Medigap policies handle preexisting conditions in a few different ways. Enrolling in a Medigap plan during your initial enrollment period is your best bet to avoid the pitfalls of preexisting conditions. You are guaranteed to be approved regardless of your current health. This doesn’t mean you’re covered right away, though. Let us explain…
Medigap: Preexisting Condition Waiting Period
Even if you enroll during your Medigap initial enrollment period, you could still have a preexisting condition waiting period. We know this doesn’t make sense, at first! Let us get into what this means.
While you cannot be denied enrollment during your Medigap initial enrollment period, if you did not have “creditable coverage” in the 6 months leading up to your Medigap plan, you may have to wait up to 6 months before your Medigap plan covers your preexisting conditions.
Don’t worry if this is your situation! You’ll still have coverage with Original Medicare Part A and B. As well as your new Medigap plan would cover all non-preexisting condition healthcare you receive (as long as these services are covered by Original Medicare).
How to Avoid Preexisting Condition Waiting Period
The secret to avoiding waiting periods is to have “credible coverage” 6 months before applying for Medigap.
Examples of credible coverage are:
- Group health insurance to Medigap
- Individual health insurance to Medigap
- Student health insurance to Medigap
- Government-issued insurance to Medigap
Contact your previous plan to check if it is considered “credible” by the Center for Medicare Services (CMS).
Ways to avoid Medigap preexisting waiting periods:
- Continuous coverage for a minimum of 63 days in the previous 6 months (each provider has their own conditions)
- Current policy is considered credible coverage by CMS
- Enroll in Medigap as soon as you are eligible
- Don’t drop your current coverage until you have received confirmation from your new policy
Get a Medigap Quote Enroll in Medigap
Missed the Medigap Initial Enrollment?
If you missed your initial open enrollment period (OEP) you will most likely need to undergo medical underwriting and a preexisting condition may increase your monthly premium or the company could deny coverage, altogether. With that said, you may have a couple of other options.
Options if you miss your Medigap initial enrollment period:
- Medigap Special Enrollment Period (SEP): An SEP follows a life-changing event such a loss of your current coverage through a move, loss of job or your health insurance provider no longer provides coverage in your area.
- Blue Shield CA Underwriting Holiday: If you live in California, during this limited period, Blue Shield allows almost all Medicare beneficiaries to enroll in a BSCA Medigap Plan G with guaranteed issuance. Get your Blue Shield CA Medigap Plan G quote.
What do I do next?
If you have further questions about how Medigap handles preexisting conditions or need help getting a quote in your area call one of our licensed agents at 800-930-7956 or contact Senior65.com.
Our agents can NOT charge you a fee for a quote or enrollment!