quote:

Originally posted by snoris:
My wife and I have the Advantage plan and are doing well with it so far (I'm 68, she's 72).

Now---if we want to change to a Plan G, can we do so, or are we now stuck with the Advantage plan?

We're in Texas.

It's technically possible, but I've heard it can be difficult to go to G from Advantage.

quote:

Originally posted by snoris:
My wife and I have the Advantage plan and are doing well with it so far (I'm 68, she's 72).

Now---if we want to change to a Plan G, can we do so, or are we now stuck with the Advantage plan?

We're in Texas.

I defer to others who are more knowledgeable, but my understanding is that if you want to move from an Advantage plan to a Medigap plan, you can do so BUT you are subject to underwriting. The underwriter may decline to offer you coverage, or may offer coverage at a higher premium.

You can, but you have to qualify, meaning any significant health problems will probably keep that from happening.

I think there is a rule that when you move to a new area there is a one time exemption.

That said, I'm not an expert so I'd ask someone in the business that you trust.

quote:

I defer to others who are more knowledgeable, but my understanding is that if you want to move from an Advantage plan to a Medigap plan, you can do so BUT you are subject to underwriting. The underwriter may decline to offer you coverage, or may offer coverage at a higher premium.

^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^
Correct. No one time exemption at all.

Not much love here for Advantage plans but I'm pretty happy with mine. It's provided by the same company I had before Medicare and the same docs and facilities are covered. Scripts, dental, and vision are nice perks. (I could do without the standard Medicare prescription black hole though.)

Actually there are 9 situations wherein you can a Guarantee Issue Medicare Supplement plan, meaning no health questions.

Some of them also apply to moving from a Medicare Advantage Part C plan to a traditional Medicare Supplement plan.

I have a 3-page document produced by Anthem Blue Cross Blue Shield (ABCBS) that I know would apply to residents of MO and believe would apply to residents of other states as well.

More than happy to email to any of you should you send me an email shown in my profile. Please be sure to have "Sig Forum" in the subject line as I get a lot of spam. In the meantime, here are horrible pics taken of my computer screen:

Does this apply to ALL plans or just Blue Cross?

Good question ZSMichael!

I only work with ABCBS Med Supp plans so I don't know if what ABCBS does is what other Med Supp carriers do as well.

However, one would think if ABCBS does it that either means it became a governmental requirement, or, they did so for a competitive edge.

Thanks for the reply. The Advantage plans are moaning and groaning because the government has cut their subsidy.

You're welcome!

The only reason why Medicare Advantage (MA) Part C plans exist at their super low price point, is under Prez Bush administration, they decided the Feds would help create and subsidize MA plans.

Once the Feds cut the subsidy, MA plans will look to their enrollees to make up the difference.

this is what I learned, probably more or less correct. All additional plans are required to be the same in substance, but may vary in cost. Once chosen there are penalties for lapse/reinstatment or switching. Never let the Medicare lapse, or it will be more expensive. If you switch one of the optional private plans, expect to pay more and there will be a qualification process. I'm not sure about the optional Rx plans, I've been paying for one, the premium almost doubled, not sure what happens if it lapses and needs to be reinstated.