Under Age 65 Medicare Supplement (Medigap)
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Medicare Supplement Plans & Rates (2011) |
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If you are under age 65 and disabled, you may be eligible for a Medicare Supplement (Medigap) policy of your choice. Medicare Supplement policies are purchased when an individual becomes eligible for Medicare Parts A and B. Once your Medicare coverage starts, you will have an “Initial Open Enrollment” period (six months from the time your Part B coverage starts), this is a “guaranteed-Issue” time frame where you are guaranteed coverage regardless of your current or previous health status. You can purchase any Medicare Supplement policy from any company offering under age 65 Medigap plans in your state.
Under-Age 65 with ESRD …
If you are under age 65 and are now on Medicare because of ESRD (End Stage Renal Disease), please call so we can discuss your options. Depending on your state of residence, if you have an employer health insurance plan or currently on a Medicare Advantage plan you may have opportunities for coverage. Under-age 65 with Medicare and ESRD works differently than a person 65 or over with Medicare and ESRD. Under age 65 is a can be a bit tricky. Contact me and we can see what is available to you.
30 states offer Under-Age 65 Medicare Supplement (Medigap) …
California, Colorado, Connecticut (plan A only), Delaware, Florida, Georgia, Hawaii, Illinois, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Mississippi, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, North Carolina, Oklahoma (plan A only), Oregon, Pennsylvania, South Dakota, Tennessee, Texas (plan A only), Vermont and Wisconsin.
When Does Medicare Start if you are on Disability?
People who can establish that they suffer from long-term disabilities that prevent them from working can qualify for monthly Social Security disability insurance (SSDI) payments and Medicare. Individuals who file for social security disability benefits and are approved will be eligible at some point to receive medicare benefits, usually after 24 months. Individuals who are approved for SSI disability will initially receive Medicaid.
2 Years …
To receive Medicare benefits you will have to wait two years after the first date that you are entitled to receive a Social Security disability benefit. Unless you have insurance currently, this means you may be without health insurance coverage for up to two years. If you do have health insurance, do NOT cancel it when you first learn that you have been approved for Social Security disability, until you know when your Medicare coverage will begin.
Social Security Administration definition of disability …
- You must be unable to do any substantial work because of your medical condition(s), and;
- Your medical condition(s) must have lasted, or be expected to last, at least 1 year, or be expected to result in your death.
Medicare Part B Effective Date …
If you currently have an employer group health plan or union plan you do not have to enroll in Medicare’s Part B plan. When you know the plan will end you can call the Social Security office near you (800-772-1213) and tell them you are ready to start your Part B coverage. They can send you the appropriate paperwork to get you started.
Popular Company Rates …
Anthem Blue Cross, Family Life, Gerber, Mutual of Omaha, Forethought, Freedom Blue Medicare PPO
Open Enrollment Rights for Disabled Persons …
Disabled beneficiaries who are covered by Medicare before age 65 can use the Open Enrollment period again after attaining age 65 to apply for a new Medicare Supplement (Medigap) policy with the same or a different insurer. The benefits of reapplying after attaining age 65 may include: 1) getting better rates for the same policy from the beneficiary’s current insurer; 2) switching to an insurer not available to the beneficiary when he/she was under age 65; and 3) upgrading benefits while getting the “best rate” offered to all individuals over 65.
Need Help or have questions?
John Conner
www.JohnConner.com
john@johnconner.com
800-700-1246
[...] Medicare Supplement Rates [...]
I have Humana Gold in place of Medicare. I am disabled and under
62. Is there a policy that can cover the 20% that is not covered
under the Humana (supplement for medicare)Plan.
Hi George, if you want the 20% of the Medicare Part B covered, a Medicare Supplement plan may be ideal for you. Although not all states provide under-age 65 Medigap plans. What is your state of residence. Also, depending you how long you have had Part B coverage will depend if you are able to qualify for a Med Supp plan.
Feel free to contact me anytime regarding your current situation.
Thanks;
John Conner
john@johnconner.com
800-700-1246
John.
I live in Texas so I am pretty sure that I qualify. I have had Part B for a year. I want to make sure that this is not a medicare suppliement plan but a plan for the 20% not covered by medicare or in this case Humana. Not pleased with them.
Thanks
George
John,
What company do you work for?
