If you have a UnitedHealthcare (AARP) Medicare Supplement (Medigap) policy, you may have recently received a notice that will make your heart skip a beat. Effective June 1, 2026, UnitedHealthcare is implementing rate increases of up to 30% for many policyholders across Indiana.
A 30% increase is a massive jump, and for many Hoosiers, it’s simply not sustainable. At KSS Insurance, our phone lines are open, and we want you to know one thing: You have options. You are not “stuck” with this increase, and you don’t have to navigate this alone.
Three Ways to Fight the Rate Hike
When a carrier like UHC “disrupts” your budget with a double-digit increase, we look at three specific paths to protect your wallet.
1. The “Clean Slate” Path (Underwriting)
If you are in relatively good health, we can help you apply for a Medicare Supplement with another carrier.
- The Goal: To get you the exact same coverage (or even better) at a significantly lower monthly premium.
- The Risk: Zero. If we apply and you don’t pass the health questions (underwriting), you simply stay with your current plan. There is no risk in trying, and it could save you hundreds of dollars a year.
2. The “Birthday Rule” Path (Guaranteed Issue)
If you have health issues that would normally prevent you from switching plans, the new Indiana Birthday Rule is your best friend.
- How it works: You have a 60-day window (30 days before and 30 days after your birthday) where you can shop for a new plan with the same coverage without answering a single medical history question.
- The Catch: This window is strict. We need to be ready to act when your birthday month arrives.
3. The “Strategic Pivot” Path (Annual Enrollment)
If a Supplement is becoming too expensive overall, we can look at the Medicare Advantage market.
- The Opportunity: During the Annual Enrollment Period (October 15 – December 7), you can transition to a Medicare Advantage plan without any medical questions.
- The Strategy: This can lower your monthly premium to $0 in many cases, while still providing robust coverage for your doctors and prescriptions.
A Message from Steve & Karl
We know that a letter from your insurance company announcing a 30% hike feels like a “take it or leave it” proposition. It’s not.
At KSS Insurance, we are currently running comparison reports for all our UHC Medigap clients in Central Indiana. We are looking for the “pockets of stability”—the carriers who are keeping their rates steady while others are spiking.
Don’t wait until June 1st to see that higher bill hit your bank account. Let’s look at your options today. Whether you want to try for a lower-cost Supplement or wait for your “Birthday Window,” we are here to handle the paperwork and keep your insurance simply affordable. Call or email us to start your rate review.