How do pre-existing conditions affect original Medicare?

Here's how pre-existing conditions can affect Original Medicare:

1. Coverage for pre-existing conditions: Original Medicare does not deny coverage or charge higher premiums based on pre-existing conditions. You are generally eligible for Medicare coverage, regardless of any pre-existing health conditions you may have.

2. Guaranteed issue rights: If you have a pre-existing condition and are enrolling in Medicare for the first time, you have guaranteed issue rights. This means that Medicare Supplement Insurance (Medigap) plans, which provide additional coverage to Original Medicare, cannot deny you coverage or charge you higher premiums during your Medigap Open Enrollment Period. This period lasts for six months and begins when you are both 65 years old and enrolled in Medicare Part B.

3. Prescription drug coverage: Original Medicare (Part A and Part B) does not typically provide coverage for prescription drugs. However, you can enroll in a standalone Medicare Part D prescription drug plan to obtain coverage for your prescription medications. These Part D plans cannot deny you coverage or charge higher premiums based on pre-existing conditions during specific enrollment periods. Pre-existing conditions generally do not impact eligibility or premiums for Original Medicare or Medicare Advantage in the Initial Enrollment Period (IEP). However, when considering additional coverage options like Medigap or Medicare Part D, specific enrollment periods and regulations may apply to ensure coverage for pre-existing conditions AFTER your initial Enrollment Period.

MedHelpCenter.us recommends that you call the Senior Health Insurance Agency at 813-592-8568 for further explanation.