What can I do to protect myself after getting dumped by a Medicare HMO?

You are probably going to end up paying higher premiums with a new plan, if you have been dumped by a Medicare HMO. As a matter of fact, you might not be able to find a new Medicare HMO plan in your area.

Martin D. Weiss, chairman of Florida-based Weiss Ratings Inc., claims, "This is often a serious blow to the elderly They are left in a quandary and have scant access to reasoned advice, relying primarily on salespeople for guidance.' Sadly, this is a sad case that happens quite frequently. If this were to happen to you, protecting yourself is crucial.

Weiss recommends taking the following steps after losing Medicare HMO coverage:

• As long as they will permit the contract to run, stick with your current HMO until the end of the year. By doing so, you won't put your future options for coverage in jeopardy. You see, your early withdrawal will be considered "voluntary' which means you will immediately forfeit certain types of guaranteed coverage for the next year.

• Immediately begin checking into alternatives. Make sure that you enroll before your policy stops in a new policy that will be effective instantly after your termination date.

• Regardless of your health plan, don't hesitate to shift to traditional Medicare or to leave HMOs entirely. Medigap has four different plans that you can choose from: Plans A, B, C, and F. You might also be eligible for six other Medigap plans, depending on your health. By having both Medicare and Medigap, you chances being dropped again aren't very likely.

• Be careful with your choices with HMO plans. By making inaccurate or simply uneducated decisions, you are likely to have your application denied more than one time. 

• Keep in mind that your last tad to take advantage of guaranteed Medigap is 63 days after your HMO coverage expires.

• This is probably the best advice you are going to need: shop around for the least expensive Medigap policy that will meet both your budget and needs.

• Keep in mind that future Medigap premiums will increase. Before making your final decision, find out if your insurance company will raise your Medigap premiums automatically as you get older. As a matter of fact, you should find out as much information as you possibly can from your insurer before making any final choices.