Page 7 - Cover Letter and Evaluation for Sarah Spero

One risk you take when you enroll in an Advantage plan is that if you later want to switch to a
Medigap policy, you will have to disclose any pre-existing conditions and could be assessed
higher premiums or even denied coverage. But that may be an acceptable risk because of the
high quality of the two Advantage plans in your evaluation and the fact that the Advantage
plans provide some extra services that are not available with the Medigap policies.

In most cases, you will be able to change your coverage only during Medicare’s annual open
enrollment period each year (October 15 – December 7), with the change going into effect on
January 1. During this open enrollment period, you can switch from one Advantage plan to
another or from one stand-alone drug plan to another.

You can also dis-enroll from an Advantage plan and get a Medigap policy and a stand-alone
drug plan, although you will have to answer questions about your health before you can get the
Medigap policy.

In conclusion, Sarah, there are a couple of things to keep in mind as you make the transition to
Medicare. On your initial visits to your doctors after October 1, show the office staff your new
enrollment cards. That will help to avoid any billing confusion. And show your Part D enrollment
information to your pharmacist. Also, you’re entitled to a free “Welcome to Medicare” physical
(see page 11 of the evaluation), but you’ll probably have to request it.

Sincerely,

David Armes, CFP®

Attachment to this letter: California Birthday Rule for Medigap Policies

WDA:12110

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