09/16/2011
Medigap transfers to be guaranteed issue in Washington beginning Sept. 16
The OIC announced that, effective Sept. 16, 2011, pre-2010 plan
beneficiaries can transfer to a 2010 standard Medigap plan according to the details below, with guaranteed issue. They can move between carriers as well.
There are, however, certain restrictions:
- If the beneficiary has a 1990 standard Plan A, they can transfer only to a 2010 standard Plan A (Note: Asuris does not offer Plan A for applicants under 65.)
- If the beneficiary has a 1990 standard Plan B, C, D, F, F-High Deductible, G, K or L, or other more comprehensive coverage, including any standardized Medigap policy issued prior to June 1, 2010, they can transfer to any of the following 2010 standard Plans: B, C, D, F, F-High Deductible, G, K, L, M or N (if available). Note: The above list of 1990 plans includes: Plans E, H, I and J.
When the 2010 standard Medigap plans were introduced, the NAIC guidelines allowed carriers to choose whether to require underwriting or allow transfers on a guaranteed issue basis. Most carriers, including Asuris, chose to require underwriting to keep the rates as low as possible for those enrolling on the new 2010 plans.
This regulatory change may lead to increased rates at the annual renewal of these plans on March 1, 2012. However, we'll continue to diligently manage costs with the knowledge that what is good for our members is good for Asuris.
This regulatory change becomes effective with new applications received on or after Sept. 16, 2011, for policies effective Oct. 1, 2011, or later.
If you have any questions please call your Individual Sales executive or Individual and Medicare Sales Producer Support at 1 (800) 557-0555.
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