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Enrolling In Medicare Supplement Plans (what If You Miss Dec 7 Deadline)

Discussion in 'General Discussions - USA & Canada' started by SuiDhaaga, Dec 5, 2021.

  1. SuiDhaaga

    SuiDhaaga IL Hall of Fame

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    An Aunty realized she needed to enroll in a Medicare Supplement Plan for 2022. Problem is, I can assist in weekends only (I'd have to take leave from work to do this during weekday).

    I called her health plan which is open on weekends, but representative said that the Supplemental dept is open only on weekdays, hence cannot enroll.

    Last day to enroll is Dec 7. Representative said don't worry, this will take little time.

    People say, "oh, it will take little time", but little time means few hours, or few days, and it may go well past the Dec 7 deadline. (believe me, today I took flu shot for which I had appointment and waited for little time for 1 hour)

    We emailed the health insurance, but are kinda miffed (this would have saved lot of $$$ in the coming year).

    How to best approach this.

    Tagging Illites, @MalStrom @Laks09 . Feel free to assist (not earth-shattering, but feeling. kinda dumb right now)
     
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  2. Laks09

    Laks09 Moderator Staff Member IL Hall of Fame

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    @SuiDhaaga - Open enrollment for Medicare is ending on Monday. I’m not sure about the specific state you are in but some do accept applicants with a penalty post the last date. Some don’t. I think it’s a good idea for you to take time off work on Monday morning and complete the enrollment process if you have to call the medicare provider to get on the supplement plan.

    Have you tried enrolling online at Medicare.gov: the official U.S. government site for Medicare | Medicare
    directly without having to call your plan provider? I don’t know how enrollment for supplement plans works in all states but I thought you could do it online. Do give it a try today.
     
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  3. SuiDhaaga

    SuiDhaaga IL Hall of Fame

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    I went to medicare.gov and the chat people say we need to contact insurance directly.

    Alas - now I have my work cut out for me!
     
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  4. SuiDhaaga

    SuiDhaaga IL Hall of Fame

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    I was able to call the insurance. The lady said she sent the request over to process.

    Processing request should take a week.

    Our concern is what if request don’t go through and today is last day.

    We never purchased supplemental insurance before, and we avoid waiting till last minutes, but circumstances were thus.
     
  5. Laks09

    Laks09 Moderator Staff Member IL Hall of Fame

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    @SuiDhaaga - From what you have written, I’m assuming this is a Medicare supplement policy ie; medigap. Insurance companies are legally bound to not deny you the Medigap policy if you apply within the open enrollment deadline. Most people get it within the six months of turning 65 when they can’t be denied coverage either.
     
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  6. SuiDhaaga

    SuiDhaaga IL Hall of Fame

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    I’m unsure if this is medigap because this supplemental policy was offered by the particular Medicare Insurance company. No Oirginal Medicare, but an insurance company.

    At least no one referred to this as medigap.

    On Sat the Customer service told us to contact the supplemental depth of the insurance directly.

    on Monday morning (today) when we tried, they say press option something to purchase, then they say they are closed for another hour.

    that is when we contacted customer service we are familiar with to get the process rolling.

    but I dunno if this is Medigap, I’m gonna ask when I can reach someone.

    I hope they process this coverage (i.e, no mistakes which we then have to fight, even though the insurance is legally bound to give it to her because we applied before deadline)

    My Aunty is mid 70s. She got Medicare when she turned 65, but this is first time she is getting supplemental.
     
  7. Laks09

    Laks09 Moderator Staff Member IL Hall of Fame

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    . Those Medicare supplemental policies offered by insurance providers are sometimes referred to as Medigap.


    Hopefully she will get it. Keep us posted!
     
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  8. SuiDhaaga

    SuiDhaaga IL Hall of Fame

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    This evening I called same insurance company for separate issue.

    Then the topic came up about supplemental coverage

    They confirmed that my Aunty will get the coverage effective Jan 1, 2022

    One interesting thing: Even if we didn’t call for supplemental coverage today or tomorrow (I.e. Dec 6, Dec 7) we get second chance from Jan 1, 2022 to Jan 31, 2022. But only supplemental.

    Then coverage is in effect Feb 1, 2022.
     
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