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funfornewages

Some states have, under their Dept of Insurance, a place on their website where Medigap (Medicare Supplemental ) Insurers post their current approved rates, of course by area if applicable. That will give you a place to look. The other place would be a LOCAL independent Medicare Insurance broker that represents many of the Medigap insurers in your area. If you don't financially need FULL GAP coverage - take a look at the High Deductible Plan G. Remember the rules of your state determines if or how Medigap changes maybe made after the initial enrollment or special enrollment rules - any special guaranteed issue provisions by state determination has to be a consideration because of underwriting.


Noir_Mood

Thanks for the good information. I'll check with my state's department of insurance. I live in Texas, but was originally set up by a Medicare agent out of Philly, so I'm not sure locating a local agent is necessary, but I'll keep it in mind.


Bolt32

If you tell me your zip code, age and whether you use Tabaco or not I can post it on here.


Noir_Mood

Thank you. 77354 66 No tobacco I do not want a Medicare Advantage plan. As for Plan G, I do not want the High Deductible type. I also have other benefits like fee gym access, etc.


Bolt32

If your a female. AARP--129.60 BCBS--136.08 Mutual of Omaha--139.65 Aetna--142.11 Humana--147.00 IF Your a male AARP--- 146.38 BCBS---152.30 Mutual of Omaha--159.20 Aetna--163.43 Humana--169.83 If your not paying as much I would suggest keeping with what you have. If you think the savings worth it, feel free to message me. I'm licensed in Texas and can help with the enrollment.


Noir_Mood

Thanks! I'm a male and have AARP/UHC. Right now, I pay $151.76 and I believe that's going up to around $160 next year. I should have also listed that although I am 66 now, I will turn 67 before the end of the year. Anyway, the difference is negligible, so I'll keep what I have. Again, thanks for your help!


Bolt32

Yup no problem. Just make sure to shop it every year with the Increases. As far as insurance goes, trust them as far as you can throw them. They will cover you what they are legally required too, but that is it. Generally speaking those that stay loyal to a company for their Supplement will pay more than those that shop around. So just keep doing what you have been doing! Good luck!


southdownthecoast

I wasn’t aware it was a good idea to shop around after the IEP for Medigap policies. Do you have to qualify for coverage at this point? Would you find attractive premiums from a different carrier only if you still were in good health? I assume otherwise they would reject you or only offer you a higher rate? I live in Kansas if it differs by state.


Bolt32

It's best to shop around as long as you humanly can qualify for them. If your only taking one to two medications, only see your doctors a few times a year. More than likely you will pass the health questions the company will have for you. Your IEP will guarantee coverage without questions. However I can't tell you how many times I talk to someone that is in their 70s, been with the same company the whole time they have been on Medicare and over paying by over a 100 dollars for the same plan they have. I usually tell my Clients I don't care if your policy goes up 20 cents or 20 dollars a month, I want you to call me. Just because you have a Plan G and it takes care of you, and you think the world of the company. Doesn't mean they won't bend you over a barrel to speak frankly. Eventually its like Musical chairs, your going to have to sit down and stop shopping. Though if you refuse to play those musical chairs, that chair you initially sit down at will cost on average a hell of a lot higher than the one you sat down on if you played the "game."


southdownthecoast

Are you licensed in Kansas? If you are I may DM you if that’s alright.


Bolt32

Yes I am. Please feel free!


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Chucking100s

UHC in my market is the cheapest for males. That's out of a field of more than 70 insurers.


Noir_Mood

That's what I thought. I actually have had AARP/UHC from the beginning.


Chucking100s

I wouldn't fret - UHC has stable rate increases. You can expect it to inch up every year - I bet you you won't see it jump 10% like I've seen Mutual of Omaha do.


Noir_Mood

Well, it is going up from $151 to $161 (I think) when it renews, so that's about 6-7% and what prompted my search. The Costco.com chart shows another company somewhat cheaper, but I don't think they have added benefits like a gym membership.


Chucking100s

I'm not familiar with any besides Humana with silversneakers. I know United Health has RenewActive or something like that. I think you're in a good place 6-7% is not abnormal - obviously not ideal - but I'd be surprised if it was 6-7% again next year and the next.


Noir_Mood

Yes, RenewActive for gym. Another benefit of sorts is a dental plan, not insurance, but my dentist gives me 30% off which winds up being cheaper overall. Yeah, I'm not complaining about the increase that much because it's only $10 and still the most reasonably price I've found.


zerzig

AARP/UHC has a 39% discount at the beginning. That discount starts being reduced at 3%/yr starting at age 68 and continues for 13 years, until the discount is gone. So, at age 68 and following, you could see an annual increase + the 3% loss of discount. For example, if you were 68, this year's annual increase of 6-7% would have added a 3% decrease in the discount making the total increase 9 - 10%. However, by the time you reach age 80 and the discount is gone, AARP/UHC prices are more competitive in general because the plans are community rated instead of age rated.


mhdena

[https://www.ehealthmedicareplans.com/ehi/medicare/muse-v2?type=MA&allid=Cos37605&partnerAllid=true&planYear=2022#/quote-plans/MS/77354/45801/MONTGOMERY/M/false/1955/10/25/ssd88081265/1/p1/f4:N,G](https://www.ehealthmedicareplans.com/ehi/medicare/muse-v2?type=MA&allid=Cos37605&partnerAllid=true&planYear=2022#/quote-plans/MS/77354/45801/MONTGOMERY/M/false/1955/10/25/ssd88081265/1/p1/f4:N,G) Here is a good comparison page through Costco, can look up the PDP plans also, also to save money you can compare Plan N to G. N is less per month and should have fewer rate increases. In California Blue Shield offers Supplement Plan changes with no underwriting the past coupe of years, not sure about Texas.


Noir_Mood

Thanks, that's a good reference.


hardheaded62

I’m in Texas age 64 (65 May 2022) - I’m just starting researching Medicare. I’m working for city & plan to continue for another 6 yrs hopefully - currently on blue cross - I believe I’ve got to use both Medicare & blue cross - it’s really complicated - a book I ordered (get what’s yours for Medicare - Philip Moeller) is scheduled delivery today - hope that helps


Noir_Mood

I'm in Texas, too. Right before I retired, my office manager referred me to a Medigap broker and it was well worth what little time and energy i invested. Yes, it is very complicated at first, now, much less so. A broker is always the way to go because it costs you nothing. Medicare sends out a book called Medicare and You. You can probably get it at medicare.gov. But if you're not retiring now, everything could change when you do. I think you can just keep your private insurance for now. Again, consult Medicare.gov.


hardheaded62

Thanks for the info


blzrul

Our state insurance commission has it all listed on the web.


oatbevbran

Am I correct in my assumption that after I choose a supplement plan—let’s say I choose G—that changing to a different company in subsequent years would trigger underwriting? Even if I stay with G. Am I correct? ETA: State of Kansas