As an insured with a California Medicare Supplement plan, you can switch to a different Medicare Supplement company at anytime throughout the year.  To do this, simply submit a completed application along with a copy of your Medicare card (some companies will need the first months premium, other will deductible the first months dues from a bank account).  The new company will review the incoming application and your current health status, and base their decision on your health.  In the State of California all Medicare Supplement insureds are also allowed to switch to a new company during the month of their birthday.  This acceptance during this time to the new company is guaranteed as long as the new plan has the same or less benefits as your current Medicare Supplement plan.  This “Birthday Rule” guaranteed period benefit is only offered in only two States, California and Missouri.  All other states have to be approved medically.

• California Medicare Supplement - Monthly Rates

If you are twitching to a new Medicare Supplement company and are hoping for approval, each company asks different health questions on their application.  Some company applications will ask about any conditions or medications going back 20 years, other will only need the last two years for certain conditions.  I can save you a lot of time with this process, so please feel free to call anytime.

Remember, switching during the month of your birthday is extremely easy and usually very quick.  Simply submit the application material and the approval process typically takes a week or two.  Your ID cards are mailed to you and you are up and running on the new, hopefully, lower priced plan.  Shopping for a lower priced premium is a good idea.  There are plenty of new Medicare Supplement companies entering California annually.  Give yourself a month or two to compare the rates and plans of your choice, so you can make a sound decision when looking for a new California Medicare Supplement plan.  A couple examples of companies which have recently been approved to offer their Medicare Supplement plans in California are; Gerber Life and Family Life.  Both offer very competitive Medicare Supplement rates.

• Pleaese call for an application - they can be emailed, faxed or mailed.

If you are new to Medicare make sure you have both Medicare parts A and B.  If you have worked most of your life, you are entitled to Medicare Part A when you turn 65.  Part B you will have to purchase on a monthly basis, either by your Social Security income or from a bank account.  Once you have A and B you are eligible to apply to a Medicare Plan, either a Medicare Supplement or a Medicare Advantage plan.  Medicare Advantage plans include, PPO’s, HMO’s and Private Fee For Service (PFFS) plans, and work quite differently than Medicare Supplement plans.  Call so I can explain both for you.

If you have recently applied for Medicare part B but have not received your new Medicare Card showing your Part B effective date.  That’s O.K!  Once you apply, you will first receive a letter in the mail stating you have been approved for Medicare part B along with the effective date is.  Your new Medicare card may take another week or two to arrive.  California Medicare Supplement companies will accept the initial letter from the Social Security Administration as proof of your Part B coverage.   Your Medicare Supplement coverage will usually start on the same date as your Part B effective date.

I’m here to help, so feel free to contact me anytime for more information.

John Conner
Medicare Specialist
www.JohnConner.com
john@johnconner.com
800-700-1246 - office
800-995-9913 - fax

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