Can I replace an MA plan w/ med supp before Nov. 15

[toc3]

A gentlemen called me today to inquire about dropping his MA plan and buying a supplement. Do we have to wait until Nov. 15 to apply for a supp effective date Jan 1? I know the AEP starts for Nov. 15th but does that include replacing an Advantage plan with a supp?

 

[GreenSky]

You can take an application now for the Med Supp.

If it's an MAPD, when he enrolls in a PDP, it will cancel his plan on 1/1/09.

If it's a straight MA plan, then he can contact the carrier to make his cancellation effective 1/1. He could also contact Medicare to take care of this. There is absolutely ZERO reason to do this before 11/15 even if he can. I'd wait until around 12/1 to avoid the crush coming up in 2 weeks.

Rick

 

[Frank Stastny]

There is absolutely ZERO reason to do this before 11/15 even if he can. I'd wait until around 12/1 to avoid the crush coming up in 2 weeks.

Rick

I have found that a lot of times can be an emotional decision as well as a well thought out one for a senior to decide to change companies. If the prospect has finally decided to make the change the agent should accommodate the prospect and take care of it at that time.

The Med Supp can be written three months prior to the effective date. I don't see any logical reason for the agent to wait until Dec 1 to write the app. If it is done now the prospect will have the policy well in advance of Jan 1 and will feel all warm and fuzzy knowing that it is all taken care of and is guaranteed to have coverage starting Jan 1.

 

[damontjones]

A gentlemen called me today to inquire about dropping his MA plan and buying a supplement. Do we have to wait until Nov. 15 to apply for a supp effective date Jan 1? I know the AEP starts for Nov. 15th but does that include replacing an Advantage plan with a supp?

I believe there is also stipulations in matter of details..example. if the client had a supplement before he went to the MA he has to go back to the previous carrier/and or plan if it is available...I'd check the 08 guide to medicare to be sure.

 

[scottfree]

I believe there is also stipulations in matter of details..example. if the client had a supplement before he went to the MA he has to go back to the previous carrier/and or plan if it is available...I'd check the 08 guide to medicare to be sure.

This part only comes into play when someone is within there 1st year of being on a MA or MAPD plan and someone needing guaranteed issue on a supplement. (they would go on previous supp if still available)Even if they are within their first year they can go with any supp with underwriting.

If they have been on a MA plan over a year they no longer are guaranteed issue and they just need to get thru underwriting for whatever supp they are looking at.

One thing is the supp company may want a cancellation notice from the MA plan. This can be a pain and not sure why it would be needed whe a PDP would cancel it out on Jan. 1 anyway.

 

[jdeasy]

A gentlemen called me today to inquire about dropping his MA plan and buying a supplement. Do we have to wait until Nov. 15 to apply for a supp effective date Jan 1? I know the AEP starts for Nov. 15th but does that include replacing an Advantage plan with a supp?

No, you don't have to wait until Nov. 15. In fact, there is no reason to wait. You just won't be helping the client if you make the effective date of the med sup before Jan. 1. If it's an MAPD, he will have to enroll in a stand alone PDP after Nov. 15 and before Dec. 31. That is, if he wants one.

Take the app now and explain to the client why it can't start before Jan. 1.

 

[Frank Stastny]

I believe there is also stipulations in matter of details..example. if the client had a supplement before he went to the MA he has to go back to the previous carrier/and or plan if it is available...I'd check the 08 guide to medicare to be sure.

That isn't totally correct. If he had a Med Supp and it has been less than twelve months since he took the MA plan he can, does not have to, go back to the same company he had his Med Supp with originally.

The only reason he might do that is if the only way he can get a Med Supp is through Guaranteed Issue. In other words his former Med Supp company has to take him back in the first twelve months.

If he can successfully answer the health questions on an app, he can take any Med Supp policy from any company that is offering them.

 

[retread]

That isn't totally correct. If he had a Med Supp and it has been less than twelve months since he took the MA plan he can, does not have to, go back to the same company he had his Med Supp with originally.

The only reason he might do that is if the only way he can get a Med Supp is through Guaranteed Issue. In other words his former Med Supp company has to take him back in the first twelve months.

If he can successfully answer the health questions on an app, he can take any Med Supp policy from any company that is offering them.

Frank is right! First question in my mind is whether or not he was within the first 12 months of a MA, and secondly, does he want to return to his original Med Sup. There is no law that says he HAS to go back to his original MS, only that to preserve his GI, he must meet the criteria. So my next query would be: what is his health status?, etc.

If he meets the SEP trial rights criteria, sign him up now... this gives him the opportunity to get a PDP, which will push him off the MA-PD (assuming this was the case). Make the MS effective date 12/1... don't have to wait until 1/1.

 

[GreenSky]

The Med Supp can be written three months prior to the effective date. I don't see any logical reason for the agent to wait until Dec 1 to write the app.

My comment was supposed to read that he should wait until Dec. 1 contact Medicare to disenroll from the MA plan eff. 1/1. I would definitely apply for the supplement today.

Rick

 

[toc3]

Thanks guys. He has had his MAPD plan for more than 12 months. He does qualify medically. Appointment set for Wednesday at noon. Effective date for supp will be 1/1.