Hi George, if you are unhappy with Humana, you can dis-enroll (last day is Feb 28th), and enroll into a new Medicare Advantage plan. The best place to look is http://www.medicare.gov. This site will tell you what Medicare Advantage plans are in your county, along with monthly premiums and benefits. Let me know if you need help.
Thanks .. John
I am an Independent Agent and represent about a dozen companies, mostly Medicare Supplement carriers. I also help my clients find Medicare Advantage plans, if that is what they are looking for. Also I help with Medicare Part D Rx plans.
Thanks George … John Conner
If I disenroll from Humana, do I go back on medicare. Also I will be 63 in October if that makes any difference.
Let me be sure that I understand correctly.
I get medicare that pays 80% and you can get me a policy that pays the other 20. Also can this apply to Humana if I keep it.
Thanks for the quick responses.
George
George, you can choose another Medicare Advantage plan (PPO or HMO) which is available in your county. Or you can dis-enroll from your Humana plan and go back to original Medicare and enroll in a Medicare Supplement plan. Under age 65 Medigap plans only offer Plan A which covers the Medicare Parts A & B coinsurance. Deductibles would be your responsibilty.
Call me if you need help.
Thanks;
John
Hi John,
Are you licensed to sell plans in Kentucky or would you be willing to assist me with getting some information for my father about a Medicare plan. He has ESRD so I know he is not eligible for Medicare Advantage plan. Right now he has COBRA insurance through former employer because it was better coverage but it is getting ready to run out. I was interested in seeing if he could qualify for a Medicare Supplement plan, but he’s past the 6 months from when he was deemed disabled.
Thank you!!
Hi Shelly, if you father is still on his employer health insurance plan, he is eligible for a Medicare Supplement plan (guaranteed). Even if he is past the 6 month window of becoming eligible for Medicare Part D, the group health coverage provides what’s called a “qualifying event.” Let me know his age and zip code and I’ll email the different company rates to you.
Thanks;
John Conner
john@johnconner.com
800-700-1246
Hello John,
I’m in the same situation as George in the above comments. I am age 46 and have been disabled for 8 years. I do work about 25 hrs a week in an office, but remain on disability as my Dr. believes my condition could worsen at any time.
I have Humana and am not pleased. It is taking the place of Medicare and I have to come up with the 20% on my own.
I live in georgia. Chattoga county. Do you know of anything available to me. I would love to drop humana, go back to regular medicare and find a supplemental policy that will pick up the remaining 20%. I realize the premium will be higher than what I currently pay, but am so willing to pay it.
Thank you for any information that you can provide.
Thank you.
I need help.. some of this is so confusing. My husband (only 31) is on SSDI. He makes only about $50 per month because about 600 more is taken from his check to pay for anthem health insurance.. He also received regualar SS checks every month. Now, if I understand correctly, he will switch to medicare after 24 months.. does this mean we will get to keep the money that would normally go to anthem? Would we get 600 more per month??
Hi, yes once your husband goes onto Medicare Parts A and B, he will have the option of cancelling his health insurance plan, and keep that premium. He will want to look into either a Medicare Supplement plan or Medicare Advantage to cover what Medicare doesn’t pay for (Deductibles, percentages etc.). Also, to cover his medications, he will need a Medicare Part D Rx plan.
Feel free to contact me anytime with your questions.
Thanks John
Hi, Georgia introduced Under-Age 65 Medicare Supplements in November 2010 and had a 6 month guaranteed-issue period for Medicare Supplement applicants until May 1, 2011. The state didn’t advertise this opportunity very well.
Is your current plan a Medicare Advantage plan, or an Employer group health insurance plan? If it is a group health plan, you can cancel that and have a guaranteed issue period of 63 days where you can enroll in anything you want. If your Humana plan is a Medicare Advantage you will have to wait until the next open enrollment period, later this year, to shop for a better plan.
Contact me anytime with yor questions.
Thanks John
My Part A and B medicare starts 1 Sep 2011, and I live in Iowa. Does this mean I cannot get Medgap from another state as Iowa does not
have it available?
Hi John, Iowa, is not an ‘under-age 65 Medicare Supplement state, unfortunately. What you can do is look into Medicare Advantage plans (HMO’s & PPO’s). Depending on your county of residence, you may be able to find a very good plan. Then, when you turn age 65, you will have a new 6 month open enrollment period where you can enroll in any Medicare Supplement or Medicare Advantage plan available in your area.
