I’m at my wit’s end with the application process. I can’t seem to reach anyone who can actually help.
I’m on SSDI and finally eligible for Medicare starting in February 2025. Since I’m under 65, I couldn’t apply online, so I called and applied over the phone. When I reviewed my application online, I noticed there was a mistake—someone entered the wrong answer on one question, which stopped it from getting automatic approval.
I’ve tried calling to speak with someone in underwriting or to correct the application, but no one seems able to help. I also get daily automated calls asking me to call them back, but when I do, they don’t know why I received the call. They just say my application is pending and that I’ll eventually receive something in the mail.
It feels like they actively avoid letting you speak to someone who can actually resolve this. I just want to correct the error and provide a letter from my former employer showing my employment and benefits terminated within the last 6 months.
Question: How do I reach an underwriter or someone competent at AARP UHC? Would I be better off contacting a local Medicare agent for help? I don’t want this process to drag on for months, only to end up declined and have to start over with another carrier.
@Dane
I did this, and it shows my application is pending along with a PDF of what was filled out. That’s how I found the mistake. I’m basically stuck in ‘pending’ status with no way to get through to correct the application. I have to wait for… maybe a letter? Maybe a call? Maybe an email? No one can tell me anything.
Did the person who enrolled you give you their direct phone number? This is the kind of issue where having an agent can really help.
If you find a local agent, they might be able to call with you and get the application closed so a new one can be submitted. Otherwise, you might consider reaching out to your state department of insurance for assistance.
@Leighton
They didn’t give me a direct number. I called AARP UHC directly, filled it out over the phone, and it felt like it just disappeared into a void.
I even tried calling to reapply (cancel the first one and start fresh), but they said that’s not possible. They also can’t amend the existing application. I keep going in circles with them, and I’m not sure what they’re there for if they can’t actually do anything. It’s way harder than it should be.
Looks like my next step is to call a local agent and see if they can access underwriting. I’m willing to pay if it saves my sanity.
Man, I worked in insurance, so I have a basic grasp of this stuff. If this process is pushing me over the edge, I can’t imagine how hard it must be for elderly folks who don’t understand it all.
AARP UHC’s customer service is pretty rough, often off-shore. If you insist, you might be able to get someone in the U.S., but you have to push hard and call during regular business hours.
Koa said:
I’m not sure where you live, but you might try finding a local UHC sales office. Locate the rep for your area, and they should be able to help.
Thanks for the suggestion! I’ll check to see if there’s a local rep in my area.
If you had gone through an agent, this would have been resolved in 10 minutes. You’ll always run into issues dealing directly with the carrier. You can still get an agent if you cancel the original application and have them handle it for you.
Question: How do I reach an underwriter or someone competent at AARP UHC? Would I be better off contacting a local Medicare agent for help? I don’t want this process to drag on for months, only to end up declined and have to start over with another carrier.
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