Medigap Open Enrollment Period
*NOTE: This is regarding Medicare Supplement (Medigap) plans ONLY. This does NOT pertain to Medicare Advantage (Part C) plans.
The Medicare Supplement Open Enrollment Period is a six month period that starts the first month in which you are age 65 or older AND enrolled in Medicare Part B. (This is a “one-time” period only). This enrollment period is very important as it allows you to apply and be accepted into any Medicare Supplement (Medigap) plan in your area regardless of health, there are NO health questions during your Medigap Open Enrollment Period. For most people, the Medigap Open Enrollment Period is when you first turn 65 and new to Medicare and just enrolled in Part A and Part B using your Initial Enrollment Period (IEP). *NOTE: You will still get a Medigap Open Enrollment Period if you “Delay Part B” because you are working past 65 and receive “creditable coverage” from your employer. The key is to be past age 65 and enrolled in Part B for the first time.
*NOTE: If your Initial Enrollment in Part B is “before” age 65 (due to receiving disability), you will have a 2nd six-month Open Enrollment Period beginning the month you turn 65. Certain states may have additional Medigap Open Enrollment Periods and there may be other situations in which your acceptance may be guaranteed.
When can I apply?
You can apply for a Medicare Supplement (Medigap) plan anytime during the year (there are no enrollment period restrictions like in Medicare Advantage and Prescription Drug Plans), however, if you apply outside of your 6-month Medigap Open Enrollment Period or outside of a Guaranteed Issue Period (special circumstance where you involuntarily lost your health insurance), your Medicare Supplement application will be medically underwritten (health questions, prescription check), and you may not be accepted into the plan due to health. Note: In a medical underwriting application scenario, depending on your health, you may still be accepted (rather than pass/fail), however, you could be subject to pre-existing condition waiting period (up to 6 months) and possibly pay a higher premium than somebody with perfect health.
For more information on Medigap Open Enrollment period, click HERE.
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