You will most likely be entitled to a six month Guaranteed Issue Open Enrollment Period beginning with the first day of the month that your Part B coverage is effective. This is possible as early as your 65th birthday month, as long as your Original Medicare Part A is also active. For individuals with medical concerns, this is a critical enrollment period. There are exceptions, but after this time frame, insurance companies can screen applicant’s health status and deny their enrollment. We need to discuss whether a Medicare Supplement is right for you.

The “Birthday Rule” allows residents of California that currently have a Medicare Supplement an opportunity to change to a supplement with another company with lower costs or additional benefits. This is a guaranteed issue period with no medical underwriting or screening of the new member. The time frame is 30 days prior to and following your birthday. There are a total of 61 days to exercise the birthday rule.

A Medicare Supplement can be changed year round in an effort to decrease cost or add benefits; however, the insurance company may conduct medical underwriting and screen the applicant prior to approval. Insurance companies vary in their determination to accept a new member. Let’s have a conversation and discuss if a change in plan is possible and benefits you.