1. OPEN ENROLLMENT PERIOD (OEP): The best time to enroll in a Medigap plan is during your six-month Medigap Open Enrollment Period. This period begins on the first day of the month in which you are both 65 or older and enrolled in Medicare Part B. During this OEP: o You have guaranteed issue rights, meaning insurance companies are generally required to accept you, regardless of your health status. o You won’t be charged higher premiums based on pre-existing conditions. o You can choose from any available Medigap plan in your area. 2. OUTSIDE OF OPEN ENROLLMENT: If you miss your Open Enrollment Period, you can apply for a Medigap plan at any time, but you may be subject to medical underwriting. Insurance companies can consider your health status and may charge higher premiums based on your medical history. 3. GUARANTEED ISSUE RIGHTS: Specific situations may grant you guaranteed issue rights, allowing you to apply for a Medigap plan without medical underwriting. These rights can arise from events like losing employer or union coverage, moving to a new area, or a plan change or termination. 4. CONTINUOUS COVERAGE: If you have Medigap coverage and are switching to a different Medigap plan with the same coverage, you can generally apply for the new plan without underwriting. This allows you to switch to a plan with the same benefits without worrying about health-related restrictions. 5. STATE-SPECIFIC RULES: Some states have additional Medigap enrollment rights and protections, so it’s essential to be aware of the rules in your state. It’s important to keep these enrollment deadlines in mind, as missing them may limit your options or result in higher costs if you need to undergo medical underwriting. It’s advisable to consult with a Medicare advisor or insurance agent to navigate the enrollment process and ensure you meet the relevant deadlines for your specific circumstances. medigap (medicare supplement) Enrollment Deadlines
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