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The Medigap Birthday Rule: A Unique Opportunity for Medicare Beneficiaries

If you or your clients have a Medicare Supplement plan (Medigap), there’s a little-known rule that can save money and improve coverage and it’s called the Medigap Birthday Rule. This rule is an excellent opportunity for beneficiaries to switch Medigap plans without going through medical underwriting, but it only applies in certain states and during a very specific timeframe. Here’s what you need to know.

What Is the Medigap Birthday Rule

The Medigap Birthday Rule is a state-level regulation that allows Medicare beneficiaries to switch to another Medigap plan with equal or lesser benefits each year around their birthday, without answering health questions or going through medical underwriting.

Normally, after the initial Medigap open enrollment period (which happens when someone first signs up for Medicare Part B), switching Medigap plans could require underwriting; meaning the insurance company can deny coverage or charge more based on health history. The Birthday Rule removes that barrier, making it easier for people to shop for a better premium or a different carrier’s plan.

How the Rule Works

The details of the rule depend on the state you live in, but generally:

• Eligibility: You must already have a Medigap plan in place.
• When You Can Switch: You have a short window each year, usually starting on your birthday (some states give you up to 60 days, others 30).
• What You Can Switch To: You can move to a Medigap plan with the same or lesser benefits; for example, switching from Plan G with one company to Plan G with another, or from Plan F to Plan N.
• No Underwriting: You don’t have to answer health questions, so pre-existing conditions won’t prevent you from switching.

Watch our YouTube video on Medicare Supplement underwriting

States That Offer the Birthday Rule

As of 2025, the Medigap Birthday Rule is available in several states, including:

• California
• Oregon
• Illinois
• Nevada
• Idaho
• Louisiana
• Kentucky (newer version of the rule)

Each state’s version is slightly different, so it’s essential to check the exact length of the switching window and eligibility criteria.

Why the Birthday Rule Matters

For beneficiaries, this rule can mean:

• Lower Premiums: Shop for the same coverage at a better price.
• More Carrier Choices: If you’re unhappy with your current insurer, you can switch without worrying about being declined.
• Guaranteed Access: People with health issues who might otherwise be denied coverage can still change plans.

Tips for Agents

If you’re a Medicare agent, the Medigap Birthday Rule is a perfect client retention opportunity:

• Reach out proactively before a client’s birthday to review their coverage.
• Shop carriers and rates to see if they can save money without losing benefits.
• Build trust by showing clients you’re looking out for their financial well-being.

If you are an agent who wants to join the team at Crowe, click here for online contracting

This annual touchpoint can strengthen your book of business and help you stay top-of-mind with clients.

The Medigap Birthday Rule is a valuable consumer protection that gives beneficiaries a yearly chance to make their coverage more affordable; no health questions asked. If you or your clients live in a state that offers it, don’t miss this opportunity. Mark those birthdays on the calendar and be ready to take advantage of this unique enrollment period.

Stay up-to-date on Medicare agent events and information

Why Sell Critical Illness Insurance

When it comes to protecting clients from financial hardship, health coverage alone isn’t always enough. The big question is; why sell critical illness insurance. The answer is: as an insurance agent, you already know the cost of a serious illness can go far beyond hospital bills. That’s where this insurance comes in. Offering this valuable coverage to your clients not only strengthens their financial safety net, but also helps your business grow.

What Is Critical Illness Insurance

Critical illness insurance is a supplemental policy that provides a lump-sum cash benefit if the policyholder is diagnosed with a covered illness such as:

• Heart attack
• Stroke
• Cancer
• Organ failure
• Major surgery

Unlike health insurance, which pays doctors and hospitals, critical illness insurance puts money directly in your client’s hands to spend however they need.

Why Agents Should Offer It

Fill a Major Coverage Gap

Even clients with excellent health insurance can face substantial out-of-pocket costs; deductibles, co-pays, non-covered treatments, travel expenses for care, and lost income during recovery. Critical illness benefits can bridge that gap, giving clients peace of mind.

Protect Clients’ Financial Well-Being

A major diagnosis can derail a family’s finances. This coverage can help with:

• Mortgage or rent payments
• Childcare
• Utility bills
• Transportation to treatment
• Alternative or experimental treatments not covered by insurance

Helping your clients plan for these “hidden” costs builds trust and shows you care about their full financial picture.