If you would like some assistance with researching Medicare Advantage plans, feel free to call anytime (800-700-1246).
Thanks … John Conner
I heard you could not get supplimental insurance to medicare part A and B if you live in Kentucky and are under age 65
Hi Barbara, under-age 65 Medicare Supplement plans are available in Kentucky. Give me your age and zip code and I’ll send you the rates of the different companies for Plan F.
Thanks … John
My sister is under 65 lives in Utah and is disabled. She was originally on SSDI/Medicaid, but after the two years, is now on Medicare and has been for 4-6 years. She also has a Part C Medicare Advantage plan instead of a Med Supp. She is facing ankle surgery in 2 months and wonders if the 20% not paid by Part A or B will be picked up by her Part C plan or not. Will she have to pay for it herself? She also has a Part D drug plan. What kind of costs should she expect when she enters hospital? Anything upfront?
My husband is under 65 also and is going through documentation for SSDI. If he gets it, as I understand it, he still has to be on SSDI Medicaid for 2 years before he gets original Medicare, but by then, he will age-in anyway. Is there any way to skip those 2 years and go onto original Medcare right away after he’s certified as disabled?
Hi Chris, yes your husband will still have to wait 2 years once on Disability for his Medicare coverage to start, even if he is currently on Medicaid. Unfortunately that is how our under-age 65 Medicare system works.
Please call if you ever have any questions.
John Conner
Hi Chris, your sisters Medicare Part C is the coverage which will cover her ankle surgery. She will have to check the coverage to determine how much of the procedure will be covered. If it is an outpatient procedure, look at the outpatient surgery benefits. If hospitalized, compare the hospital coverage of her part C company.
Hope that helps. Feel free to call anytime with questions.
Thanks;
John Conner
Hi John,
My husband will be eligible for medicare effective Oct 1 due to receiving ssd for 2 years for a permanant disablilty. He is not able to work and is currently still on his employer plan as a retiree. We live in Oklahoma and understand he will be offered only a plan A medigap policy? And none of his doctors are on the advantage plans that are offered. Could you perhaps give us some advice? He needs to be able to follow up with his doctors he has been seeing for the past 2 years due to cancer and massive stroke.
Thanks so much for you help.
Hi Diane, that is correct. Oklahoma is a “Plan A” state for under age 65 Medicare beneficiaries. If you give me your zip code I will be able to email you the rates of the different carriers. Is he close to age 65?
So his current doctors don’t accept any Medicare Advantage plan?
Diane call anytime with questions.
Thanks … John Conner
John:
My husband will have medicare on 11/1/11. He is 57 and disabled. He lives in Arkansas and wants a supplement. He does not want an advange plan. He only wants to see his doctors at Baylor Hospital in Dallas, Texas. I know Arkansas does not have guaranteed supplement plans. We have rental property in Texas. Does this qualify us for Texas plans? Any advice.
Hi Kandy, even if you did spend most of the year in Texas, Texas is a Plan A only state. Meaning they only offer Medicare Supplement plan A for anyone on Medicare who is under age 65. If this is something you would like more information on, please let me know.
Thanks .. John Conner
John
I became disabled in 9/2006. At that time I took out a medicare supplemental policy, Sierra Health & Life, Schedule F. Approximately 1 1/2 ago SHL was accquired by United Health Care. As of today I received notice that as of October 1, 2011 my premium would increase from 258.15 to a whopping 561.40. That is an increase of $303.25. Do I have any options. I am only 50 years old. Can I change to another medicare supplemental plan that will not be so expensive. I receive 1,155.00 a month in SSDI. I missed qualifying for Medicaid by $155.00 last year. There is no way that I can handle a increase of $303.25. I reside in Texas. New Caney, Montgomery County.
Hi Elizabeth, I’ve talked to a few other Sierra Health members in Texas. I spoke with Sierra health last week and they said there are not any options to move to another Medicare Supplement plan. If the policy had changed or cancelled you would have the option to move to another company. Although with a rate increase, the only option you have is to look into the Medicare Advantage plan, and the earliest they are available is; 1/1/2012.
