Medicare Supplement
Open Enrollment

Medicare Supplement Open Enrollment

 

Medicare Supplement Open Enrollment is a one-time window during which you can enroll in any Medicare Supplement policy. You will not have to answer any medical questions, and the Medicare Supplement insurance companies cannot turn you down during your personal Medicare Supplement Enrollment Period.

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This period will only last six months; therefore, make sure not to miss it unless you have other creditable coverage. Missing this Medicare Supplement Open Enrollment Period (OEP) may have lifelong consequences, including higher premiums and underwriting requirements.

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So, if you don’t take advantage of your Medicare Supplement (Medigap)  Open Enrollment window, you could find later that you can’t medically qualify for a policy.

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Unfortunately, federal law does not require Medigap insurance carriers to accept you except in certain situations. These policies are optional supplemental coverage, so carriers can accept or decline you once your one-time OEP ends.

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It is essential to know that your Medicare Supplement Open Enrollment Period differs from the Medicare Advantage Open Enrollment Period that occurs each fall, a common source of confusion.

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Open Enrollment Period for Medicare Supplement Plans

• Only occurs once for most people. It is not annual.

• It lasts for six months, and then it is gone.

• Once gone, you must answer health questions to change plans in most states.

• People on Medicare (under age 65) will get a rare second Open Enrollment for a Medicare Supplement later when they turn 65.

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How long is someone’s personal Medicare Supplement Open Enrollment window?

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The Open Enrollment dates for Medicare Supplements vary for each person. It is best to enroll during your personal Medicare Supplement (Medigap) OEP.

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Your personal Medicare Supplement Open Enrollment Period begins on the first day that your Part B becomes effective. For example, if your Medicare Part A and Part B coverage starts on June 1, then your personal enrollment period lasts for precisely six months and ends on November 30.

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For most people, this occurs when they enter Medicare at age 65. However, some people delay enrolling in Part B while still working. Later, when they retire and enroll in Part B, they will activate their Medicare Supplement Open Enrollment.

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Some people qualify for Medicare early due to disability. These people will get an initial six-month open enrollment period starting with the effective date of Part B.

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However, remember that Medigap plans that cover the Part B deductible, such as Medigap Plan C and Plan F, are only available to those who became eligible for Medicare before January 1, 2020.

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Applying for a Medicare Supplement Before turning 65

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Also, note that if you applied for Medicare early and you already know your Medicare claim number, you can submit your Medigap application well in advance of your Part B effective date.

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The insurance company will still treat it as your Medicare Supplement (Medigap) Open Enrollment and process it with no health questions asked. Many people choose to lock in their Medigap plan several months before their birthday month. There’s no need to wait until you turn 65.

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Once you apply for Medicare and receive your Medicare ID card in the mail, you can contact us to sign up for your Medigap plan. It can go into effect the same day your Medicare Part B starts.

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You can apply for a Medicare Supplement (Medigap) at any time of the year. However, in most states, you must answer health questions on your application and go through medical underwriting. The underwriter can decline you for health reasons unless your one-time Open Enrollment window or a guaranteed issue circumstance protects you.

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Why must you purchase your Medicare Supplement during your Open Enrollment window?

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The timing of your Medicare Supplement (Medigap) enrollment significantly affects your available options and your ability to get coverage.

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The Medicare Supplement Open Enrollment Period is the only period during which you can enroll in ANY Medicare Supplement plan. If you enroll during this period, you can choose any plan—A, B, C, D, F, G, K, L, M, or N.

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The Medicare Supplements applications generally have a couple of pages of medical questions for each person to answer. However, when you enroll within your 6-month window, you can skip all the health questions on the application. It doesn’t matter if you are healthy or sick. The insurance company must accept your application and issue coverage when you apply during your Medicare Supplement Open Enrollment.

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Once your Medicare Supplement Open Enrollment window ends, the insurance company can require you to answer health questions on an application. They can accept or deny your coverage based on your health. Some people may have health conditions that will prevent them from getting coverage later.

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Will a Medicare Supplement plan cover both me and my spouse?

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No. A Medicare Supplement plan only covers one person.  If a married couple wants Medicare coverage, they must buy separate Medicare supplement plans.

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Note: Some insurance carriers offer a “household discount” if more than one household member enrolls with the same carrier.  

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Many carriers also offer a small discount on the cost of the monthly premium if payments are made electronically.

 

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For personalized guidance and assistance in selecting the right Medicare Supplement plan during your Open Enrollment window, contact Torain White at TWhite Insurance. Torain’s expertise can help you navigate your options and secure the best coverage for your needs. Contact her today to ensure you don’t miss this critical opportunity.