I do have Medicare Parts A and B. I have had colon cancer, did not require treatments, but I do need the checkups, etc. I do not require any medications. What would be my best plan?—D.K, WVA

From the editor:
Shopping for supplemental health insurance to Medicare is confusing and difficult. If you want to change insurance policies there are some important points to consider.

• Will a new insurance company add a waiting period for your pre-existing health conditions? Your pre-existing health conditions may help the insurance company decide how much to charge you for your Medigap policy. If you have a health problem that was diagnosed or treated during the 6 months immediately prior to a new Medigap policy starting, the policy might not cover your costs right away for care related to that health problem. Medigap policies must cover pre-existing conditions after the policy has been in effect for six months.
• If you decide to buy a new Medigap policy the insurance company must count the time you had the same benefits under the first policy towards the pre-existing condition’s waiting period. You still may have a waiting period imposed for pre-existing conditions for any new benefits that you did not have under your first policy.
• The insurance company may not deny you coverage, or, charge you more for a policy if:
   A. you are in your Medigap Open Enrollment period or
   B. a Special Enrollment period when you have the right to buy a Medigap policy because of certain circumstances, such as when your Health Maintenance Organization (HMO) discontinues service.

I urge you to call your Area Agency on Aging and ask about your state’s Health Insurance Assistance Program (SHIP). The service is free and an insurance counselor can provide you with information about Medicare, Medigap supplements and Medicaid programs in your area. The specially trained volunteers can help you wade through the confusing language of government and private insurance and help you resolve questions about payments and claims. Area Agencies on Aging are non-profit organizations that cover all communities in the United States. You can reach your local agency by checking your phone book or calling the Eldercare Locator at (800) 677-1116. Or go to http://www.eldercare.gov.

February 2002