Call me if you have any questions.
I wish I could give you better news.
John Conner
I am trying to find an insurance solution for an ESRD patient I work with in Florida who is in his early ’40s. He currently has Medicare primary and a MOO Medigap policy secondary, but the MOO policy is getting too expensive, and he would like to find something cheaper. He is being told by agents that because he’s under 65 he cannot switch carriers or even to a lower premium MOO policy, and no one wants ESRD patients. Also, he makes too much to qualify for Medicaid. Is there any way around his dilemma?
Hi Mike, ESRD for individuals under age 65 is a tough one! If your client currently has a Medigap plan, they won’t do any better. Their only option is to contact MOO to see if he can downgrade his policy to a different Medigap plan.
If you have questions please feel free to call anytime. Sorry I couldn’t help.
Thanks .. John Conner
I am 43 and disabled and have been on medicare since July 01, 2010. At that time I purchased a BCBSNC medigap plan A policy. I am currently thinking of switching to a Medicare Advantage plan due the cost of my current medigap policy. If I switch to a Medicare Advantage plan and decide it does not work for me, can I switch back to a Medigap policy at any time?
Hi Wendy, regarding switching back to a Medicare Supplement policy. You can if it is your first time on a Medicare Advantage policy and within 12 months of your Medicare Advantage start date. This is caused a “Trial-Right” option. You are allowed to dis-enroll from your Med Advantage and go back to Original Medicare along with a Medicare Supplement.
Hope that helps. If you have questions please call anytime.
Thanks .. John Conner
I think the answer is no such luck Ive been looking for a medicare policy to cover the 20% but I have ESRD everywhere I look is says no. Im beyond the 6 month time frame. Just doesnt seem fair with a transplant on the horizon and the immunosuppresant (sp) meds costing 15k a month.
Hi Dee, if you are outside your 6-month open enrollment window, there aren’t any Medicare Supplement companies which will enroll a person with ESRD. Are you anywhere near your 65th birthday. If so you can enroll in any plan you like.
Wish I could help.
John Conner
Hi, I am 49 yr old female, my medicare became effective 8/1/11, all my doctors do not accept the medicare advantage plans and i have since spoke twice to two different agents saying because of my age and the state i live in TX 75071 that i will not be able to find a supplemental plan. I have just looked at the Humana site and it gave no information on age so i called and the gentleman i spoke with said that they do not offer supplemental plans to people my age. i am at a stand still, i need medical attention which i cannot afford with just medicade, i am in dire need of a supplemental plan so i can get the healthcare needed in order for me to live an active lifestyle and work again. is there any options for me?
Thank you
Debbie
Hi Debbie, Texas is a “Plan A Only” state for their Medicare Supplement’s for under age 65 Medicare beneficiaries. I can verify first thing tomorrow morning regarding your age. I just need to make sure under age 50 is available.
I’ll notify you tomorrow morning.
Thanks Debbie … John Coner
Hi John:I have Medicare supplement policy plan N,If I go treatment chemotherapy and Radiation I know medicare will pay 80% of the coverage. Will the Medicare supplement policy plan N pay the other 20% of the fee? Thank you!
Hi Mike, yes the Plan N will pay the 20% after you satisfy the $162 Medicare Part B annual deductible.
Feel free to call anytime.
Thanks .. John
Hi John: I have been disabled for 5 years and never knew about the 6-month open enrollment period for MediGap policies. I am long past that and, at 50, am years away from the age 65 open enrollment period that guarantees my obtaining a plan if I wish. I do have a number of health issues, and I’m wondering is there any hope of finding a MediGap plan for myself? Or is it likely that, due to my health history, all the insurance companies would turn me down? Thanks so much…Leslie
Hi Leslie, I speak to plenty of under-age 65 Medicare beneficiaries who were not made aware of the available open-enrollment period. Unfortunately it is not mentioned very well when a person first becomes eligible for Medicare. At this time your best bet would be to look into a Medicare Advantage plan in your area. Medicare Advantage Open-Enrollment this year is from Oct 15 thru Dec 7th. The best place to look is http://www.Medicare.gov. Or you can call me and I’ll at least give you my opinion of the available plans.
Thanks Leslie
John Conner
John, I live in SC. I am 61, disabled and just qualified for Medicare A and B. Do I qualify for any Medigap policy? Thanks.
