i.e. they can ask medical questions, review my medical history, and come up with a premium accordingly, or even decide not to sell me a policy. Whereas if I stay in the same plan, I'm charged no more than what they charge new 65 year old's no matter how old and sick I become {1}. So I'm kind of stuck in a way .... at the same time, I should at least take a brief look at what my options are each year anyway... I have to do that with my Part D plan (Medigap plans never include drug coverage except the type that is covered under Part B - e.g. administered in a clinic or hospital).
{1} it's called "community rated" -- all Medigap plans in Minnesota are that way, unlike many, probably most other states where plans can also charge based on age -- age of first enrollment, or "attained age" -- one thing a Medigap plan shopper needs to consider).
My policy is an Extended Basic one (unique to Minnesota (Minnesota is one of 3 states that has some different Medigap plans from the standard ones -- Wisconsin and Massachusetts being the other states.).
Here's the type of plans we have available in Minnesota:
https://www.medicare.gov/find-a-plan/results/medigapresults/medigap-view-all-policies.aspx
Here's the one I have. The premium shown is the 2017 premium.
https://www.aarpmedicareplans.com/health-plans/medicare-supplement-plans.html
My 2017 premium is $200/mo -- $202 less $2 for paying by autopay.
I'll call the SHIP people tomorrow (here it's the Senior Linkage Line) about what they think about the lack of next year's premium information.