Switching To Medigap
How to switch to a Medigap plan if you have Medicare Advantage.
Switching to Medigap (Plan G) from Medicare Advantage requires some planning. There are several important things you should know.
Even if you haven’t thought about changing plans before now, understanding your rights and your options is important. Here I’ll discuss when, how and why to consider changing plans.
When can you dis-enroll from a medicare advantage plan?
There are two times each year you are allowed to disenroll from your Medicare Advantage plan.
- The Annual Open Enrollment Period (AEP)
- The Medicare Advantage Open Enrollment Period (MA-OEP)
The Annual Open Enrollment Period (AEP) takes place each year in the fall from October 15 through December 7.
The Medicare Advantage Open Enrollment Period (MA-OEP) is something new that was created when Congress passed the Bipartisan Balanced Budget Act in 2018. It is one last chance to change your policy for the year if you missed the Annual Open Enrollment or made a mistake during Open Enrollment. It takes place from January 1 through March 31 each year.
There are also other enrollment periods available, such as your Initial Enrollment Period (IEP) when you turn 65 and Special Enrollment Periods (SEP) that you may qualify for when you move outside the plans service area or when you retire and lose your employer group health insurance plan or qualify for another reason. [READ MORE ABOUT ENROLLMENT PERIODS]
If your goal is changing from a Advantage plan to Medigap, you need to apply as early as possible during your enrollment period. You want to be sure the Medigap plan accepts your application before you cancel your Advantage plan.
“The most important thing I tell all my clients is to never cancel a policy before they have confirmation from the new plan. It’s best to wait until you have a confirmation letter or insurance card from the new company in your hands before cancelling your old plan.”
Todd Reagin, Local Agent in Maine
Some Medigap Plans can deny you if you have a pre-existing medial conditions.
If you miss the Medigap open enrollment period, some companies can deny you coverage or charge more because of preexisting conditions. But, sometimes, you qualify for a special enrollment period that grants guaranteed issue rights.
These rights vary from state to state. To learn about what rights you have, you should talk to a licensed insurance agent who specializes in Medicare plans and is certified to help people understand all the rules and regulations of Medicare.
Would you like my help?
I am licensed by the state so I know what consumer protection laws exist to protect my clients. I am also certified to help people with Medicare Part C and D plans each year which guarantees my knowledge of Medicare regulations is current.
The best part about working with me is that it will not cost you anything to talk with me to discuss your options and review the plans that are available.
I am paid by the insurance companies in the form of a commission when you enroll in a plan. You will not pay anything to meet with me and you will pay the same price for your insurance that everyone pays whether they had my help or not.
“My goal is to help people and I have found great joy in being able to offer my services to people who need my help.”