Hi Sandy, unfortunately South Carolina is not a state which provides under-age 65 Medicare Supplement plans. You can enroll in a Medicare Advantage (PPO’s & HMO’s) or you can stay with Original Medicare and pick up a Medicare Part D Rx plan. When you turn 65 you will have a new Open-Enrollment of 6 months to choose any Med Supp or Med Advantage plan in your area.
Feel free to call anytime if you have questions.
Thanks John.
Hey John,
I am 47 years old and disabled. I have Medicare part A & B. I am looking for supplemental insurance, but I live in Arizona. Is there a company that will sell me supplemental insurance? If not, do I have any options?
Ken
First thanks for the informative site. I live in Alabama,age 53 and on disability, multiple surgeries knock out private plans, to expensive. I have part A,B and healthspring drug, is their any help with co-pay?
Thanks Homer
Hi Homer, Alabama is not an under-65 Medicare Supplement state. Only certain states offer Medicare Supplement policies to individuals under the age of 65. Your best bet, is to look into the available Medicare Advantage plans in your area. A good place to search is the http://www.Medicare.gov site.
Or call me and we can search the available plans.
Thanks … John Conner
Hi Ken, you can’t enroll in a Medicare Supplement if you are under the age of 65 in Arizona. Your options are to look into Medicare Advantage plans. Open enrollment is now until December 7th, for a 1/1/2012 effective date. The Medicare website is the best place to check what is available in your County (www.Medicare.gov). Or call anytime and we can do a quick search.
Thanks … John
What supplement is avaliable to a South Carolina resident under 65 on disability with medicare?
Hi Elizabeth, South Carolina is not an under-age 65 Medicare Supplement state. Certain states make the insurance companies offer under age 65 plans to anyone on Medicare regardless of age. Your options are to either keep original Medicare by itself and enroll in a Medicare Part D plan for your prescription coverage, or to look into the Medicare Advantage plans (HMO’s and PPO’s) in your county. The best place to look is; http://www.medicare.gov. If you need help searching please let me know.
Thanks .. John
Hello,
My mom is disabled, under 65, lives in NJ, and currently has Medicare as secondary insurance and has my dad’s policy through work as primary. My dad is being laid off in February and she will, therefore, lose her primary insurance, thus making Medicare her primary. Her prescriptions are very expensive and she qualifies for extra help. Upon losing her primary coverage, should she enroll in an Advantage plan or would it be better to enroll in a Medigap plan along with a Part D prescription plan? I’m fairly sure NJ offers under 65 Medigap coverage.
Thanks for a great website.
Hi Kimberly, I would definately look into a Medicare Supplement plan as long as the price is within budget, and enroll in a Medicare Part D plan for her meds. Medicare Plan C is the only under-age 65 medicare supplement plan available in New Jersey, so the coverage will be very good.
Please contact me if you have questions.
Thanks .. John Conner
Thank you. I did look into the Horizon Blue Cross Blue Shield Contemporary Medigap Under 65 Plan C. They told me the only way she can get it is if she is enrolled in Medicaid. Does this seem accurate? She does collect SSI, but does not have Medicaid. Thank you again for your help in navigating this confusing matter!
Hi Kimberly, the information regarding Medicaid is incorrect. In the state of New Jersey, a person who has Medicare Part B and either voluntarily or involuntarily cancels their employer group health plan which is primary to Medicare, can enroll in a Medicare Supplement, guaranteed as long as you enroll within 63 days of leaving the group health plan.
Hope that helps. Call or email if you have questions.
Thanks .. John
Hi John, Help!!! My husband is on disability and is 60 years old. We live in Washington State in Asotin County, and I am overwhelmed trying to find a Medicare Supplement. He has medicare A and B and that is it. He did have Sterling Health but they dropped coverage in 2009 so he has been without since then (long story). Any help would be greatly appreciated.
Hi Shelley, Washington is not an “under-age 65 Medicare Supplement state. Have you looked at the Medicare Advantage plans (HMO’s & PPO’s) in your area? That is probably your best option for better coverage.
Let me know if I can help. Thanks .. John Conner
Thanx John, no I really haven’t, I guess because all the comments I have read about HMO’s has pretty much been negative. I guess may be my only option tho. Thanx so much!!! Shelley
The best place to check what Medicare Advantage plans are available in your area is: http://www.Medicare.gov.
