Frequently Asked Questions

Q. How do you qualify for a Medicare Supplement “guaranteed issue” policy?

A. When you have the right to get a “guaranteed issue” Medicare Supplement, an insurance company has to sell you a policy. They have to cover all pre-existing conditions and they can't charge more because of any health problems that you may have. The rules for qualifying for a “guaranteed issue” policy can be confusing. You can get a Medicare supplement with "guaranteed issue" if you meet certain criteria:

1. You have Medicare and employer group coverage that is ending. The coverage can end for various reasons including retirement, the company canceling benefits, etc.
2. You are in a Medicare Advantage Plan that leaves your area, or you move out of their service area.
3. You have a Medicare Select Policy, and you move out of their service area.
4. When you turned 65, you joined a Medicare Advantage Plan, and then decided that you wanted to switch to Original Medicare within your first year.
5. If you had a Medicare Supplement policy and decided to drop it to join a Medicare Select or Medicare Advantage Plan for the first time, and then you decided that you didn't like it within a year, you can switch back. The first year in an Advantage Plan or Select Plan is a trial period.
6. You have a Medicare Supplement policy, and your company goes bankrupt.
7. You leave a Medicare Advantage Plan because the Advantage Plan did not follow the rules.
   The best thing to do is to consult with an NCSCA Medicare Advisor.

Medicare Supplement Insurance Helpline: 1-800-290-6188

An Official North Carolina Senior Citizens Association Website

The North Carolina Senior Citizens Association (NCSCA) is a nonprofit association chartered by the state of North Carolina in 1977. NCSCA does not endorse any insurance company. The information contained herein is to be used for general information purposes only. Nothing contained herein constitutes an application for insurance with any specific insurance company. The rates shown are provided as a public service and not intended as an endorsement for any particular company. Final rates quoted can only be confirmed by a licensed agent and approved by the appropriate insurance company. NCSCA Medicare Advisors are licensed agents and can provide free, objective information about Medicare Supplement insurance plans and Medicare Prescription Drug Plans. Royalty fees are paid to NCSCA for the use of its intellectual property from various companies. These fees are used for the general purposes of NCSCA. Insurance company names and logos are presented to represent a broad overview of some Medicare Supplement companies and are not an endorsement of any specific company. All rights reserved. Not connected with or endorsed by the United States Government or the federal Medicare Program.

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