Reassuring Medigap Clients During AEP: Stability in a Time of Medicare Advantage Market Disruption

As we enter another Annual Enrollment Period (AEP), Medicare Advantage (MA) market disruptions are creating uncertainty for many beneficiaries. Brokers are hearing concerns about plan terminations, rising costs, and providers leaving networks. In the midst of this, it’s crucial to reassure your Medigap clients that their coverage remains stable and unaffected by these changes.

Medigap members are on Original Medicare, not tied to the networks or potential disruptions that affect MA plans. Their hospital networks and providers continue submitting claims directly to Medicare—not the Medigap carrier. Once Medicare processes the claim, it’s automatically passed through the crossover system, ensuring that the Medigap plan reimburses providers directly for any eligible out-of-pocket expenses. This streamlined process means Medigap clients don’t have to worry about disruptions or complex claim issues—they’re covered, period.

It’s also important to address concerns that may arise if a provider or hospital says they "no longer accept" a certain Medicare company. Remind your clients that their Medigap plan supplements Original Medicare, which remains their primary healthcare coverage. As long as the provider accepts Medicare, they are required to provide care for Medigap members. Encourage your clients to clearly communicate that they have Original Medicare as their primary coverage, ensuring they can continue seeing their preferred doctors and visiting the hospitals they trust without interruption.

In an AEP full of upheaval for many, Medigap provides peace of mind. As brokers, we can confidently assure our Medigap clients that they are shielded from market instability. With no networks to navigate, no risk of plan terminations, and automatic claims processing, they can rest easy knowing their healthcare remains consistent and reliable.

This year, let’s focus on reinforcing the stability, flexibility, and reliability of Medigap coverage. Our clients deserve to know that amidst the disruptions in the healthcare landscape, their Medigap plan continues to deliver the peace of mind they rely on.