Click here for online contract and join the team at Crowe

Create a New Revenue Stream

Critical illness policies are generally affordable and easy to quote. Adding them to your portfolio can boost your sales without requiring significant additional effort. Many carriers offer simplified underwriting and electronic applications, making the process smooth for both you and your clients.

Cross-Sell Opportunities

Critical illness coverage is a natural add-on for clients purchasing:

• Health insurance
• Medicare Advantage or Supplement plans
• Life insurance
• Disability income insurance

By bundling solutions, you create a comprehensive protection plan and increase client retention.

Watch a quick YouTube video on why sell ancillary products with Medicare

Stand Out from Competitors

Many agents overlook supplemental health products. Offering critical illness insurance shows that you go beyond the basics and are committed to providing complete risk protection for your clients.

Positioning Critical Illness Insurance with Clients

When discussing this coverage, focus on real-life scenarios and emphasize flexibility:

• “If you were diagnosed with cancer tomorrow, would you have enough savings to cover your expenses while you focus on getting better?”
• “This policy gives you cash you can use however you want – not just on medical bills.”

Simple, empathetic conversations often lead to meaningful sales.

Selling critical illness insurance is more than an opportunity to increase commissions – it’s a way to help clients face one of life’s biggest challenges with confidence. By offering this coverage, you can:

• Strengthen your client relationships
• Provide real financial security
• Build a more resilient, profitable business

Stay up-to-date on Medicare agent events and information

Helping clients prepare for the unexpected is what great agents do. Critical illness insurance is an essential piece of that puzzle.

Understanding Medicare Deductibles

Medicare deductibles are one of the most important; and sometimes confusing, parts of how Medicare works. Whether your clients are on Original Medicare or a Medicare Advantage plan, understanding Medicare deductibles is an important part of healthcare decisions. Knowing what they are, when they apply, and what services count toward them can help avoid costly surprises.

As an agent, being able to break this down simply is a great way to build trust and guide clients to the right coverage.

What Is a Medicare Deductible

A deductible is the amount a beneficiary must pay out of pocket for covered services before Medicare or their Medicare plan starts sharing the cost.

There are several types of Medicare deductibles:

• Medicare Part A Deductible – applies to each benefit period for inpatient hospital care.
• Medicare Part B Deductible – applies once per calendar year for medical services like doctor visits and outpatient care.
• Medicare Advantage (Part C) Deductible – set by the private plan and may apply to medical, drug coverage, or both.
• Medicare Part D Drug Deductible – applies to certain prescription drugs (usually higher-tier medications).

Watch a quick YouTube video on Medicare Advantage vs. Medicare Supplements

Services That Use Deductibles

Here’s what typically applies to each deductible:

• Part A (Hospital) Deductible:
  • Inpatient hospital stays
  • Skilled nursing facility care (after meeting Part A requirements)
  • Some home health care and hospice services
• Part B (Medical) Deductible:
  • Physician visits
  • Outpatient surgery
  • Diagnostic tests (labs, X-rays, imaging)
  • Durable Medical Equipment (DME)
  • Preventive care is usually exempt — covered at 100%
• Medicare Advantage Deductible:
  • Inpatient hospital care (if plan requires it)
  • Outpatient hospital/surgical care
  • Advanced diagnostic imaging (MRI, CT scans)
  • Durable Medical Equipment (DME)
  • Emergency/urgent care (sometimes)
• Part D Deductible:
  • Applies to most Tier 3 and higher brand-name drugs
  • Generic drugs on lower tiers may bypass the deductible

Services That Skip the Deductible

To keep care accessible, Medicare and Medicare Advantage plans often waive the deductible for:

• Preventive screenings (wellness visit, mammogram, colonoscopy)
• Routine lab work
• Many primary care visits
• Many Tier 1 and Tier 2 generic prescriptions

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Deductibles Are Just One Piece of the Puzzle

When reviewing coverage options with clients, don’t just look at the deductible amount. Also compare:

• Coinsurance and copays – what clients pay after meeting the deductible
• Maximum Out-of-Pocket (MOOP) on Medicare Advantage plans
• Medigap coverage – many Medigap plans cover some or all deductibles, reducing out-of-pocket costs

Stay updated on agent events and information; click here.

By helping clients understand when and how deductibles apply, you make it easier for them to budget for healthcare and choose the plan that fits their needs.

