Medicare Supplements for Individuals Under Age 65 On Disability
Currently there are only a few states allowing insurance companies to offer Medicare Supplements to those under the age of 65. Due to legislative changes, California, Georgia, Florida, Illinois, Missouri, Pennsylvania, Texas, and Tennessee are such states.
Just like those reaching age 65, those who qualify for Medicare due to disability will have an open enrollment window available to them where most supplemental plans can be purchased without medical underwriting. It is wise to purchase a plan during this period.
Likewise if you are losing credible coverage (like a group health insurance plan), then you may also qualify for a supplement without underwriting. In very few states, Tennessee for example, losing Medicaid (TennCare) is also a qualifying event.
Medicare Disability Insurance Offerings
So long as you are in your open enrollment window (three months before or after your acceptance into Medicare Part A and B) then you can purchase most supplemental policies.
Rates will vary between insurance companies so it is wise to speak with an independent agency like ours to compare rates. In most states, Medigap insurance providers are allowed to charge higher premiums for someone who is under age 65.
Two states where this is not the case are Pennsylvania and Tennessee.
In states like Missouri and California, those on Medicare disability and under age 65 can switch to like or lesser coverage on their anniversary or birthday respectively. This does not mean that the insurance can be upgraded, just that similar or lesser coverage can be obtained without underwriting.
Medicare Supplement Insurance Medical Underwriting
If you miss your open enrollment window, then you will need to go through underwriting with most companies. This can be very difficult for someone on Medicare Disability with ongoing health concerns.
Thus, it is wise to explore all of your options as soon as you have been accepted into Medicare due to disability or if you are involuntarily losing credible (group) coverage from an employer or elsewhere.
Medicare Advantage Insurance Coverage
In states where Medicare supplement insurance is not available to those under age 65 (like Arizona, Indiana and Ohio for instance) you may want to consider Medicare Advantage insurance coverage. These are private insurance plans offered by companies like Aetna, Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield, Humana, United Healthcare and others.
Typically Medicare Advantage plans have the potential for higher out of pocket expenses than a traditional supplement, but they are less expensive and can be a better alternative to Medicare alone. And most MA plans also include prescription drug coverage as part of the overall policy. Our agency can help you better understand MA policies.
Contact Us For Quotes & Information
We are an independent Medicare supplement insurance provider working in several states including California, Florida, Illinois, Missouri, Pennsylvania, Tennessee and elsewhere. We can help you apply for Medigap insurance as well as Part D prescription coverage direct and at no additional cost.
Category: Medicare Supplements