The National Association of Insurance Commissioners (“NAIC”) has issued a statement explaining the changes coming to the sale of Medigap Plans C, F, and F High Deductible starting on January 1, 2020.

The NAIC said that there is “a lot of misinformation about these changes.” The NAIC pointed out that:

• “Newly eligible” enrollees cannot buy Plans C, F, or F High Deductible after January 1, 2020.
• “Newly eligible” means those who turn 65 on or after January 1, 2020 or first become eligible for Medicare due to age, disability, or end-stage renal disease on or after January 1, 2020.
• For the “newly eligible,” Plans D, G, and G High Deductible replace Plans C, F, and F High deductible.

All other Medigap plans remain unchanged, the NAIC added.

Moreover, the NAIC emphasized, none of the above changes affect current Medigap policyholders, or those eligible for Medicare on or before January 1, 2020. In particular:

• A person who is 65 or who will be before January 1, 2020 is not affected by these changes. Such a person still can buy Plans C, F, and F High deductible, even after the changes go into effect for the newly eligible.
• A person who first becomes eligible for Medicare due to age, disability, or end-stage renal disease before January 1, 2020 is not affected by these changes.
• Plans C, F, and F High deductible will not be discontinued for those eligible for Medicare before January 1, 2020. They still will be able to keep their policies and can purchase Plans C or F and F High deductible on or after January 1, 2020.

According to the NAIC, “[s]ome unscrupulous sales people are trying to get policyholders to switch to make a commission. Don't be pressured to change your plan. Choose the right coverage for you.”