Medicare Supplement Insurance – What Is the Grace Period?
Grace period for health insurance renewing varies from a few days to a few weeks. Sometimes it could even extend up to 30 days or more. In fact, the grace period is a lifeline and needs to be utilized as such. If you do not pay your insurance bill on time, then your coverage dies and you lose all your benefits and privileges, plus the loyalty points and health insurance incentives that you have gained over a period of time. Therefore, it is important that you utilize the grace periods provided by your health insurance company so that you do not become a victim of failure to pay your premium on time.
Why we need health insurance grace period? As already discussed, this grace period allows the insured to purchase additional health insurance if he does not receive an updated quote on his current health insurance plan, within the given grace period. Thus, you can use this time to boost your current health insurance plan by shopping around. In addition, you can also use this period to find out whether you need to change your health coverage plan as well.
When is the health insurance grace period? There is not a fixed set date as to when this grace period needs to start and end. The health insurance waiting period starts as soon as the first visit of the health insurance agent or representative in the particular office. The health insurance waiting period is considered to start from the day that the applicant applies for health insurance. Hence, in this particular case, the health insurance waiting period starts from the application for health insurance. Once the applicant receives a health insurance quote and informs the company about any pending medical expenses or other financial problems, the company would contact the applicant immediately and ask him to provide a detailed report about his present health status.
Is there a health insurance grace period between turning 26 years old and receiving the first health insurance quote? Yes, there is a health insurance grace period of six months from the date of first turn of the 26th year of age. However, it is recommended to take a gap of at least one to two years before applying for health insurance. This gap should enable the applicant to either upgrade or switch to better health coverage.
Are there any special enrollment periods for youngsters? Yes, there are health insurance companies who offer special enrollment periods especially for young policyholders. The special enrollment period starts from turning twenty-one years of age. Policyholders who were out of the contract after turning twenty-one years of age and seeking immediate policy coverage can take the advantage of this grace period and enroll immediately. Otherwise, they may have to wait until they turn 26 years of age.
Why is a special enrollment period offered by an insurance company? In order to encourage young consumers to sign up for a policy with the company, insurance companies give out a free health insurance quote for six months starting from the turning of the age. Thus, policyholders can use this time to plan their future health spending and compare costs between different health insurance companies. It is also a great time to purchase a policy.
How long is the grace period if a policyholder decides not to buy a policy? Usually, short term health insurance payments cannot exceed more than three month in duration. Some insurers allow policyholders to make up the remaining coverage within this three month period. This is for providing temporary coverage when a person requires it the most.
How long does it take to renew a policy? A grace period of between six to twelve months is provided by most insurance companies for policyholders who wish to renew their coverage. The insurer will give the policyholder a new enrollment notice, along with an online form for an automatic renewal. Once a policyholder confirms their acceptance, the insurer issues them a new Medicare card. The new card also carries the date of your last Medicaid or Medicare supplement monthly premium payment.