Medicare Supplement coverage denied? Why insurance companies deny you (and what to do about it). 

The process of obtaining healthcare as an elder in the US is incredibly dehumanizing and intentionally made too complicated. The reason the for-profit insurance industry likes the complexity and obfuscation is because you really only get ONE six month window to obtain Medigap in your life without having to pass medical underwriting. The insurance companies use this law simply to cherry pick the healthiest seniors, and the rest be damned. Damned to becoming homeless and broke by one major health care crisis. When you get part B original Medicare, your Social Security payment gets a 10% deduction. then another for prescription drugs, and you only have that six month window to take another hit for your Medigap, which is another big hit. This is why there are so many seniors wasting away in RV's due to those pesky pre-existing conditions that get you declined. Like a heart condition, cancer, diabetes, COPD. All the things that happen to people when they start getting older. The evil lies not so much in the cynical calculus of who gets coverage, but in the intentional concealment of the truth behind a mountain of gobbledygook that both Medicare and the insurance companies throw at you to make you miss your one shot at Medigap plan.

I think one point that should be mentioned, is that while an MAPD PPO may let you go out of network, the doctor you want to see has to agree to accept your plan. For whatever reason they may not want to participate with Huma, Aetna, UHC, etc. With a supp, if the doctor accepts Medicare, he/she must accept every supp, regardless of the company. That to me is something many people don't realize. Companies that do Advantage, tend to leave that part out. They just say as a PPO, you can go in network or out of network. Excellent video by the way.

Thank you for the video. I wish I would of known all this information earlier. I'm age 74 now. Blessings to you.

Probably one of the most informative videos I've ever watched in regards to Medicare coverage. I too assumed that once I signed up for a supplement plan, I could switch plans without any sort of underwriting. And I'd be wrong. Thanks for putting this out!

Only after the first grace period so choose correctly and do your due diligence

I agree. The summary comparison, the good and the bad, and more. She informed us about other possibilities like appeals and how to measure the worth of a providing company’s supplemental (medigap) Plan G. By hearing these things again clearly and concisely presented, I eventually am understanding. I was surprised to find two categories of States make exceptions to obtaining or moving to supplemental coverage. Currently in 2024 February, 4 states allow change without underwriting. I thought VT (Vermont) used to be one. Then there‘s another set of states that link moving to supplemental based on birthday or something related to it. Total shock, possibilities.

So glad I live in Maine

First of all: Do not cancel your current plan untill a new company or plan has been accepted and confirmed . supplement insurance companies may deny your application just for being overweight.

Your input is truly valuable. I hope to see more contents like this!

I have been so impressed with the information that Stephanie has shared, that my wife and I have both worked with her team. Thank you Abt! :)

Thank you Stephanie for posting this helpful video. I enjoy and appreciate your channel.

Medicare denied my Mom because they said she doesn't have any credits for Medicare . She was a stay-at-home Mom.

Another great informative video, thank you.

Thank you sooo much! I have been trying to get these answers from my broker, who sold me on an advantage plan without giving me any info on supplement plans,

Great explanation

So much great info...thank you

That's a good 👍 information have a great week and thanks beautiful 😍❤️ for another good video see you soon Hi from Cleveland Ohio

2:36 see these 4 states or qualifying life events/issue might allow you to change to a Supplemental (Medigap). Reasons companies that might deny supplemental are allowed. These types of

Dreaded having to learn about Medicare as I turn 65 in September. Those commercials during open enrollment are confusing and annoying. I turned to YT to begin learning the easiest way I know. Stephanie made this madness so simple! Suddenly I felt like and expert and that I could see the way to making decisions. Stephanie is just up the road from where we live, and I felt that Texas connection. I called her office and was helped by Abbie, who is as informative and pleasant as Stephanie! I also learned that Abbie will serve as my agent from here on. I had no idea of the ongoing customer service. I am so very pleased!

👋ThankYOU

Thank you for these videos!!! Does retiring after age 65 from a job where health insurance is provided constitute a qualifying event for starting the guaranteed-issue phase?

Very informative video. Question though, I have medical coverage through my employer (large multinational company) that also covers my wife and she will soon be turning 65. Should I continue to keep her on my insurance or should I have her get all the Plan A /B / D / Medigap anyway just to avoid any issues?

Are you licensed in Texas?

I have been on disability for a little over a year. I turned 65 in Jan 2024. I got Medicare A & B with a supplement plan. I just got approved for Medi-cal (Medicaid) full coverage on 03/01/2024 so I have to drop my supplement plan. If a couple years down the road I no longer qualify for medi-cal, can I get a supplement plan again without underwriting.

Hi Stephanie, If I have a High Deductible Plan G and want to switch back to a regular plan G a few years later, does that require underwriting approval ? Thanks, Paul

What if I get a Part D plan in CA at the same time I am getting Part B, but then a year later move to another state, or US commonwealth (such as Puerto Rico)? I assume I would have to apply for another Part D plan in the new location, will I have to pass though medical underwriting? Same question for purchased a Plan G plan in CA and then moving to another state or US commonwealth

Any idea why NJ is the only tri-state not to have guaranteed -issue rights?

what happens if you only have plan A because you have had full medical coverage thru your employer ...... turning 70 and will retire next year will there be a problem getting into a supplement policy

My understanding was California also allowed you to sign up for Medigap insurance for up to 30 days after your birthday each year with guaranteed acceptance. I didn’t see them listed as one of the states that do not require medical underwriting

No one is ever denied if and that’s a mighty big “IF” you have the money to pay for it. Your welcome!

In the video it says medicare doesn't cover 20 percent. I thought it was 30 percent.

Let's put the blame where it belongs folks. It's easy to finger the insurance carriers but our legislators in their greed and incompetence are the idiots that created this nightmare. Don't ever make the mistake thinking that these clowns have our interests as their motivation.

Best plan at 65, might not be at 70 even.

What if you’re approved for medigap and then in January or February the insurance company says they consider an ailment a preexisting condition and won’t pay for your treatment? It sounds like financial Russian roulette to be approved only to have your new insurance company not pay. If a medigap insurance company refuses to pay can you then find an advantage plan in the Jan 1-March 31 enrollment period so you can get treatment?