Last minute Medicare Open Enrollment questions

[intrepidity]

1) is this true: if disabled and receiving SSDI prior to age 65 and you did NOT sign up for PartC (Supplement, not an Advantage plan), when you turn 65 do you get another chance to enroll (that avoids the underwriting health checks etc)?

2) if you have Original Medicare but during open enrollment switch to an Advantage plan, can you revert to Original next year if you find you don't like the Advantage plan? That is, is there any downside to switching to an Advantage plan, long term,?

[Abnredleg]

1. When You Turn 65 You Get an New Initial Enrollment Period

And should be able to get a supplement plan without underwriting - I would make a quick call to the insurance company to confirm. (Quick note: Part C refers to Advantage plans. Supplements are technically not part of Medicare but rather an option so don’t have a Part# identifier.)

As to switching back to Original Medicare from an Advantage plan, you can do it but the issue will be medical underwriting for the supplement. They don’t have to approve a supplement past the initial enrollment period, and if you have an expensive medical condition they can deny you. There is no limit on out of pocket expenses in Original Medicare so you have to have a supplement.

The states have slightly different rules so I suggest you call your local SHIP program, who can give you expert advice.

https://www.shiphelp.org/

[Auggie]

2. Pay the extra $ for Medigap ...

you can see any doctor that accepts Medicare. And you don’t need approval from the insurance company either. Under Plan G the yearly deductible is around $250.00. It’s easier to sign up now than to migrate from a Plan C later.

Look for a Medicare broker in your area. Make sure they’re not affiliated with any insurance company. A Plan G is a Plan G no matter who issues it. I looked for companies without astronomical rate increases.

[SCantiGOP]

3. You could have typed this into the Medicare chat

and received an answer from them in a minute or two.
I’ve never had to wait more than a minute to get someone to respond.