Signing up for Medicare: very confused

Now that's odd...as F and G are the same basic plans, just the deductible is different and the savings are more with G of course, which is why the switch. Do you know, did he try Philadelphia Life? That's what we have.
If they have underwriting they won't accept me..
 

That's what I thought! Try another plan if you get refused. Or another company.
You misunderstood what I posted. Once you're 6 months post Part B you no longer can get a guarantee issue for a supplement - in most states.

I'm generally successful is finding another carrier to save someone money, but once in awhile it's impossible without "gaming" the system.

Rick
 
You misunderstood what I posted. Once you're 6 months post Part B you no longer can get a guarantee issue for a supplement - in most states.

I'm generally successful is finding another carrier to save someone money, but once in awhile it's impossible without "gaming" the system.

Rick
How would you "game the system" Rick? If you got refused for say plan G, couldn't you keep trying carriers for that same plan to see if you might get accepted, or go to say plan N and try
a new carrier for that plan?
 
How would you "game the system" Rick? If you got refused for say plan G, couldn't you keep trying carriers for that same plan to see if you might get accepted, or go to say plan N and try
a new carrier for that plan?

I won't post anything "shady" but suffice to say there are ways.

Underwriting is the same for all plans so G vs N doesn't make a difference.

Rick
 
I won't post anything "shady" but suffice to say there are ways.

Underwriting is the same for all plans so G vs N doesn't make a difference.

Rick
Well, color me confused. Just thought different carriers had their own underwriting and independently decided to accept or refuse someone based on their company policy. You mean there's more to it?
 
Well, color me confused. Just thought different carriers had their own underwriting and independently decided to accept or refuse someone based on their company policy. You mean there's more to it?
Each company has their own underwriting. It doesn't mean anyone can pass underwriting with any company. As an example, if you are on oxygen, still smoke, insulin and heart condition you won't find any company to accept you unless a guaranteed issue situation.

Some companies don't like overweight. Some don't like diabetes. A good agent will know where to submit but that is not to say a policy is always available.

I hope that's clear. Medicare supplements are not like Obamacare where companies are forced to accept everyone.

Rick
 
Each company has their own underwriting. It doesn't mean anyone can pass underwriting with any company. As an example, if you are on oxygen, still smoke, insulin and heart condition you won't find any company to accept you unless a guaranteed issue situation.

Some companies don't like overweight. Some don't like diabetes. A good agent will know where to submit but that is not to say a policy is always available.

I hope that's clear. Medicare supplements are not like Obamacare where companies are forced to accept everyone.

Rick
Thanks, Rick...just 2 questions - what is a "guaranteed issue situation"? And, if you are one plan, and your medical condition changes, will that plan increase your rates because of it?
 
Thanks, Rick...just 2 questions - what is a "guaranteed issue situation"? And, if you are one plan, and your medical condition changes, will that plan increase your rates because of it?

Turning 65 or new to Medicare is guaranteed issue. Moving out of service area, guaranteed. There are others including rules found in a few states like CA, OR, NY, WA and MO that allow for changes without underwriting.

There isn't an insurance company that can raise your rates because of new health conditions. And that was true for medical insurance even though Obama lied about it. (But let's not get into a political discussion).

Rick
 
Medicare Part A and Part B, also known as Original Medicare or Traditional Medicare, cover a large portion of your medical expenses after you turn age 65. But you can try out mutual of omaha medicare which will best suit your need.
Mutual of Omaha has a history of closing a block of business and starting a new company at lower rates. Their history shows they do this about every 3-4 years, at least in many states.

Obviously a company makes more money when there are fewer claims. So for the first few years the people in a plan typically are young and/or healthy. As the plan "matures" there would be more claims since people tend to be sicker as they get older. So they close that company and start a new, fresh company and start over. They can then raise the rates to cover the claims knowing that many people are either too lazy, ignorant, or use lazy or ignorant agents to even check rates. This goes on and on.

I haven't used Mutual of Omaha in at least 10 years because of this. Unfortunately, other companies have learned from them and some are doing the same thing. You need a good agent to help you and review your plans annually so you can remain with as low a price as you can.

You can believe me or not. But this is what I've seen as an agent specializing in Medicare plans.

Rick
 
Mutual of Omaha has a history of closing a block of business and starting a new company at lower rates. Their history shows they do this about every 3-4 years, at least in many states.

Obviously a company makes more money when there are fewer claims. So for the first few years the people in a plan typically are young and/or healthy. As the plan "matures" there would be more claims since people tend to be sicker as they get older. So they close that company and start a new, fresh company and start over. They can then raise the rates to cover the claims knowing that many people are either too lazy, ignorant, or use lazy or ignorant agents to even check rates. This goes on and on.

I haven't used Mutual of Omaha in at least 10 years because of this. Unfortunately, other companies have learned from them and some are doing the same thing. You need a good agent to help you and review your plans annually so you can remain with as low a price as you can.

You can believe me or not. But this is what I've seen as an agent specializing in Medicare plans.

Rick
You are so right, Rick. We had Mutual of Omaha when first signing up for a medicare supplement. They kept raising the rates so we ditched them and went with Aetna - who also started raising rates.

