Change from an MAPD to a Medigap plan.

I’ve been asked several times to help my clients on this matter. Medigap policies are also known as Medicare Supplement Policies.

Medicare Advantage Plans aren’t for everyone

What if you discover that you don’t like your Medicare Advantage Plan (MAPD plan)?

Sometimes people don’t like being restricted to network doctors or for some reason or another want to change to a Medicare Supplement Plan (Medigap).  Below are the instructions on how to change from an MAPD to Medigap plans with Medicare.  Keep in mind that you may have to go through medical underwriting in order to make a change.  Because of this, you’ll want to make sure that you really want to change from an MAPD to Medigap plan.  Additionally, most Medicare Supplement plans are going to have a higher premium than what you will pay for a Medicare Advantage plan.  There are some Medicare Supplement plans, such as high-deductible Plan F, that are very reasonably priced, but you will need to pay a high deductible, ($2160 in 2015) before the benefits begin.

Below are the instructions on how to change from an MAPD to a Medigap plan:

• Determine if you really want to make a change from an MAPD to a Medigap Plan, or if you just want to change to a different MAPD plan.  Some MAPD plans offer PPOs which allow you to go to any doctor for a higher co-pay.
• Determine if you have a Guaranteed Issue Right or whether you will need to go through Medical Underwriting.
• We encourage you to work with a broker to make a change to a Medigap plan (also known as a Medicare supplement plan).  If you don’t have a broker, you can use a call at 866-445-6683, since we broker many Medigap policies for our clients.  If you are not in our coverage area, we may also be able to help find you an agent in your state.  It’s much easier to change from an MAPD to a Medigap plan if you are working with someone who has experience in this area.

• Work with your broker to select the type of Medicare Supplement plan you’d like.   Take a look at the coverage outline for all Medicare Supplement Policies here.  Remember that all plans must cover the exact same things because they are standardized.  Any doctor who accepts Medicare must also accept these plans, no matter which the company offers them.  Also, they are guaranteed renewable as long as you pay your premiums.  The only difference in the policies is:

  • the price
  • the way the price is set (“attained age”, “community”, “issue age”, etc)
  • the average price increases of each company
  • The ratings of the insurance companies offering the insurance  (this is different than the “star” ratings—these ratings are for the financial strength of the company)
    • The ratings of the companies offering the insurance
  • These standards are national in scope, except in Massachusetts, Minnesota, and Wisconsin.
• Purchase the plan.  You will need to go through medical underwriting unless you qualify for a guaranteed issue.
• Purchase a standalone drug plan.  This is very important so that you do not get penalized.  Medicare Supplement Policies do not include drug coverage.
• Cancel the Medicare Advantage plan. If you are using your trial right, you can do this any time but will want to wait until your new coverage has been issued.  Medicare Advantage does not work with Medicare Supplement policies. Important:  Do not cancel your Medicare Advantage plan until you have a Medicare Supplement plan in place.

Contact us now to get help with how to change from a Medicare Advantage to Medigap.  We can help.

*This article is for informational purposes only.  It is not intended as legal or financial advice.  For help with your personal situation you should seek advice from a competent insurance broker who works with Medicare insurance policies and for help with how to change from Medicare Advantage to Medigap please feel free to give us a call, 866 445-6683.