Health-Plus Insurance Agency Broker John Benfanti Explains California's Birthday Rule

LOS ALAMITOS, Calif., July 30, 2019 /PRNewswire-PRWeb/ -- If you are a California senior with a Medicare Supplemental plan, also called a Medigap plan, you should know about the "Birthday Month Rule." According to John Benfanti, owner of Health-Plus Insurance Agency, Inc., "There is flexibility in managing Medicare Supplement plans in an effort to save money. During any senior's birthday month, Medicare Supplement participants can move to any other Medicare Supplement guaranteed, and without any medical questions, meaning a policy that is offered without regard to health status to any eligible applicant."

Medicare is a federal program, but California's "Birthday Month Rule" gives California seniors the option to change their plan if they qualify. To qualify, you must meet four criteria:

1) Live in California.
2) Have an active Medigap plan.
3) Switch to a Medigap plan with same or lesser benefits.
4) Be within 30 days of your birthday.

"There's a time frame to exercise this rule," Benfanti noted. "In actuality, you may have up to 60 days to make the change. You can apply in the 30 days leading up to your birthday or during your birthday month, but your new policy will not take effect until the first of the month following your birthday month ."

As long as the new plan is of an equal or lesser coverage level, you can change your plan. "If you have one of the richest coverages, such as Plan F for example, you can switch to almost any plan with any company," Benfanti said. "You'd have to remain with the same level plan or choose one that provides for lower coverage, though, if you already have one of the lower level plans."

You are still allowed to change your Medicare Supplement (Medigap) plan anytime of the year; as there are no restrictions on when you can change. Benfanti pointed out, however, "If you attempt to make a change without using the 'Birthday Rule,' you may have to qualify medically and you could be denied based on the medical questions you would be required to answer."

Under the "Birthday Rule," acceptance is guaranteed even if your current health would normally disqualify you for coverage. California's Medigap insurance law involves private insurance companies, and was partially created to stimulate competition and lower premium rates on Medicare Supplement policies. "I encourage my clients to check the market each year, and to review their plan during their birthday month," added Benfanti. "It's a great time to shop the market to find a more affordable plan than the one you currently have."

In business since 1992, Benfanti will be offering concierge insurance services, which are intended to make life easier for clients by having someone readily available to respond to questions and resolve problems. "Clients can opt in to our concierge program at no additional cost," Benfanti stated.

About Health-Plus Insurance Agency, Inc.
Health-Plus Insurance Agency, Inc. is a business-to-consumer insurance agency that delivers web-based insurance information to individuals, families, and small businesses. The company's integrated suite of online services facilitates a comprehensive search and review of the leading insurance companies available. For a free one-on-one consultation, call 562-795-5420, or visit http://www.healthplusinsurance.com/. Health-Plus Insurance Agency, Inc., is located at 3561 Howard Avenue, Suite 205, Los Alamitos, CA, 90720.

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SOURCE Health-Plus Insurance Agency, Inc.