We are posting the following message from the National Retiree Legislative Network (NRLN) as a service to GMLSRC members eligible for Medicare, particularly to those that have chosen to go with a Medicare Advantage (MA) plan. Although links in the message take one to the insurance plans that the NRLN promotes, the GMLSRC does not endorse any commercial enterprises, but offers it only as information about the current situation of MA plans, and one's ability and timing to change to another type of Medicare supplement coverage. Thank you, Larry Doyle

February 2, 2010

Medicare Eligible Members of the NRLN - Did You Know?

This message is intended for current NRLN Medicare eligible members and those who will turn age 65 in 2010 and whose company benefits no longer supplement premiums for Medicare B or D plans or don't cover Medicare deductibles or the 20% coinsurance.

Federal guidelines issued by the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS), state that retirees who enrolled in a Medicare Advantage (MA) plan (HMO, PPO, PFFS, MSA) for the first time and have been enrolled in that plan for less than 12 months may change their coverage to a Medicare Supplement plan (known as Medigap) without underwriting. This means no health questions are asked. Acceptance is guaranteed.

Retirees over age 65 who are enrolled in MA plans may face higher premiums if Congress eliminates more of the subsidies paid to MA plan insurers. Paying the Medicare B premium plus premiums for a Medigap plan and a Medicare D drug plan may cost less than MA plan alternatives.

You may ask, what about retirees that have had Medicare Advantage coverage for more than 12 months? Can they also switch to Medicare Supplement plans on a guaranteed acceptance basis, without underwriting? YES! The NRLN Agency, offers Medicare Supplement (Medigap) insurers that may accept Medicare Advantage dis-enrollees on a guaranteed basis for up to 24 months. Email info@nrlnhealth.com or call 1-800-355-2557. Those who lost company benefits on January 1, 2009 may want to consider switching by December 31, 2010 (24 months) to avoid the risks of higher premiums or insurer rejection.

IMPORTANT: Those who didn't switch from MA during the Annual Election Period (AEP) November 15 - December 31, may still dis-enroll from Medicare Advantage and return to Original Medicare (a necessary step prior to applying for a Medicare Supplement) and enroll in a Medigap plan during a federally sanctioned Open Election Period (OEP) January 1 - March 31.

Over age 65 retirees who have been covered by a Medigap plan for any length of time may change Medigap carriers providing they switch during the Annual Election Period (AEP) November 15 - December 31 or during a federally sanctioned Open Election Period (OEP) January 1 - March 31. Underwriting requirements may apply, so if switching makes economic sense, it may be advisable to switch before March 31, 2010, particularly if pre-existing conditions could become a factor.

Call 1-800-355-2557 or email info@nrlnhealth.com for more information and assistance.

Dick Ciocca
President, NRLN Agency

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