Do insurers try to evade "guaranteed issue" by not responding to applications?
I am trying to switch Medigap plans during California's annual "guaranteed issue" period lasting 60 days after one's birthday (due to my current Medigap insurer (UHC) raising its rates steeply since I signed up). I'm finding that insurers just don't respond. I could go through a broker, but that would exclude some of the less expensive carriers. For example, I have contacted 2 different State Farm agents (policies only sold via their agents, not brokers), and neither has responded. Similarly with another carrier that uses direct online applications. I have had a minor surgical procedure in my first years on Medicare, but am healthy (although I suspect that something that seems minor may nonetheless increase actuarial risk estimates in the insurers' models). It seems like "guaranteed issue" rules are only as good as the state's willingness to enforce them? Or maybe Medigap policies have low commission rates for agents so they don't prioritize a response?