Full Underwriting Applies to Others

All other eligible persons, including retirees and their spouses, are subject to “full” underwriting at all times, including during the current open season. They must answer additional questions about their health history and lifestyle habits. However, there is an advantage to at least some of them by applying in the current open season, if they are interested in the coverage. During the open season ages are “frozen” as of July 1 of this year; for example, someone who turned 62 on that date or later will pay premium rates of a 61-year-old. That could make the difference of several dollars a month, depending on the type of coverage elected. That age freeze, too, will end with the open season.