Question
QUESTION: My husband is 67, and forgot to pay his Medicare premium for several months. (No excuse for it either - sigh. My insurance doesn't enter the picture.) His coverage under Secure Horizons terminated on 11/30/09. He was told that he could re-enroll, but will not have coverage until 7/1/10. Two questions:
-is there any way to get back into Medicare before that time?
-if not, how could we get him interim coverage?
Many thanks for any assistance.
ANSWER: Hi Kathy
There is not enough information to answer your question. It is too long and complicated to be done by e-mail. He should have a copy of MEDICARE AND YOU 2010, if not go to the nearest Social security office and get one. In the center of the back cover is the phone number for the nearest SHIP office. Call them and request to speak with a counselor.
Not getting coverage until July would be if he did not have part B Medicare. Which means he would have to apply for it before the end of March.
Indications are that he lost the Medicare Advantage plan from Secure Horizons for failure to pay the premium, Since this is an open enrollment period for Advantage plans, he should be able to get an Advantage plan.
If the Horizon plan was work related, there are several other questions to ask.
John
---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------
QUESTION: John - thanks for your answer. This is not work-related.
We did contact Colorado's SHIP program, and they advised that we send in the late premium and ask to be re-instated, instead of re-enrolling and waiting. So we've done that.
I guess I'd just like to know if being re-instated instead of re-enrolling is a common outcome. If not, it's not clear to me that anyone will cover him in the interim. He has a heart condition, so I worry!
Thanks again.
Kathy
Answer
Hi again
It varies among plans. Also, some States have regulations on re-instated. I have had them going both ways.
If they accept the late premiums in total back to the first missed premium, he should be covered for the entire period. Some only allow 30 to 90 days for accepting late premiums. If they do not accept the late premiums and you have to re-enroll, you will have problems.
Stay in touch with the local SHIP. They know the plans in your area. They can also help you with an appeal, if that is necessary.
Hope for the best.
John
