. This has been very popular with some of my clients that have serious health issues, and their current plan has raised prices significantly, but they would not be eligible to underwriting.
Insurance carriers have different qualifications. You will have to qualify for the Medigap plan based on the carrier. Each carrier has its own underwriting criteria. They may have a look-back period from which you must have had certain diagnoses or procedures or illnesses. Most require that you do not have pending tests or procedures or tests for which you do not have results.
That is a difficult to know for certain. However, a good chance if you work with a Broker whom represents several insurance companies. A Broker with a expert knowledge of Medigap insurance. It depends on the underwriting criteria of the insurance company whom you apply with & your health when you apply. The underwriting is different between the insurance companies. Thank you.
If you have a change of residence out of network for your current coverage, or have your current coverage sent you notice they have an area reduction and no longer Carry your plan.
Could be are that your plan has raised a specific more then 15% ( this one is recently being reconsidered).
