Medigap supplemental Insurance in NJ - can anyone recommend a seller?

[JoeM]

Well, I'm now enrolled in Medicare and in the process of picking either a Part B supplements, either Plan G or F in New Jersey. I don't have a reliable agent that I can go to for help at the moment so I'm educating myself as much as possible as to providers before picking up Part B and then Part D.

Considering AARP/United Healthcare, Atena and maybe Mutual of Omaha at this point. AARP seems to get good reviews, in general, but I understand they become pricy after the initial enrollment period. Aetna seems to be a popular choice and both they and Mutual of Omaha provide discounts for your spouse joining at a later time.

Anyone here have any experience with the providers here in NJ or advise as to picking one?

TIA

[michaelb]

I would call the SHIP counselors in NJ for input. I have no idea about them specifically in NJ, but every state runs this program to counsel Medicare beneficiaries about their options.

https://www.state.nj.us/humanservices/do...ices/ship/

[JoeM]

michaelb wrote:
I would call the SHIP counselors in NJ for input. I have no idea about them specifically in NJ, but every state runs this program to counsel Medicare beneficiaries about their options.

https://www.state.nj.us/humanservices/do...ices/ship/

Will do, thank you!

[AllGold]

I would avoid Mutual of Omaha. The reason is over the past several years they have been playing a shell game with different subsidiaries or "nameplates". They create a new name and come in with really low prices. Then after a few years when their claims costs get high, they close that block of business and create yet another new name with lower rates. The rates then skyrocket on their closed block of business because they don't get any new/younger customers. If you have health problems that keep you from being able to switch to another Medicare supplement then you get gouged.

AARP/UHC has an enrollment discount that disappears over the years, but their overall rate increases have been among the lowest in the business. AARP/UHC is also the only company I know of that allows you to switch between plans with a phone call with no underwriting. You do need to be a member of AARP (and can apply with your medigap application) to apply, although technically, you don't have to continue your AARP membership beyond the first year.

[JoeM]

AllGold wrote:
I would avoid Mutual of Omaha. The reason is over the past several years they have been playing a shell game with different subsidiaries or "nameplates". They create a new name and come in with really low prices. Then after a few years when their claims costs get high, they close that block of business and create yet another new name with lower rates. The rates then skyrocket on their closed block of business because they don't get any new/younger customers. If you have health problems that keep you from being able to switch to another Medicare supplement then you get gouged.

AARP/UHC has an enrollment discount that disappears over the years, but their overall rate increases have been among the lowest in the business. AARP/UHC is also the only company I know of that allows you to switch between plans with a phone call with no underwriting. You do need to be a member of AARP (and can apply with your medigap application) to apply, although technically, you don't have to continue your AARP membership beyond the first year.

Thanks for the info. I did some reading of reviews on Mutual of Omaha after posting and found they were not rated well at consumeraffairs.com. I think the negative reviews are confirming people's experiences with them as you state:
https://www.consumeraffairs.com/insuranc...ealth.html

[ka jowct]

I have no complaints about my AARP supplement plan, in terms of the cost. It has gone up very little since I’ve had it.

[JoeM]

ka jowct wrote:
I have no complaints about my AARP supplement plan, in terms of the cost. It has gone up very little since I’ve had it.

Thanks ka jowct. My brother and his wife both have it in Fla and are also quite happy with it.

[ka jowct]

When I was looking into plans, I asked one of my doctors what his patients had fewest complaints about, and he said that the AARP plans were the ones that their patients seemed most satisfied with. I’ve been seeing this guy (my allergist) for 25+ years, and trust him to be honest.

[JoeM]

ka jowct wrote:
When I was looking into plans, I asked one of my doctors what his patients had fewest complaints about, and he said that the AARP plans were the ones that their patients seemed most satisfied with. I’ve been seeing this guy (my allergist) for 25+ years, and trust him to be honest.

I've actually heard the same comment from someone else.I'm leaning towards them at this point but still checking into Arena.