I Hate Dialysis Message Board
Dialysis Discussion => Dialysis: Medicare/Insurance => Topic started by: Shaks24 on February 18, 2019, 06:33:17 AM
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Just wondering if anyone else here is under 65 and on Medicare with a medigap policy. My concern is that they keep jacking up the medigap policy premium. I have medigap F. 5 years ago when I signed up for it under my 6 months open enrollment with no underwriting status the premium was 280 bucks which at the time was a lot higher than what a 65 year old would pay at the time. Now 5 years later its 540 bucks a month and will keep rising in future years but I have no other enrollment options without underwriting until I turn 65 in 5 years. Now, in 2021 Medicare Advantage will be open to folks with ESRD. I've been reading and currently there are about 39 demonstration programs going for Dialysis patients in Medicare Advantage type plans. I will have to look closely at these plans when they launch in 2021. My understanding is that the 2 big dialysis providers are heavily involved and may even have their own plans available. I guess one would have to weigh the exposure to provider networks, copays, out of pocket limits and etc. Its mind boggling why the government does not just grant the same federal protections for those under 65 with a medigap policy as for those who are 65 or older. Instead they leave the policies up to the states so it varies from state to state leaving those under 65 in a tough position. There are still about 20 states that won't even guarantee the right to purchase a medigap policy if you are on medicare and under 65. Its really nuts.
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I'm sorry that I have no answers for you, but it is just galling that you/we have to even HAVE this kind of discussion. It's disgraceful.