Once you have selected a Supplement Plan, can you change it? Is there a specific time that you have to do it? My husband has chosen Plan N, to start May 1st. He wants to see if Plan N will meet his needs, and if not, he would change to Plan F. I'm wondering if making a change is possible and what obstacles we would face.
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Changing your Medicare Supplement Plan
- Thread starter Lacawac
- Start date
Lacawac said:
Hi, and welcome.
I think it would depend on the particular insurer if they allow changing from one plan to the other.
It is not like the Medicare Advantage or the Prescription Drug program (part c and part d) where they have open enrollment from October to December every year and anyone can change without penalty.
So contact your insurer and ask them. Also it would be helpful if you would post what they say here as I am sure others have the same question.
Lacawac said:
Mack is right, there is no enrollment time period for supplements. You are allowed to change your supplement at any time. The change will be subject to underwriting requirements of the company. There is a cost savings with plan N, but it also is missing some noticeable coverage that is in plan F. Make sure that is really what you want.
matt
I understand going with United Health care for prescription coverage but I'm surprised to here you are going with UHC for your supplement. They are one of the most expensive plans in my area. You might compare rates and see if you can find a cheaper carrier. You can use this link to get online medicare quotes.
UHC usually lets you change as long as you stay with them. As for the SHIP response, that is state specific information. NY and CT allow you to change Medigap's anytime. CA has a rule where you can change annually within 30 days of your birthday. There are a few other states with generous rules like this. The majority of states do not have these rules and the new insurance company may require medical underwriting.Lacawac said:
MBSC said:
For Ca, I'm pretty sure that's only for switching to a plan with equal or lesser coverage.
Found this:
"California’s Medicare Supplemental Insurance law (AKA “Birthday Rule”) allows Medigap members to switch to a different insurance plan or provider during the 30 days following the member’s birthday. Members who take advantage of this new switching law cannot be turned down for the new plan because of a pre-existing condition.
To take advantage of this rule, you must:
1) Live in California
2) Have an active Medigap plan
3) Switch to a plan with same or lesser benefits
4) Be within 30 days of your birthday