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Although the federal government instituted the first Medicare supplemental insurance regulations, it set only certain rules for operating the system. The states were given the freedom to improve on those regulations, and many have done so. Kansas Medicare supplemental (Medigap) insurance is sold and managed under rules set by the federal government and the state. Although major changes to Medicare supplemental insurance plans will go into effect on June 1, 2010, many regulations will remain as they are. The language of some rules might change because the menu of Medigap insurance plans has been altered. Plans E, H, I and J have been eliminated, and Plan M and Plan N have been added. In addition, some benefits have been dropped from all plans, and hospice care has been made a part of every plan. It is now a basic benefit. These basic standards remain in effect for all insurance companies issuing Medicare supplemental insurance policies in Kansas and for the beneficiaries of these policies: Pre-existing conditions. Insurance companies can impose a six-month waiting period before covering a pre-existing condition. To be considered pre-existing, the condition must have been treated or advice obtained from a physician within six months before the date coverage becomes effective. Accidents and illnesses. A Medigap policy cannot indemnify against losses from illness differently from losses from accident. Spousal coverage. Medicare supplemental coverage cannot be terminated for one spouse because the other spouse’s coverage has been terminated, except for failure to pay the premium. Renewal guarantee. Medigap policies cannot be cancelled or “non-renewed” unless the premium has not been paid or the beneficiary has misrepresented information. Changes in health status do not qualify for cancellation. Further, if the plan is held as a group policy and is terminated, the beneficiaries are guaranteed the ability to purchase an individual Medicare supplement policy that continues the benefits available with the terminated policy. Other regulations apply to Kansas Medicare supplemental insurance, and individuals interested in purchasing coverage should learn more about them, either by contacting the Kansas Insurance Department or discussing them with an expert in Medigap insurance in the state. It’s also a good idea to learn more about the changes coming to Medicare supplemental insurance in June 2010, especially the new plans M and N. Plan M and Plan N will provide all the benefits of Plan A, which are part of every Medigap plan, except Plan M will require a co-payment of $20 co-payment for doctor’s office visits and a $50 co-payment for emergency room visits. However, the lower premiums these plans offer can offset any co-payments. The Richardt Insurance Agency helps clients find the right coverage and the right price for Medicare supplemental insurance plans in Kansas, Oklahoma, Missouri Arkansas, and Texas. A Richardt Insurance agent can help you decide what your policy should contain and provide a Medicare supplemental insurance quote that will give you the best possible coverage at an affordable premium.
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Kansas Medicare Supplemental Insurance, Medicare supplemental insurance, Pre-existing conditions, Richardt Insurance Agency,
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