Medicare shopper says broker steered him from guaranteed issue, then he was denied

A Reddit post describes a Medicare buyer who says a broker directed him to medical underwriting for a Medigap policy instead of a guaranteed-issue application, a choice he fears cost him an important coverage opportunity.

He said the outcome was a rejection he could not account for, followed by encouragement to consider a pricier substitute.

Here's what to know

In a post on Reddit, the original poster said he reached out to Boomer Benefits for help buying Medicare Supplement Plan G through Bankers for himself and his wife, who was about to turn 65.

After leaving his job, he believed guaranteed-issue protections applied, but he said the brokerage advised him that skipping that route would be easier.

He said he went through the health questionnaire, including mentioning a back surgery and medications for cholesterol and high A1c, and was later denied.

"Really does not make sense," he wrote, adding that the broker later suggested applying on a guaranteed basis through AARP, even though "AARP will be like another $100 a month."

One commenter wrote, "It sounds like you don't trust the broker … using them is optional. Contact SHIP for a second opinion." Another added, "Find a local broker who represents multiple companies and move on from Boomer."

More background

He said the most confusing part was why the application was not simply sent back through the guaranteed-issue process from the start. In the replies, some users argued the brokerage may have made the situation more complicated than it needed to be, though those claims were not independently verified.

According to the shopper, the backup option being discussed would add about $100 a month.

What can be done?

Suggestions in the thread went in a few directions. Some urged him to seek a second opinion from SHIP, others recommended working with a local broker who represents multiple companies, and others still said to contact the insurer directly if he already had a preferred carrier.

One commenter noted a limitation. As one commenter put it, "SHIP doesn't (and can't) assist with Medigap enrollment, only Medicare Advantage and Part D plans."

The original poster wrote, "I just contacted my SHIP advisor. Just do not understand why they just can't resubmit me under the guaranteed program. Maybe I need a new broker, as it seems they do not want to go through bankers. Not sure why they just did not go through Guarantee the first time. I do not believe them that bankers just drag their feet till my guarantee is over. Or does this make sense? Very frustrating."

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