If you get a low rate and they start raising it you need to get with a professional like you are to be sure of what to do, as most have to go through under writing to change policies. Its good to review every year anyway. Good habit to get into with most insurances.
 
I will be ready for Medicare soon too. I have been getting a TON of stuff in the mail! My husband is on Fed. Disability Insurance so he actually qualifies this Oct (well before he turns 65) so we have had to make decisions too.

Anthem (the local franchise holder for Blue Cross/Blue Shield) recently sent out postcards and hosted an information session one afternoon. I was stunned that only 4 of us showed up! The speaker was very informal but laid out and explained the whole program from Federal benefits to outside options and answered all our questions. We made an appointment with him directly and sat to discuss our situation. He helped up chose the right program for us - NO CHARGE whatsoever. We feel so much better about it now!

BE AWARE - LOTS of changes coming for next year (2020). Plan F is being dropped so look for alternatives! New programs will be offered in Maine - we'll know after 15 October.
 
I will be ready for Medicare soon too. I have been getting a TON of stuff in the mail! My husband is on Fed. Disability Insurance so he actually qualifies this Oct (well before he turns 65) so we have had to make decisions too.

Anthem (the local franchise holder for Blue Cross/Blue Shield) recently sent out postcards and hosted an information session one afternoon. I was stunned that only 4 of us showed up! The speaker was very informal but laid out and explained the whole program from Federal benefits to outside options and answered all our questions. We made an appointment with him directly and sat to discuss our situation. He helped up chose the right program for us - NO CHARGE whatsoever. We feel so much better about it now!

BE AWARE - LOTS of changes coming for next year (2020). Plan F is being dropped so look for alternatives! New programs will be offered in Maine - we'll know after 15 October.
Did they give you lots of other provider quotes and not just Blue Cross?
Different companies offer different pricing for the same, say plan "G", which a lot of folks have gone to from F. Any good broker will look at all the companies and not just one company. Sounds like that broker may only work/ represent that one carrier, which was why I was asking.
 
I will be ready for Medicare soon too. I have been getting a TON of stuff in the mail! My husband is on Fed. Disability Insurance so he actually qualifies this Oct (well before he turns 65) so we have had to make decisions too.

Anthem (the local franchise holder for Blue Cross/Blue Shield) recently sent out postcards and hosted an information session one afternoon. I was stunned that only 4 of us showed up! The speaker was very informal but laid out and explained the whole program from Federal benefits to outside options and answered all our questions. We made an appointment with him directly and sat to discuss our situation. He helped up chose the right program for us - NO CHARGE whatsoever. We feel so much better about it now!

BE AWARE - LOTS of changes coming for next year (2020). Plan F is being dropped so look for alternatives! New programs will be offered in Maine - we'll know after 15 October.
Plan F has been a terrible value for years. So there are not LOTS of changes. Insurance companies like to say that to get people to make a decision quickly.

I am not licensed in Maine but can quote any company across the US. If you'd like unbiased information from (without too much bragging) an expert, please let me know. Anthem may or may not be a good value for you either for Plan G or Plan N.

Rick
 
Did they give you lots of other provider quotes and not just Blue Cross?
Different companies offer different pricing for the same, say plan "G", which a lot of folks have gone to from F. Any good broker will look at all the companies and not just one company. Sounds like that broker may only work/ represent that one carrier, which was why I was asking.

They did not and yes he was the Rep. for Anthem. But it gave us the understanding and descriptions of the various plans so we could make the comparisons. We will stay with Blue Cross for now since we are all set up with Drs and stuff here. Plus, I need to keep the corporate BC insurance until March. We didn't want to lose the connection and the Advantage plan cost nothing for the rest of this year. We will make another appointment in Nov. and make plans for next year. Thanks.
 
Is there a place where I can ask those questions? Our SS office is often clueless, can't explain anything clearly (this is from prior experience of others). I would seat in line for hours if I knew I could rely on info provided, but that is often not the case.
Guidance would be appreciated. Thanks

Try to locate a seminar being held in your area. My wife is turning 65 in October and we have a numerous mailed invitations to attend seminars where Medicare and supplement options are discussed. We attended one at our local library and got pretty much all of our questions answered. Before we went we also were very confused.

We hooked up with a local insurance broker and successfully got her signed up for Medicare Parts A&B and a supplement Plan G through Humana and a Plan D tailored for the prescription drugs she takes. Her coverage will start October 1st even though her birthday is October 23.
 
That's too bad, assume you have ongoing med issues now that are preventing it? Of course, its all about money, so perhaps another plan would still save you money.
While you are giving great advice, I have access to underwriting and pricing for just about every company. He already has help from a terrific agent - me! If there is a way to save money I'll find it but keep in mind there are some relatively benign conditions that still knock people out of changing plans.

You are insured with a lower cost company that I also like. But prices change as one ages. A low price for a 66 year old may be one of the higher priced plans for a 71 year old. And companies can change their underwriting criteria. For example, the company that writes the most supplements by far used to have an application that was little more than "can you fog a mirror?" Now they are becoming more and more strict and raising rates to the point they may not be competitive. And this is why you need an independent agent who specializes in this coverage rather than either doing it yourself or going to a company sponsored seminar. (And don't get me started with HICAP)!

Rick
 


Back
Top