What does the member's age on their plan effective date determine in states with entry age rating?

In states with entry age rating, the member's age on their plan effective date directly influences the premium rate. Entry age rating is a method used by insurance companies to set premiums based on the age of the individual when they first enroll in a Medicare Supplement plan. Generally, younger members tend to receive lower premium rates compared to those who enroll at older ages due to the longer expected duration of coverage for the insurer.

This system encourages early enrollment, as those who join at a younger age can lock in lower premium rates for their future coverage. Since the premium is based on the age at the time of entry into the plan, those who are older when they start their plan may face higher costs, reflecting the increased likelihood of needing healthcare services.

Other aspects of the plan, such as eligibility for enrollment or the benefit coverage level, are not directly determined by the member's age; instead, they typically depend on factors like state regulations and the specific policies of the insurance provider. The length of a discount period might relate to plan features or promotions but is not influenced by the member's age when the plan becomes effective.