Medicare Supplement plans help to cover some of the out-of-pocket costs you are to pay for under Original Medicare. When it comes to Medigap plans, it’s important to register at the right time as timing may affect your enrollment and plan costs. The timing also determines whether the insurance company will deny your application or charge you more as a result of pre-existing conditions.
You can enroll for Medicare Supplements during the Medigap Open Enrollment Period. To enroll for Medigap, you must be enrolled in Medicare Part A and Part B. Some states may offer Medigap plans to beneficiaries under 65 for certain reasons.
Understanding the Medigap Open Enrollment
The Medigap Open Enrollment Period is the best time to enroll for Medicare Supplement insurance. The Medigap Open Enrollment period lasts for six months and it starts the first day of the month when you are 65 years of age and have Medicare Part B. During this period, you have a guaranteed issue right and can easily enroll for a Medicare Supplement Plan that is available to you.
The Basics of Medigap and Open Enrollment
Generally, Medicare Supplement providers can use medical underwriting to determine whether to accept your application or charge you more for Medigap coverage. If you enroll for Medigap during the Medigap Open Enrollment Period, the insurer cannot reject your application based on your medical history or current medical status. They also cannot make you undergo medical underwriting. This is the best time for individuals with disabilities or health conditions to register for a Medicare Supplement as it would not affect their coverage or coverage costs.
Other Considerations When Enrolling in Medigap Open Enrollment
After the Medigap Open Enrollment period, you may find it difficult to enroll for Medicare Supplement insurance. Insurers may charge you more based on your medical history.
However, there are other situations that may qualify you for a guaranteed issue right. For example, if your previous Medigap insurer goes bankrupt or misleads you, you may have a guaranteed issue right to join another Medicare Supplement Plan without being denied coverage or charged more in premiums.
Eligibility for Medigap Open Enrollment
To enroll for Medicare Supplement insurance, you must be 65 or older. Individuals under 65 who have Medicare because of a disability or ESRD may not be able to enroll for Medigap. However, some states may offer select Medigap plans to individuals under 65. Also, to enroll for a Medicare Supplement, you must have Original Medicare.
Keep in mind that if you currently have a Medicare Advantage Plan, you cannot enroll in a Medicare Supplement Plan. You can only have one or the other. Although a Medicare Supplement Plan may not be ideal for everyone, they can certainly help provide financial relief as they cover the out-of-pocket costs left behind by Original Medicare. If you are enrolled in Original Medicare and would like to have more coverage for your out-of-pocket costs, reach out to Wise Insurance today. We can help you determine the coverage you need and walk you through each plan.
Emily Trevino, Senior Managing Partner at Wise Insurance, leverages her extensive background in biology and business finance to master Medicare, health insurance, and retirement planning. With over a decade in the field, Emily has co-authored “Medicare Breakdown – The Alphabet Soup of Medicare,” marking her as a pivotal figure in insurance education. Her commitment extends through active participation in the National Association of Benefits and Insurance Professionals (NABIP) and speaking at major industry events. Emily’s drive for community service and personal resilience shines through her adventurous pursuits and dedication to societal well-being. Connect with Emily on LinkedIn to explore the future of informed insurance decisions.
