Californians May Lose Access to These Plans at 65 — Here’s Why Acting Early Matters

When planning for retirement, most people focus on Medicare, Social Security, and long-term savings. But there's another key component to protecting your health and financial well-being that often goes overlooked—supplemental insurance, including critical illness, cancer, stroke, heart attack, and accident insurance.

These policies pay you directly—not your doctor or hospital—when you’re diagnosed with a covered illness or suffer an injury. This financial cushion can help cover deductibles, copays, transportation, time off work, and recovery expenses that traditional health insurance doesn’t always take care of.

But if you're in California, there’s a very important reason to consider these policies before you turn 65.

Age 65 Is a Hard Stop for Many Supplemental Plans in California

Due to state regulations from the California Department of Insurance, most companies stop offering new critical illness, accident, and similar supplemental policies once a person becomes eligible for Medicare at age 65. This isn’t just a company choice—it’s part of how these products are regulated.

As outlined in Department of Insurance guidelines and bulletins (e.g., CDI Bulletin 2018-3), insurers must meet strict filing and age-related marketing criteria. As a result, many plans are only available to those under 65.

Why It Makes Sense to Enroll Early

Even if you're healthy today, here are a few reasons to consider these policies before you're no longer eligible:

• Protect your income in the event of a major illness or accident
• Bridge financial gaps in high-deductible or employer health plans
• Receive lump-sum cash benefits you can use for any purpose
• Lock in your eligibility while you're still under 65 and healthy
• Maintain coverage beyond 65 with guaranteed renewability (on many plans)

These Plans Aren’t Just for the Uninsured

Even with great health insurance or Medicare down the road, these supplemental plans serve a different purpose: they provide cash when you need it most—during a medical crisis.

Think of it like this: health insurance pays doctors. Supplemental insurance pays you.

Don’t Wait Until It’s Too Late

If you’re approaching age 65 and still want to explore your options, now is the time to act. Once you cross that threshold, your choices in California may be severely limited.

I’m here to help you explore what’s available to you based on your age, health, and budget—no pressure, just education.

📞 LeAnne Tan, REBC
LT Insurance Services #6013828
Call: 858-376-7801
Email: [email protected]om