Call me if you need help. Thanks .. John
Hello John, Thank you in advance for your support. I’m 47 recently received a positive ruling for SSID with medicare A&B, Which Medicare advantage plan / Ins Co would you recommend for the state of WV. And will I be able to enroll after the enrollment date ends. This is all so confusing. Thank you
I LIVE IN NEW JERSEY. I AM 46 YEARS OLD AND ON SSDI DO TO DISABILITY. I HAVE HAD PART A AND PART B SINCE 1996. I HAVE A DISORDER THAT CAUSES ME TO GET ALOT OF BRAIN AND BODY TUMORS SO MY MEDICAL BILLS R CRAZY! I AM LOOKING TO GET A MEDIGAP POLICY TO PAY WHAT MEDICARE DOES NOT. CAN YOU HELP! IT’S ALL SO CONFUSING:)
Hi Sandy, New Jersey offers under age 65 Medicare Supplement plans only if you apply to a Medicare Supplement within 6 month of enrolling in Medicare Part B. Or if exiting an employer health insurance plan. There are also a couple other situations which allow for a “guarantee-issue” enrollment.
Call anytime so we can discuss your options.
Thanks .. John Conner
Rick, West Virginia is not an “Under-Age-65″ Medicare Supplement state. There are currently 30 states which make it mandatory offer Medicare Supplement policies to individuals on Medicare regardless of age. In West Virginia your options are to enroll in a Medicare Advantage Plan (HMO’s & PPO’s), or stay on Original Medicare and enroll in a Part D prescription plan. The best place to look for Medicare Advantage plans and Part D plans are on the Medicare web site: http://www.medicare.gov. If you would like assistance, please let me know. And be sure to call if you have questions.
Thanks Rick … John Conner
Hi John,
I am disabled and under 50 and receive Medicare. I have been under HBCBS Medicare blue advantage plan and am in open enrollment now. I am looking to change over to a medicare supplemental plan . Can you recommend a good plan for medical and one for part D prescription plan for here in NJ?
Hi Carey, in order to move to a Medicare Supplement plan, it may be tricky. If you have been on Medicare for more than 6 months, or on a Medicare Advantage plan for more than 12 months, you may need to stay on a Med Advantage plan. The best place to compare Med Advantage plan in your area is http://www.Medicare.gov. It’s not the easiest site to maneuver, so if you need help feel free to contact me.
Thanks .. John
Hi, John. I don’t know if you can help me, but I am getting desperate here in Florida. I am 45, on disability, and am seeking a Medigap policy, Plan F, but am having difficulty finding a carrier who will sell me a supplement policy. I have been advised by our Florida insurance office that companies are required to sell me a policy regardless of my age. I’ve made several calls directly to insurance companies, used the medicare.gov and other websites, and essentially have spent a lot of time on this without getting anywhere. Even AARP (UnitedHealthcare) told me that, yes, they do sell policies in Florida, but they won’t sell to me because I am under age 50. Do you have any information that could help me?
Hi James, Florida does not have age restrictions regarding a Medicare Supplement policy. If you are on Medicare regarless of your age you can enroll in any available Medicare Supplement.
If you would like to see the different company rates, I’ll be happy to send them to you.
Thanks .. John Conner
John,
I have been researching a Medicare Advantage plan because I am disabled. I live in Arkansas and I am 61 yr. old. My husband is planning to retire in April and I will be losing his employee insurance plan at that time. In looking at the Medicare Advantage plans available in Arkansas I don’t really see any that are any better than just keeping regular Medicare and adding the Part D prescription plan. Am I missing something? My preference would be to get a Medigap policy but since that is not possible in Arkansas I guess I will have to wait until I am 65. I have a lot of health problems and I am afraid that I may run into problems before I reach 65.
Thank you for any information, suggestions, or comments.
Hi Carol, what is your Zip code and I’ll see what is available in your area, then give you some suggestions.
Thanks .. John Conner
My zipcode is 71801. I appreciate your help very much. Thanks!
Hi Carol, I just emailed you a couple Medicare PPO plans in your area. Please feel free to contact me anytime.
Thanks .. John Conner
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