There are two different types of Medicare Plans: Medigap Plans and Part C Medicare Advantage Plans. The Medicare Special Enrollment Periods in Nevada have significantly different rules compared to group health plans or the individual and family market. Depending on your eligibility, you might qualify for a Medicare plan starting next month! Also, you may not have to answer health questions if you apply for certain Medigap plans.
Types of Special Enrollment Periods
Like individual and family plans, Medicare Special Enrollment periods in Nevada do not allow you to enroll retroactively. Insurance carriers will require your application, payment, and plan selection prior to the effective date. The most common circumstances to a qualify for a Medicare Special Enrollment Period are:
- Initial Part B eligibility
- You’re enrolled in a Part C plan and your plan is leaving Medicare or stops giving care in your area, or you move out of the plan’s service area.
- You have Original Medicare and an employer group health plan that pays after Medicare pays and that plan is ending.
- You joined a Part C plan when first eligible for Medicare Part A at 65, and within the first year of joining, you decide you want to switch to Original Medicare.
- Your Medigap insurance coverage ends through no fault of your own. (An involuntary loss of coverage cannot be caused by non payment of premium.)
- There is a Part C Medicare Advantage Plan with a 5 star rating in your area.
When Does Coverage Start?
Depending on your circumstance, you may be granted a 6 month, 3 month, or 2 month Special Enrollment Period. Also, you may not have to answer health questions on certain Medigap plans. Even if you are eligible for a Special Enrollment Period, some Medigap plans may require you to still answer health questions. There are many complicated rules when applying with one of these Medicare Special Enrollment Periods in Nevada. We recommend consulting one of our brokers for assistance. You can also read more on Medicare.gov which outlines these special circumstances in greater detail.
No Special Enrollment Period? No Problem!
If you do not have a Special Enrollment Period, you can apply for a Medigap plan at any time of the year. Most people will be required to answer health questions if they do not have a Medicare Special Enrollment Period. Your health history and current prescriptions will ultimately determine your acceptance into the Medigap plan. Part C and Part D plans have stricter rules and do not allow people to enroll mid year without a Special Enrollment Period.
