Medigap Issuers Face Spike in Small Problems That Got Serious

[Northeast Agent]

Medigap Issuers Face Spike in Small Problems That Got Serious | ThinkAdvisor

The effects of skipping routine care during the pandemic are becoming evident, Mutual of Omaha's medical chief says.

www.thinkadvisor.com

What it means: Insured patients are now finding out that neglected small problems have turned into big, costly problems, Pawar said.

For Medicare Advantage plan issuers, that’s combining with tighter federal subsidy rules and regulatory framework changes to make this a terrible year.

For Medicare supplement insurance issuers, it’s pushing premiums higher.

For a client, a neglected small problem that becomes a big problem is a catastrophe. It could force the client to give up on any plans to retire in Hawaii or open up a bait shop in Maine, and it could replace glamorous restaurant meals with whatever snacks happen to be left in the hospital or cancer treatment center vending machine.

Pawar thinks it’s important for anyone who’s talking to the clients to tell them to get their checkups.

 

[somarco]

Yes, COVID lockdowns created a LOT of problems for the public, providers and carriers.

It may take 2 or more years before this slows down and utilization gets back to something near "normal"

 

[billyb]

Here in the FL panhandle MS prices are going up. My Plan G is having a 12.50% increase January 1st and the company suspended sales. I was told CMS has said that all carriers would raise rates 12 to 18 percent. If they are saying that and the companies follow thru the lowest cost for a Plan G in my area will be over $200 monthly.

 

[Chazm]

Here in the FL panhandle MS prices are going up. My Plan G is having a 12.50% increase January 1st and the company suspended sales. I was told CMS has said that all carriers would raise rates 12 to 18 percent. If they are saying that and the companies follow thru the lowest cost for a Plan G in my area will be over $200 monthly.

Who do you have? I saw Fl blue is going up around 9 or 10%. Cigna is $169 for a female t65, but who knows what they’ll do when they sell off.

 

[billyb]

I bought WPS/Epic and they have been great. I talked to Cigna yesterday and as of now they don't have any idea what the rate will be in 3/25. Now they are the lowest cost. If FB goes up 10% they will be around $236 for a Plan G. Wonder what UHC will cost in June 2025?