Final answer:
Timothy may enroll in a Medigap plan during the Medicare Advantage Disenrollment Period, but he may be subject to medical underwriting. If he has a guaranteed issue right, he might be able to get a plan without denial or increased premiums due to his health. He should act quickly to review his options with the insurance company.
Step-by-step explanation:
The question pertains to Timothy's eligibility for Medigap, a supplemental insurance to help with copays and other out-of-pocket costs not covered by traditional Medicare. Since Timothy dropped his first Medigap plan and is now on a MAPD (Medicare Advantage Plan with Prescription Drug coverage), he might be looking to switch back to Original Medicare and add a Medigap policy.
Typically, the best time to join a Medigap plan is during the individual's Medigap Open Enrollment Period, which is a six-month period starting the first month they have Medicare Part B and are 65 or older. However, since Timothy dropped his Medigap plan for a MAPD plan, his situation falls outside the typical enrollment rules.
Since it is December 28th, 2016, he is currently within the annual Medicare Advantage Disenrollment Period (MADP), which runs from January 1st to February 14th each year. During the MADP, individuals enrolled in a Medicare Advantage Plan can leave their plan and switch back to Original Medicare. If Timothy does this, he could then purchase a Medigap plan to supplement his Medicare coverage. However, because he would be applying for Medigap outside his Open Enrollment Period, insurers are allowed to use medical underwriting to decide whether to accept his application, which can affect his eligibility and premium cost.
If Timothy has a guaranteed issue right, meaning certain conditions are met that obligates insurance companies to offer him certain Medigap policies, it would prevent the insurance company from denying coverage or charging more due to his current health conditions. These rights can arise from specific situations, such as losing other health coverage. It is crucial for Timothy to understand his rights and possible restrictions during this period.
Given his circumstances and the current date, Timothy should consider contacting the insurance company promptly to review his options.