Health is wealth. If you are turning 65 and are still healthy, count your blessing! The National Health Council estimates that 133 Americans have a chronic illness, more than 40% of the population. This number is only estimated to grow.
So what happens when you are reaching Medicare age and need coverage? Can you obtain Medicare if you have pre-existing conditions?
Original Medicare covers all pre-existing conditions if you sign up during the Initial Enrollment Period. In fact, there are no pre-existing condition limitations or health questions when you enroll in Medicare. This is a federal law. Even more good news, you can also enroll in Medigap coverage during open enrollment without any exclusions or limits.
As a reminder, once you have enrolled in Medicare Parts A and B, you also qualify for a 6-month Open Enrollment window for Medigap plans. This starts with your Part B effective date and ends six months after it. It is very important to note that this is a one-time election period. If you decide to enroll in a Medigap plan during this time, no health questions will be asked. If you are interested in a Medigap plan, it’s very important you don’t miss this enrollment window.
On more reminder, Initial Enrollment is 3 months before your birth month, your birth month, and three months after the year you turn 65.
Even with a pre-existing condition, Part A will cover inpatient needs related to your condition. Part B will cover any outpatient service related to your condition. Exceptions do apply, so be sure to review your plan in detail. Outside of these benefits, there are options to add supplemental plans. These plans could cover prescriptions, dental, hearing, and more. If you would like help finding a plan based on where you live, your current conditions and anticipated future needs.
Medicare Advantage will also cover pre-existing conditions. These plans will only ask one question pertaining to end stage renal disease. This is the only condition that would cause a decline of application.
If you get nothing else out of this article, the most important thing to remember is that pre-existing conditions will be covered in Medicare and Medigap, IF you enroll in the appropriate enrollment window.
Need help finding the right plan? Click here to take our free, easy quiz to find the right plan for you – or give us a call at 855-515-5087 (TTY 711) today. We’ve helped thousands of people, we can help you too.
