Community-rated versus issue-age versus attained-age Medigap policies?

Question

What's the best way to chose a Medigap policy in light of the different ways they are priced: community-rated versus issue-age versus attained age? My wife, who has heatlh issues, will be selecting a Medigap policy soon. Is the company's pricing method important to our decision?

Answer 1

You should definitely take into account the way that the policies are priced. While it won't make a huge difference in future premium increases (both types of ratings increase premiums over time), all other things being equal, it is better to be with a community rated or issue-age rated as go up based on administrative factors NOT age AND administrative factors (like attained-age rated).



That said, in most states that my company works in, the issue-age policies are significantly more expensive than attained-age rated. In that case, I would recommend basing the decision more on premium than on pricing method.

Answer 2

We were expecting something to improve the unemployment; we were given really bad health care manipulation. We were promised that unemployment would not go above 8% if we gave the Democrats a trillion in stimulus. That didn't work out either. We were told that Guantanamo would be closed to improve our image in the World. That hasn't happened; won't happen; and goes down as lie #3. There was some silly allegory about the oceans receding, and the Planet healing, but that was put in the notebook with the 57 states that were also claimed by the smartest man in the World. We had our boots on BP's throat. That wasn't much help during the Gulf Incident. We should consider ourselves fortunate that Barry goes golfing when important decisions need to be made. More recently, we've had an end to DADT. Does anybody really know what any of that means ? Enactment procedures ? Will they let a competent Republican manage the transition in 2012 ? We also had a noose tightening around Ghadafi's neck. That came from the mouth of Barry himself. Again; we're treated to abject misinterpretation of reality, and failure. Give up. Barry's a pathetic loser. He'll never be a successful President regardless of how much more affirmative action we shovel into his path of incompetency. Talk about shovel ready projects ? Apparently the specifics of a failed Presidency are upsetting to the liberal element. Tough.

Answer 3

Attained Age Rated

Answer 4

Because Medigap policies, by law, offer identical coverages from company to company. Your choice will be dependent on price, service and company reputation.

Answer 5

http://www.aarp.org/health/medicare-insurance/info-01-2011/understanding_medicare_a_boomers_guide.html



The other posters are correct. I have link above to the AARP website and medicare which has numerous articles reference on medigap polices and they may also have a FAQ to help in your decision.



good luck