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Medicare Supplement: Health Questions You May Be Asked

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Sylvia Gordon

If you’re considering a Medicare Supplement plan, you may have encountered the term “Medicare Supplement underwriting.” This process plays a crucial role in determining whether you can secure the coverage you need and at what cost. 

This article will delve into the world of Medicare Supplement underwriting, the questions you might face, conditions that can impact whether you are eligible, and how to navigate this process successfully. By the end, you’ll have a better grasp of what to expect and how to make informed decisions about your Medicare Supplement coverage.

Medicare Supplement Underwriting Explained

Medicare Supplement underwriting is essentially a risk assessment by insurance companies. 

You likely went through a similar process when obtaining car insurance. Your adjuster would ask questions such as “Have you been in any accidents in the past 5 years?” The purpose was to gauge the likelihood of an accident. 

Likewise, Medicare Supplement underwriters analyze your medical history to estimate how likely you are to file a medical claim. If they anticipate many claims, you might find it challenging to secure coverage or face higher premiums.

Do all Medicare Plans involve underwriting? 

Not all Medicare plans involve underwriting. Original Medicare (comprising Parts A and B) does not use underwriting, and neither does Medicare Advantage health plans or Medicare Part D prescription drug plans. However, when it comes to Medicare Supplement plans, also known as Medigap plans, medical underwriting is an essential part of the application process.

Medical Underwriting Questions

When you begin the application process for a Medicare Supplement plan, you’ll encounter an array of health-related inquiries. This process is designed to assess if you are eligible or not. These questions aim to build a comprehensive understanding of your health profile. 

Moreover, questions regarding your current prescription drug regimen help underwriters gauge the medications you take and their implications on your health. 

The specific questions may vary slightly between different Medigap plans. However, the overall goal is to provide a thorough assessment of your health status. Insurers use this information to tailor your coverage to your needs and set your premiums accordingly. 

Your candid responses to these questions are fundamental in shaping your Medicare Supplement plan. Therefore, it is essential to be forthright and accurate during this part of the application process.

What Can Trigger a Denial?

medicare supplement health questions - Decision paper wait for check

Certain pre-existing conditions can raise red flags during underwriting, potentially leading to the rejection of your Medicare Supplement insurance application. The most common conditions that may trigger a denial include:

  •  Any pending test results
  •  AIDS
  •  Alzheimer’s disease
  •  Cirrhosis
  •  Atrial fibrillation
  •  Kidney failure
  •  Heart attacks
  •  Any history of cancer
  •  Specific cognitive conditions like dissociative amnesia and Huntington’s chorea

Beyond specific medical conditions, other factors may also contribute to the denial of your Medigap application. These include the use of certain medical devices or medications associated with conditions such as COPD, multiple sclerosis, or any of the health conditions listed above. This applies even if the application does not explicitly inquire about the disease itself.

Consequences of Providing False Information on Your Medigap Application

When completing your Medigap application, honesty truly is the best policy. Being less than truthful can have serious repercussions for your coverage.

Medicare Supplement insurers can deny your benefits or even rescind your policy under a provision known as Denial of Claim/Rescission. It’s a clear reminder that honesty should always be your best practice. Lying on your application is not only ill-advised but also highly likely to come to light eventually. When discovered, it leaves you without the coverage you thought you had secured.

Your Path to a Hassle-Free Application Process

Senior couple walking in a park in autumn

While medical underwriting can seem daunting, there are strategies to help you bypass this process successfully. One primary route is to apply for a Medicare Supplement policy during the Medigap Open Enrollment Period (OEP). This window spans six months before and after when you are both enrolled in Medicare Part B and reach 65 years of age. During this period, your medicare supplement application cannot be denied because of underwriting.

Apart from the Medigap Open Enrollment Period, you can also avoid medical underwriting if you have guaranteed issue rights. Various situations can grant you these rights, offering you the ability to change your policy without dealing with underwriting questions.

Expert Assistance for Complex Health Scenarios

Navigating the intricate world of Medicare Supplement underwriting, especially if you have preexisting conditions or complex health issues, can be challenging. You also need to consider that different insurers have varying criteria. While one might deny coverage based on a specific health condition, another might accept you.

In addition, your state’s rules can offer added protections for Medigap policies. Some states provide extra enrollment periods or continuous guaranteed issue rights for certain plans, ensuring more opportunities to secure a policy without facing underwriting hurdles.

With the maze of regulations and variations, having guidance is invaluable. The Medicare Family, with over 40 years of expertise, is here to help. We assist seniors in navigating these complexities to find the best Medigap coverage for their needs.

We want to help you obtain exceptional health coverage tailored to your unique needs. Begin your journey to better Medicare coverage today by scheduling an appointment with our team of experts. 

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a Medicare Supplement plan?

A Medicare Supplement plan, also known as Medigap, is extra health insurance you can buy from a private company. It helps pay some of the healthcare costs that Original Medicare doesn’t cover, like copayments, coinsurance, and deductibles.

When is the best time to buy a Medicare Supplement plan?

The best time to buy a Medicare Supplement plan is during your Medigap Open Enrollment Period. This is a six-month period that starts the month you’re 65 or older and enrolled in Medicare Part B. During this time, you can buy any Medigap policy sold in your state, even if you have health problems.

Can I be denied a Medicare Supplement plan because of my health?

If you apply for a Medicare Supplement plan outside of your Medigap Open Enrollment Period, insurance companies can use medical underwriting to decide whether to accept your application and how much to charge you. This means they can look at your health history and current health status. However, during your Open Enrollment Period, you have a guaranteed right to buy any Medigap policy, regardless of your health.

Sylvia Gordon, aka Medicare Mama®, is an expert on all things Medicare and Social Security. She is the 2nd Generation here at The Medicare Family and has served on the advisory boards of major insurance companies like UnitedHealthcare®, Cigna, and Anthem. In her free time, she can be found taking care of her animals (dogs, goats, peacocks, chickens), and reading a good book. Learn More.
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