The Medigap Free Look Period and How to Use It

When clients are considering a Medicare Supplement (Medigap) plan, they want to be sure they’re making the right choice. Fortunately, Medicare gives beneficiaries a way to try out a new Medigap plan without fully giving up their old one; it’s called the Medigap Free Look Period.

As an agent, knowing how this works helps you guide clients through transitions confidently and avoid gaps in coverage.

What Is the Medigap Free Look Period

The Medigap Free Look Period is a 30-day window that allows Medicare beneficiaries to try out a new Medigap policy while keeping their current one.

This is helpful when a client isn’t sure if the new plan will meet their needs; for example, if they are switching from a Plan F to a Plan G or moving to a carrier with a lower premium.

Watch a YouTube video on Medicare Supplement Underwriting (GI & Non-GI States)

How the Free Look Period Works

Here’s how the process goes step by step:

1. Apply for the New Medigap Plan
   • Your client must be accepted by the new Medigap plan (and if underwriting is required, they must pass).
2. Keep Paying for the Old Policy
   • Even after the new plan starts, your client must keep paying premiums for their old Medigap policy during the 30-day free look period.
   • This ensures there’s no gap in coverage if they decide to go back.
3. Evaluate the New Coverage
   • Over the 30 days, your client can use the new Medigap plan and see how it works with their needs.
4. Decide Whether to Keep It
   • If they like the new plan, they can cancel the old one after the 30 days.
   • If they don’t, they can cancel the new plan and keep the old one; no harm done.

Important Things to Remember

• Two Premiums Are Due: Clients will pay two Medigap premiums during the free look period; one for the old plan and one for the new. This is often the biggest surprise for beneficiaries, so prepare them ahead of time.
• Coverage Overlap Is Intentional: The goal is to avoid any lapse in coverage while deciding which plan to keep.
• Act Within 30 Days: If the client decides to go back to their old policy, they must notify the new carrier before the free look period ends.

Why Agents Should Talk About It

Educating clients about the Medigap Free Look Period builds trust. Many people hesitate to switch plans out of fear of losing coverage or making the wrong choice. When you explain that they can try a new plan risk-free, you help them feel confident in making a change. That helps position you as a knowledgeable, client-first agent.

If you are an agent ready to join the Crowe team; click here for online contract.

The Medigap Free Look Period is a great tool to help beneficiaries compare coverage and costs without the stress of losing their existing plan. As an agent, you can guide them through the process, set clear expectations about paying two premiums, and help them decide which plan is the best long-term fit.

Empower your clients with this knowledge; it may be exactly what they need to take the next step toward better coverage and savings.

Stay up-to-date on agent events and information

Medicare Supplement Underwriting Explained

When clients start exploring Medicare Supplement (Medigap) plans, one topic that often causes confusion is underwriting. Unlike Medicare Advantage plans, which don’t require medical underwriting, Medigap coverage can involve health-related questions and approval requirements; depending on when and how someone applies. That is why we hope, Medicare supplement underwriting explained will provide an understanding of the process so agents can better assist clients.

What Is Medicare Supplement Underwriting

Underwriting is the process insurance companies use to determine whether to accept an applicant for a Medigap policy, and sometimes the determine the premium amount. This process often involves answering health questions, reviewing prescription history, or even checking recent hospitalizations.

Not every applicant will face underwriting, many people qualify for guaranteed issue rights or are in their Medigap Open Enrollment Period, which means they can get a plan without medical review.

When Is Underwriting Required

Underwriting typically comes into play in these situations:

• Applying outside the Medigap Open Enrollment Period (which lasts six months after a beneficiary first enrolls in Part B at age 65).
• Switching from one Medigap plan to another outside of specific state-mandated open enrollment or “birthday rules.”
• Losing coverage without qualifying for guaranteed issue rights.

In these cases, insurance carriers can:

• Approve coverage at the standard rate,
• Charge a higher premium,
• Impose a waiting period for pre-existing conditions, or
• Deny coverage altogether.

Guaranteed Issue Rights (No Underwriting Required)

There are special circumstances where a beneficiary can enroll in a Medigap plan without facing underwriting, such as:

• Losing employer or union coverage.
• Their Medicare Advantage plan leaving the service area or ending coverage.
• Moving out of a Medicare Advantage plan’s service area.
• Taking advantage of certain state-specific enrollment protections (like California and Oregon’s Birthday Rule, or Missouri’s Anniversary Rule).

