Can someone explain the deadlines to sign up and the # of changes allowed?

[michellea]

WOW, now I know why I was so confused when I started, lol, everyone says something different about certain things. All I can say is research, research, research!!!!

 

[senior-advisor-indiana]

Frank, is right, so don't listen to what everyone else says. Except spme companies will let you write the med supp 6 months in advance of them turning 65.

 

[senior-advisor-indiana]

Sorry Josh, I didn't see your post. You are right too, except I am not sure about the Medicare OE being 7 months. I know they are automatically enrolled like Frank said.

 

[Frank Stastny]

Let me make this clear. Medicare's open enrollment last for 7 months. 3 months before your b-day, the month of your b-day and 3 motnhs after your b-day... This is the enrollment to get on Medicare A and B.
Now the open enrollment for Medicare Supplements last for 6 months after they get on part B.


All the medicare supplement copanies I have ever done policies with let me write 6 Months before the effective date of part B.

[/quote]

The term "Open Enrollment" only refers to the amount of time a person has to take a Med Supp policy without having to answer health questions.

When using the term "Open Enrollment", you should know that it does not refer to the time period that a person has to apply for Medicare. It is important to use the correct terminology especially when talking to agents who are new to the senior market.

This is copied and pasted from medicare.gov

MEDIGAP OPEN ENROLLMENT PERIOD A one-time-only six month period when you can buy any Medigap policy you want that is sold in your state. It starts in the first month that you are covered under Medicare Part B and you are age 65 or older. During this period, you can't be denied coverage or charged more due to past or present health problems


"Open Enrollment" is not a term Medicare uses to define the time period during which a person can sign up for Medicare. Everyone is automatically signed up for Medicare Part A when they reach the age of 65 unless they have not applied for Social Security benefits.


You are correct in stating that most companies will allow an agent to write a Med Supp app six months in advance of receiving Part B. But, that is the only time. I have talked to very few people who are willing to sign up for a Supplement Policy six months before receiving Medicare Part B. Two to three months is usually the norm.

When replacing a Med Supp policy the agent can only write the application up to three months in advance of the effective date of the replacement policy.

If you are trying to make things clear please be careful that you don't make them more confusing. If my post was confusing I will try to be more careful also.

 

[Frank Stastny]

Sorry Senior, I didn't see your comments before posting mine.

You are also correct, there is no "Open Enrollment" period for someone to apply for Medicare.

 

[midwestbroker]

Clear as mud.

Have these 2 books handy.

Medicare and you 2007
Medicare guide to buying a Medicare supplement policy

 

[Frank Stastny]

Clear as mud.

Have these 2 books handy.

Medicare and you 2007
Medicare guide to buying a Medicare supplement policy

Mike, where did I go wrong. What part was only as "clear as mud"?

 

[senior-advisor-indiana]

People named Mike usually know what they are talking about. You should ALWAYS remember that.

 

[Frank Stastny]

People named Mike usually know what they are talking about. You should ALWAYS remember that.

What? And people named Frank don't?

 

[senior-advisor-indiana]

I figured it was a given