Medigap Open Enrollment Period

The Medigap Open Enrollment period is the window of time when you can sign up for a Medicare Supplement policy.

Medigap Plans have been put in place to help the individual pay medical expenses that are not covered by Medicare. The policies are sold by private insurance companies and supplement your original plan.

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When Medigap Open Enrollment Begins

Your Medigap Open Enrollment period starts on the first day of the month that you reach the age of 65 or older, and after you enroll in Medicare Part B. The open enrollment lasts for exactly six months. During the six month period, the insurance companies are not allowed to use medical underwriting. They must sell you any Medigap policy that they offer. They cannot make you wait for your coverage to begin and also are prohibited from adding any extra costs or fees due to health problems, pre-existing conditions, or any other factors.

Once the enrollment period ends, the rules are subject to change. Companies can use medical underwriting and they are also free to change the costs of your policy. You will have less control over the details of your policy as well. You can be refused coverage if you have health issues or a pre-existing condition.

There are occasional exceptions in regards to enrolling after your open enrollment period. These vary and you will want to research the criteria for exceptions to see if you qualify. In the case of these exceptions, you are given what is called a guaranteed issue right, or Medigap protection. If you fall in this category the insurance companies are required by law to offer you Medigap insurance regardless of whether or not the six month enrollment has passed, and are not allowed to exclude you for pre-existing conditions.

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