During these times, carriers must offer coverage, regardless of health status.

Watch a quick YouTube video on Medicare Supplement Underwriting

Common Health Questions in Underwriting

While exact questions vary by carrier, underwriting often includes:

• Recent heart attacks, strokes, or cancer diagnoses.
• Use of oxygen, dialysis, or organ transplants.
• Height, weight, and mobility concerns.
• Hospitalizations in the past 90 days.
• Use of certain expensive medications.

Carriers typically ask about conditions that are costly and ongoing. Clients with stable, controlled conditions may still qualify.

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Why Agents Should Understand Underwriting

As an agent, knowing the underwriting rules helps you:

• Advise clients on the best time to apply for Medigap coverage.
• Set realistic expectations about approvals, denials, or higher premiums.
• Protect clients by helping them avoid losing a plan they may not be able to requalify for later.

Stay up-to-date on Medicare agent events and information

Underwriting for Medicare Supplements can be straightforward if clients apply at the right time, but tricky if they wait too long or want to change plans later. By understanding the process and knowing when underwriting applies, you can help your clients secure coverage that supports their health and budget without unexpected roadblocks.

United American HDG Plan Sales – Why Consider Them This AEP

Why Add UA Now

The Annual Election Period (AEP) for Medicare runs each year from October 15 through December 7. It’s the window when beneficiaries can enroll in, switch, or drop Medicare plans. With all the changes to Medicare plans this year, agents might want to consider United American HDG Plan Sales.

What is a High-Deductible Plan G (HDG)

United American’s HDG plan offers the same benefits as a standard Plan G after enrollees meet the deductible ($2,870 in 2025). That means once the deductible is met, the plan pays 100% of Medicare-approved services, including:

• Hospital costs and Part A coinsurance
• Skilled nursing facility coverage
• Part A deductible
• Part B coinsurance and excess charges
• 80% of foreign travel emergencies

Because of the higher deductible, monthly premiums are significantly lower, making HDG an attractive choice for cost-conscious beneficiaries.

Watch a quick YouTube video on High Deductible Plan G

Why choose United American’s HDG plan this AEP

Fewer Medicare Advantage options, especially PPOs

Carriers are withdrawing some Medicare Advantage plans from the market, particularly PPOs, and many agents are reporting fewer plan choices this AEP. In some areas, commissions on Medicare Advantage plans are also being reduced or eliminated. For beneficiaries who want stability, freedom of provider choice, and nationwide access, an HDG plan offers an excellent alternative.

Great value for cost-conscious consumers

HDG balances affordability and coverage; lower monthly premiums without sacrificing comprehensive protection once the enrollee meets the deductible.

Nationwide flexibility

Unlike Medicare Advantage, which often restricts members to networks, United American’s HDG allows you to visit any provider that accepts Original Medicare, with coverage that travels across state lines.

Financial strength and trust

United American has been selling Medicare Supplements since 1966 and maintains strong financial ratings, including an A (Excellent) from A.M. Best. Their history of stability reassures clients looking for long-term reliability.

Consumer-friendly features

Guaranteed renewable: You can’t be canceled as long as premiums are paid.

30-day free-look period: Cancel within 30 days if not satisfied.

Switching flexibility: Start with HDG and, at your second anniversary, move to a standard Plan G without underwriting if you decide you want richer coverage.

Why HDG makes sense in today’s market

With Medicare Advantage options shrinking, especially PPOs, and rising uncertainty in benefits and provider access, many beneficiaries are reconsidering Medigap. HDG is a way to:

• Keep premiums affordable
• Retain freedom to choose providers nationwide
• Have peace of mind that coverage won’t change annually the way MA plans often do

Sample Comparison: Is HDG Worth It

• High Deductible Plan G: Lower monthly premium, pay the $2,870 deductible first, then full coverage.
• Standard Plan G: Higher premiums, but no deductible. Total yearly cost could be higher even with no deductible, depending on your health needs and provider use.

If saving on monthly cost is a priority—and you’re able to manage the deductible if needed—HDG offers strong value, especially during this AEP when you have the flexibility to enroll.

GET CONTRACTED

Contracting for UA is easy; just email lisa@croweandassociates.com, she will request the contract for you.  Those looking for a GA level contract will need to have a minimum of 5 sub agents and 100 Medicare supplement cases on the books. Call our office at 203-796-5403 with any additional questions.

