I wanted to share some important news about United Healthcare Medicare Supplement plans. You may have received word about the premium increase. I know that’s not the kind of news anyone enjoys hearing about. So, let’s go over what’s happening and what it means for you.
What’s Happening with Premiums?
United Healthcare is raising premiums on their Medicare Supplement plans, effective June 1, 2025. Depending on where you live, your increase will be either 15.3% or 23.1%. It’s a sizable jump, and it’s tied to rising healthcare costs and claims they’re seeing across their plans. I don’t set these rates it’s all from the insurer—but I’m here to help you figure out what to do next because you have options.
What’s Underwriting, and Why Does It Matter Now?
If you’re considering switching insurance companies to lower your cost, you must know about “underwriting.” Underwriting is the process insurance companies use to review your health and medical history when you apply for a Medicare Supplement. If you enrolled during your Initial Enrollment Period (that six-month window when you turned 65 or first enrolled in Medicare Part B), they had to take you, and no health questions were asked. But outside that time, underwriting comes into play. You answer some health questions, and they check your records to decide if they’ll approve you, adjust your rate, or sometimes decline a new plan.
What This Means for You
If you want to switch companies, underwriting will be a factor. Every company has its own rules, though. It can be tricky, but I’ll sort it out with you. Let’s Find the Best Path Forward I know a premium hike like this can shake things up, but we’ll find a solution that works for you. The good news is that you can switch Medicare Supplement plans 365 days a year, but you’ll need to go through underwriting to make the change. All Medicare Supplement Plans are standardized, meaning all plans with the same letter must offer the same benefits. So, if you switch to another company’s Plan G, your benefits won’t change, only your premium will. If health challenges mean switching Med Supp plans isn’t an option, and you’re considering a Medicare Advantage plan instead, you’ll need to wait until October 15 to start that process, as that’s when the annual enrollment window opens. Just a heads-up: make sure all your doctors and preferred hospitals accept the Medicare Advantage Plan you’re considering—it’s a big decision. Many of you already know that I do not sell Advantage plans, but I’d be happy to refer you to someone trusted who does—just let me know.
I will contact everyone affected by this rate increase, but it will take time. If you have questions and need immediate answers, call me at 970-773-0220 and we can discuss your best options.
Lew Barr,
Independent Agent