Shop Around for Medigap Insurance

There’s quite a range of prices for Medicare supplement insurance (Medigap) policies, and there’s a good chance you can decrease the cost of your premiums by moving to another plan. However, the options might be limited based upon your health and the state where you reside, says Kiplinger’s recent article “How to Save on Medicare Supplement Insurance.”

Even though each Medigap plan with the same “letter designation” provides the same coverage, the price can fluctuate considerably by insurer. For example, a 65-year-old man could pay anywhere from $1,092 to $6,519 in 2016 for Plan F—which is the most popular plan—based on the insurer.

Those are nationwide numbers, but prices can even vary within the same zip code. While everyone loves a bargain and a better rate, switching to another policy can be tough since insurers in most states can charge you more, hit you with a waiting period or deny you coverage based on your health if more than six months have passed since you signed up for Medicare Part B. However, you may be able to switch to a lower-cost plan after that initial enrollment period in some instances.

It’s best to apply for a new policy if you’re healthy because you may qualify for a new policy. Some folks who are healthy and around 65 can get a new Medigap plan, but other insurance companies won’t answer the phone if you’re over age 70.

See if your insurer will allow you to switch to a less expensive policy. Some will let you switch to a less comprehensive policy without medical underwriting. For example, if you have Medigap Plan F, your insurer may let you switch to a high-deductible Plan F without new underwriting. Look at the difference in price: the average premium for traditional Plan F is $2,293 for a 65-year-old man, and for the high-deductible version, it’s just $668.

Note: With the lower premium, you’ll have to pay the $2,180 deductible out of pocket before any benefits will begin. That might work if you have few medical expenses, but you may have larger out-of-pocket costs as you get older—when it’s tougher to switch to a different plan.

Prior to a switch, determine if the premium savings are worth the possible extra expenses—especially as you grow older and potentially have more health issues. Also, see if your state has any special rules to let you switch policies. You may be able to change plans at certain times, so review the state’s insurance department rules. You may also be able to purchase a Medigap policy without medical underwriting under some cases—like if your insurer leaves the business or when you’re switching from a Medicare Advantage plan.

Reference: Kiplinger’s (August 4, 2016) “How to Save on Medicare Supplement Insurance”