If you would like to contract with Crowe for carriers other than UA; click here

Stay up-to-date on Medicare agent events and information

This AEP presents a unique opportunity. With fewer Medicare Advantage choices and increasing restrictions, United American’s High-Deductible Plan G stands out as a cost-effective, flexible, and stable solution. For beneficiaries who value freedom of choice, reliable coverage, and the ability to control their long-term costs, HDG is a smart move this enrollment season.

Why Offer Medicare HDG Plans

The question; why offer Medicare HDG Plans, because the Medicare market is changing rapidly. Agents must stay ahead of the curve to remain successful. Many major carriers are scaling back their Medicare Advantage (MA) offerings and even cutting commissions on some plans. This leaves agents with fewer options to present to clients. This is where HDG Plans can make all the difference.

The Current Landscape of Medicare Advantage

In recent years, Medicare Advantage has been one of the most popular plan options among seniors. However, for the last couple years, carriers are:

• Pulling plans from the market – especially PPOs, which have traditionally been popular for their provider flexibility.
• Reducing commissions – some carriers are paying no commission on certain MA products, leaving agents with fewer options to offer.
• Tightening supplemental benefits – carriers are scaling back some of the extra benefits that once attracted clients, making MA plans less competitive.

For agents, this creates a challenge: how do you provide value to your clients while maintaining a sustainable business model?

Click here to join the team at Crowe and Associates- online contract.

Why HDG Health Plans Stand Out

HDG Health Plans provide a strong alternative that agents should be offering. Here’s why:

1. Plan Stability

Unlike some Medicare Advantage carriers that are exiting markets or restructuring benefits, HDG Health Plans are built for long-term stability. This ensures agents can confidently enroll clients without worrying about sudden disruptions.

2. Expanded Client Options

As carriers discontinue PPOs and other MA plans, seniors need reliable choices that meet their healthcare and financial needs. HDG offers products that can help fill the gaps left by Original Medicare. This gives agents a competitive edge in retaining and growing their book of business.

3. Consistent Compensation

With some carriers cutting or eliminating commissions on MA plans, agents need products that continue to provide fair, reliable compensation. HDG Health Plans recognize the value of the agent’s role and support them with commission structures that make sense.

4. Strong Value Proposition for Clients

Carriers design HDG Plans with seniors in mind, balancing affordability, access to care, and flexibility. This makes them attractive alternatives for clients who may be frustrated with shrinking MA networks or reduced plan options.

5. Ability to seek care from most providers

Unlike MA plans, Medicare supplements allow the enrollee to seek care form any provider that accepts Medicare. This can be a huge advantage to any enrollee.

Agents learn why and how to sell ancillary products – watch a quick YouTube video

The Opportunity for Agents

As the Medicare market shifts, agents who adapt quickly will come out ahead. By offering HDG Health Plans, agents can:

• Differentiate themselves from competitors still relying heavily on shrinking MA offerings.
• Provide solutions to clients facing plan cancellations or limited coverage options.
• Build a more stable book of business with products that pay fairly and retain members long-term.

Stay up-to-date on agent events and information

The Medicare Advantage space is in transition, and relying solely on it may leave both agents and clients at a disadvantage. By incorporating HDG Health Plans into your portfolio, you can protect your business, serve your clients more effectively, and position yourself as a trusted advisor during a time of change.

Now is the time to diversify your offerings, and HDG Health Plans should be at the top of your list.

Medigap Plan N vs Plan G: Which Is Right for You

When shopping for a Medicare Supplement (Medigap) plan, there are many options. Plan G and Plan N are two of the most popular choices for people looking to fill in the coverage gaps of Original Medicare. While they share many similarities, there are key differences in cost, coverage, and how they handle out-of-pocket expenses. Understanding Medigap Plan N vs Plan G can help you choose the plan that best fits your healthcare needs and budget.

What Medigap Plans Have in Common

Both Plan G and Plan N are standardized Medicare Supplement plans, meaning the basic benefits are the same no matter which insurance company offers them. With either plan, you get:

• Coverage for Medicare Part A coinsurance and hospital costs (after the beneficiary uses up Medicare’s benefits) for up to 365 days
• Coverage for Part B coinsurance or copayment (with exceptions for Plan N – explained below)
• Blood coverage (first 3 pints per year)
• Part A hospice care coinsurance or copayment
• Skilled nursing facility coinsurance
• Part A deductible
• Foreign travel emergency coverage (up to plan limits)

Key Differences Between Plan G and Plan N

1. Part B Excess Charges

• Plan G: Covers 100% of Medicare Part B excess charges (extra costs you may be billed if your provider doesn’t accept Medicare’s standard payment).
• Plan N: Does not cover Part B excess charges; if your provider bills them, you’ll have to pay out of pocket.

