Medicare Supplement Plans (also known as Medigap plans) have different enrollment rules than Medicare Advantage Plans or Medicare Prescription Drug Plans.
So the answer depends on several factors and also can vary from state to state.
Keep in mind if you don’t qualify for Guaranteed Issue or it is not during your Medical Supplement Open Enrollment Period, you will need to go through the Medicare Supplement insurance company’s medical underwriting and meet their guideline requirements in order to be approved. (Meaning, depending on the Insurance company, if you can truthfully answer “NO" to all their eligibility questions on the application, you should be approved. If you answer “YES" to any of the questions, most of the time you will be declined!)
Below are some examples in Florida of when you can enroll in a Medicare Supplement during any month you choose:
- You are coming off an employer health insurance group plan and you are leaving either involuntarily or voluntarily (both are allowed), and you have had continuous credible health insurance coverage since you were first eligible for Medicare. (Credible coverage means that you had coverage at least equal to or better than Medicare coverage.) It is best to speak with your employer administrator first. Once you leave your employer health insurance, generally you cannot return to your employer health insurance.
- You can enroll any month during your Medicare Supplement Open Enrollment Period.
Pasted from Medicare.gov "The best time to buy a Medigap policy is during your 6-month Medigap Open Enrollment Period. You generally will get better prices and more choices among policies. During that time you can buy any Medigap policy sold in your state, even if you have health problems. This period automatically starts the month you're 65 and enrolled in Medicare Part B (Medical Insurance), and it can't be changed or repeated.”1 - Click on the web link below for more info:
https://www.medicare.gov/supplements-other-insurance/when-can-i-buy-medigap
Example of when you can not switch to a Medicare Supplement on any given month, but need to wait until the Annual Election Period, unless you qualify for a Special Election Period:
- Even though the Medicare Supplement Insurance company may allow you to enroll in Medicare Supplement any month of the year, if you already have a Medicare Advantage plan you won’t be able to terminate that Medicare Advantage plan until the Annual Election Period unless you qualify for a Special Election Period. You can NOT have both a Medicare Supplement and a Medicare Advantage plan at the same time. Also keep in mind, if you are planning on switching Prescription Drug Plans, you won’t be able to switch that type plan either until the Annual Election Period, unless you qualify for a Special Election Period.
- Click on the web link below for more information on Special Election Periods
https://www.medicare.gov/basics/get-started-with-medicare/get-more-coverage/joining-a-plan/special-enrollment-periods
Source: 1. https://www.medicare.gov/supplements-other-insurance/when-can-i-buy-medigap
Note: Medicare Insurance information can be overwhelming and confusing to many people. As an independent licensed agent I can explain things to you in simple terms so you feel comfortable making a decision. Then I can help you choose and enroll in a plan that you feel fits your needs.
By the way, it doesn’t cost you any more if you enroll in a Medicare Insurance plan through me as an independent agent versus directly with an insurance company either over the phone or via the Internet, since I get paid by the insurance companies for your enrollment. Plus you will have personalized service by a local agent. If you would like my assistance, please call me at 941-404-5334.
By calling this number, I understand I will be directed to a licensed insurance sales agent.