Any Advice For Picking A Medicare Supplement Plan?....

[progree]

38. Choose carefully. You can't switch Medigap plans later without losing your federal guarantee

As you may have read, if you enroll in a Medicare Supplement Plan aka Medigap plan (the two terms are synonymous) within the first 6 months of enrolling in regular Medicare (check the exact wording on this, the 6 month window is CRUCIAL), then you are guaranteed enrollment without any medical questions being asked (except smoker non-smoker) and no extra cost for pre-existing conditions.

AFTER THAT, as long as you renew the same plan, that's OK. But shifting to another plan, even from the same insurer, and you no longer have that guarantee -- You may be charged more depending on your health status, or denied coverage. Thus you are kind of stuff with the first Medigap plan you choose for life (if you want to remain in Medigap and keep those guarantees). Shocking but true.

Some plans are community rated, some are issue age rated, and some are attained age rated. The attained age rated means older people pay more than young people. Community rated means there is no age discrimination.

I very strongly urge you to read everything you can on Medigap and these issues.

Also take advantage of the SHIP program in your state -- these are relatively unbiased counselors (they don't work for a particular insurance company but rather funded by federal and state taxes).

You are absolutely NOT making a big deal out of this crucial crucial decision.

Medicare Advantage is different (the other route to go to fill the Medicare A and B gaps), that's easy to switch. But then you have to deal with networks and nagging.