2. Office Visit & ER Copays

• Plan G: No copays for office visits or ER (after Medicare pays its share).
• Plan N: You may pay up to $20 for some doctor visits and up to $50 for emergency room visits (waived if admitted to the hospital).

3. Monthly Premiums

• Plan G: Generally has higher monthly premiums because it covers more.
• Plan N: Often has lower monthly premiums but requires more cost-sharing through copays and the possibility of excess charges.

4. Part B Deductible

• Both plans require you to pay the annual Medicare Part B deductible before coverage kicks in (for 2025, it’s $257).

Watch our YouTube video on Medicare Advantage vs Medicare Supplements

Which Plan is The Best Fit

• Choose Plan G if:
  • You want the most comprehensive coverage available to new Medicare enrollees.
  • You prefer predictable costs and don’t want to worry about excess charges or visit copays.
  • You see specialists who may charge more than Medicare’s approved amount.
• Choose Plan N if:
  • You want a lower monthly premium and are okay with occasional copays.
  • You typically see Medicare-assigned doctors who don’t bill excess charges.
  • You’re healthy, visit doctors less often, and want to save on monthly costs.

Both Plan G and Plan N are strong options that can protect you from high out-of-pocket costs not covered by Original Medicare. The right choice depends on how often you use healthcare services, whether your providers accept Medicare’s payment terms, and how much you want to pay each month in premiums versus at the point of care.

When comparing, it’s smart to enlist the help of a licensed Medicare agent who get quotes for both plans from multiple carriers. Please note: premiums vary by carrier even though the benefits are standardized.

If you are an agent who is ready to join the team at Crowe; click here for online contract.

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Changing Medicare Supplement Plans: What to Know Before You Switch

Medicare Supplement (Medigap) plans are a great choice for covering the portion of out-of-pocket costs that Original Medicare doesn’t. However, as health needs and financial situations change, beneficiaries might consider changing Medicare supplement plans. Whether it’s to reduce premiums or adjust coverage, making a change requires some thought and planning.

Here’s what to keep in mind when considering a change to Medicare Supplement coverage.

Why People Change Medigap Plans

There are several reasons why someone might decide to change their Medigap plan:

• Overpaying for coverage: The current plan might offer more coverage than needed, meaning the policyholder may not use as much coverage as much as expected.
• Needing additional benefits: Health needs can change, and a different plan may provide better or more suitable coverage.
• Shopping for a better rate: Even if the benefits remain the same, switching to a different insurance carrier offering the same plan at a lower premium makes sense.
• Company dissatisfaction: Some beneficiaries want to change to a new insurer due to customer service or other experiences.

When You Can Switch

Changing Medigap plans isn’t quite as simple as enrolling in Medicare for the first time. There are only a few scenarios when someone can switch plans without facing potential roadblocks:

• During their six-month Medigap Open Enrollment Period: This period starts the month they turn 65 and are enrolled in Medicare Part B. During this time, they can buy any Medigap plan offered in their state or switch plans. Insurance companies cannot deny coverage based on health.
• 30 day free look period: After purchasing a new Medigap policy, you have 30 days to decide if you want to keep it. This allows beneficiaries to compare other plans with their your current plan. 
• With guaranteed issue rights: These are special protections that allow someone to buy certain Medigap plans without medical underwriting. Common situations that trigger guaranteed issue rights include losing employer coverage or moving out of a plan’s service area. However, there are currently 4 states that offer guaranteed issue rights regardless of the circumstance.

Please note: A new Medigap policy doesn’t automatically cancel the old one the way Medicare Advantage and PDP plans do. It is best not to cancel your old Medigap policy until you are sure you want to keep the new one.

Watch a YouTube video on Medicare Supplement underwriting.

Outside of the situations listed above, beneficiaries may need to go through medical underwriting to enroll in a new Medigap plan.

