Medigap Enrollment Period

The Medicare Supplement open enrollment period spans six months and commences on the first day of the month in which you turn 65 years old and are enrolled in Medicare Part B. Within this timeframe, you have the opportunity to enroll in a Medicare Supplement plan, commonly known as Medigap, without facing any limitations or assessments based on pre-existing conditions.
 

Although recent healthcare reforms have abolished underwriting for individuals under the age of 65 seeking individual insurance policies, insurance companies retain the ability to utilize underwriting when it comes to Medicare Supplement policies. Consequently, unless you are within your Medicare Supplement open enrollment period, obtaining a Medicare Supplement policy typically requires you to meet certain medical qualification criteria. If you are in good health, this should not pose any challenges. However, if you have pre-existing medical conditions, finding a plan that will accept your application might prove difficult unless you apply during the open enrollment window.

 

However, during your open enrollment period, insurance companies cannot:

• Refuse to sell you any Medicare Supplement policy that they offer

• Charge you more for a Medicare Supplement plan because of your health conditions

• Make you have a waiting period for coverage to start

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Once the 6-month window elapses, you will be required to respond to health-related inquiries on an application for a Medicare Supplement policy. The insurance company will conduct a review of your medical records, and in certain instances, a phone interview may be necessary. The outcome of this application and/or interview will determine whether you are granted coverage or face the possibility of being charged higher premiums based on your health condition.