What Happens To My Health Insurance When I Turn 65?

Steps to Take if You Have a Pre-existing Condition That Affects Your Eligibility for Health Coverage for a Medicare Supplement Insurance Plan

Pre-existing conditions can significantly affect your eligibility and the cost of your healthcare coverage. This can be especially troublesome if you’re trying to apply for a Medicare Supplement Insurance Plan and underwriting is required.

The good news is that…

with the proper knowledge and guidance, you can take the necessary steps to mitigate the effects of your pre-existing condition on your eligibility for Medicare.

In this blog section, we’ll outline the important steps to follow if you have a pre-existing condition that affects your eligibility for health coverage for Medicare.

1. Understand the Different Parts of Medicare

Before you can properly navigate Medicare and your health coverage options, it’s important to understand the different parts of Medicare. There are four parts of Medicare: Part A (hospital insurance), Part B (medical insurance), Part C (Medicare Advantage), and Part D (prescription drug coverage).

Each part of Medicare covers different services and has different enrollment periods and costs. Once you have a full understanding of the different parts of Medicare, you can then identify which parts of Medicare you qualify for and which parts are most beneficial for your healthcare needs.

2. Consult with a Licensed Insurance Sales Agent with Medicare Plan Options

Navigating Medicare and your health coverage options can be a complex and overwhelming process, especially if you have a pre-existing condition. This is why it’s highly recommended to consult with a licensed insurance sales agent with Medicare plan options.

A licensed insurance sales agent can help you identify your eligibility for different parts of Medicare, help you enroll in the appropriate plans, and offer guidance on how to save on healthcare costs.

3. Be Mindful of Medigap Open Enrollment Period

If you have a pre-existing condition that may affect your eligibility for health coverage with a Medicare Supplement Insurance Plan, be aware that during your Medigap Open Enrollment Period, you do not go through underwriting when applying for a Medicare Supplement Insurance Plan. 

This six-month enrollment period starts the first day of the month that you’re 65 or older and also have signed up for Part B, and ends after the Initial Enrollment Period (3 months).

4. Consider Medicare Advantage Plans

Medicare Advantage Plans (Part C) are plans offered by private insurance companies that provide an all-in-one alternative to Original Medicare. Medicare Advantage Plans also cover pre-existing conditions, even those that prevent you from getting coverage from Original Medicare. If you have a pre-existing condition that affects your eligibility for health coverage for Medicare, it’s definitely worth considering a Medicare Advantage Plan.

5. Research Prescription Drug Coverage Options

If you have a pre-existing condition that requires medication, it’s important to research prescription drug coverage options. Medicare Part D provides prescription drug coverage, but it may not provide coverage for all of the medications you need.

If this is the case, you may want to consider enrolling in a Medicare Advantage Plan that includes prescription drug coverage that covers your prescription, or looking into other programs, such as the Extra Help Program or state pharmaceutical assistance programs.

Having a pre-existing condition can make navigating healthcare and health coverage options complex and overwhelming. However, with the proper knowledge and guidance, you can take the necessary steps to mitigate the impact of your pre-existing condition on your eligibility for health coverage.

By understanding the different parts of Medicare, consulting with a licensed insurance sales agent, checking for eligibility for SEPs, considering Medicare Advantage Plans, and researching prescription drug coverage options, you can make informed decisions about your healthcare and get the coverage you need.