Understanding Medical Underwriting

Medical underwriting is a review process insurers use to assess an applicant’s health history and current conditions. Based on this review, a company can:

• Approve or deny the application.
• Charge a higher premium.
• Apply a waiting period for coverage of pre-existing conditions.

If a person applies for a Medigap plan outside their Open Enrollment Period and without guaranteed issue rights, their application could be declined based on health.

One common underwriting consideration is tobacco use. Smokers often face higher premiums, even if they are otherwise in good health.

No Waiting Period to Switch

There’s a common misconception that people have to keep their Medigap plan for a set amount of time before switching. The truth is, once someone has a Medigap policy, they can apply for a new one at any time. As long as they’re willing to go through underwriting if required.

Switching Medicare Supplement plans isn’t something to rush into, but with the right timing and a good understanding of the process, it can be a good idea for your health and finances. Whether it’s finding more appropriate coverage or simply lowering monthly costs, reviewing options regularly ensures your Medicare Supplement plan continues to meet your needs. It is best to speak with a licensed Medicare agent who can guide you through the options and find the best fit for your needs.A

If you are an agent who is ready to join the team at Crowe; click here for online contract.

Agents helping clients navigate this process; be sure they understand the importance of timing and potential underwriting challenges. They must understand how their health status could impact their options.

Stay up-to-date on agent events and information; click here.

What Medicare Plan N Covers: Is It the Right Supplement for You

When it comes to supplementing Original Medicare (Part A and Part B), Medigap Plan N is one of the more popular options. It offers strong coverage at a lower premium than some other Medigap plans. This makes it an attractive choice for many Medicare beneficiaries. We will go over what Medicare Plan N covers, and why someone might choose it over other options.

What Medicare Plan N Covers

Medigap Plan N is a standardized Medicare Supplement Insurance plan, which means the benefits are the same no matter which insurance company offers it. Here’s what Plan N covers:

1. Medicare Part A Coinsurance and Hospital Costs – Covers up to an additional 365 days after Medicare benefits are used up.
2. Medicare Part B Coinsurance or Copays – Covers most of the 20% coinsurance beneficiaries would otherwise pay. This excludes copays; up to $20 for doctor visits and up to $50 for ER visits that don’t result in admission.
3. Blood (First 3 Pints) – Covers the cost of the first three pints of blood needed for a medical procedure.
4. Part A Hospice Care Coinsurance or Copays
5. Skilled Nursing Facility Care Coinsurance
6. Medicare Part A Deductible – Plan N covers this cost, which can save you over $1,600 per admission in 2025.
7. Emergency Medical Care During Foreign Travel – Covers 80% (up to plan limits) for medically necessary care during international travel.
   

What Plan N Does Not Cover

There are a few out-of-pocket costs you may still be responsible for:

1. Medicare Part B Deductible – You’ll need to pay this annually ($240 in 2025).
2. Part B Excess Charges – If your doctor does not accept Medicare assignment and charges more than Medicare-approved amounts, Plan N does not cover those excess charges.
3. Copayments – As mentioned earlier, you’ll pay small copays for some office and emergency room visits.
   

Why Choose Medicare Plan N

Here are some reasons why Plan N might be the right choice for you:

Lower Monthly Premiums

Plan N generally has lower premiums than Plan G or Plan F. This makes it a budget-friendly option for those who want solid coverage without a high monthly cost.

Predictable Costs

Aside from the Part B deductible and occasional copays, your out-of-pocket costs are minimal. This makes it easier to plan financially, especially for healthy individuals who don’t visit the doctor often.

Access to Nationwide Coverage

Like all Medigap plans, Plan N allows you to see any provider in the U.S. who accepts Medicare; no networks or referrals needed.

Foreign Travel Coverage

If you travel abroad, the emergency coverage provided under Plan N gives you added peace of mind.

Ideal for Healthy Retirees

If you’re in good health and don’t mind paying occasional small copays, Plan N can offer significant savings while still covering major expenses.

Watch a quick video on Medicare enrollment periods

Is Plan N Right for You

Plan N is best for those looking to balance good coverage with lower monthly premiums. It’s especially attractive if you don’t anticipate frequent medical visits and prefer to avoid the higher costs of Plan G or Plan F.

Agents; if you are ready to join the team at Crowe, click here for contract.

Click here to stay updated on the latest agent events and information.

As always, it’s important to review personal health needs, provider preferences, and budget with a licensed Medicare agent to determine if Plan N is your best fit.