A common worry for people who want a Medicare Supplement plan is being turned down. You may be denied a Medicare Supplement plan based on your health. This can happen if you apply more than 6 months after enrolling in Part B or after your first 12 months on a Medicare Advantage plan.
Below, we explain when a health review is required, how underwriting works in our office, and how we help you get the plan you want.
When You Can Be Denied Medicare Supplement Plan Coverage
Your enrollment timing decides whether an insurance company reviews your health before accepting you. There are two situations where a health review usually comes into play.
Outside the First 6 Months of Part B Enrollment
If it’s been more than 6 months since you enrolled in Medicare Part B and you want a Medicare Supplement plan, we may need to ask you some health questions. The insurance company uses your answers to decide whether to accept your application.
Outside the First 12 Months on a Medicare Advantage Plan
The same applies if you’ve been on a Medicare Advantage plan for more than 12 months. Once you’re outside that window, switching to a Medicare Supplement plan may require underwriting. At that point, the insurance company can deny your enrollment based on your health.
Pro Tip: Keep track of your Part B start date and the date your Medicare Advantage plan began. These two dates help us tell whether a health review is likely before you ever fill out an application.
How Medicare Supplement Underwriting Works
When health questions do apply, the insurance company uses a process called underwriting to review your health before approving your coverage. The process is simple.
Health Questions Answered in Our Office
We handle underwriting right in our office. We go over the insurance company’s health questions with you, record your answers, and send your application through. You don’t have to sort through any of it on your own.
Some Decisions Come Back Instantly
In some cases, we get an answer from the insurance company instantly. That means you can leave our office knowing where you stand instead of waiting and wondering.
Key Takeaway: Applying outside your enrollment windows makes your health history part of the insurance company’s decision. Underwriting is a simple review, and our team walks you through every question.
Need expert help with Medicare Supplement enrollment? Contact Senior Benefits Plus for a free consultation.
What to Expect When Switching to a Medicare Supplement Plan
Why Your Health History Could Lead to a Denied Medicare Supplement Plan
We always give our clients a clear warning up front. Based on your health history, you could be denied enrollment in a Medicare Supplement plan. We share this before you apply so you can make an informed decision with realistic expectations.
Our Goal is a Smooth Transition
Our job is to give you the best opportunity to get into the Medicare Supplement plan you want. If you’re moving from another plan, we stay with you through the switch. Here is what that looks like:
- We review where you stand with your Part B and Medicare Advantage timing.
- We walk you through any health questions.
- We guide you through the move to your new plan.
Pro Tip: Talk to us before you leave your current plan. Knowing whether underwriting applies helps you plan your switch with confidence.
Talk to Senior Benefits Plus Before You Apply
You may be turned down for a Medicare Supplement plan if you apply outside your enrollment windows. In that case, underwriting applies and your health history matters.
The good news is that underwriting is simple, done right in our office, and sometimes answered instantly. Contact Senior Benefits Plus today to schedule a consultation, and let us give you the best chance of avoiding a denied Medicare Supplement plan.
