Timing is Everything
You can enroll in a Medicare Supplement Insurance plan at any time, but the optimal time to enroll in a Medigap Plan is during open enrollment. Here’s why…
Medigap open enrollment begins the first day of the month in which you’re both 65 or older and enrolled in Medicare Part B.
During this time insurance companies cannot refuse to sell you Medicare Supplement Insurance Plans. These insurance companies are also prohibited from instating a waiting period and charging you more for coverage.
The best way to ensure the best coverage for your health needs is to contact a Medicare Supplement specialist three months prior to your 65th birthday. This will give you enough time to become acquainted with your options, apply for the Medigap plan of your choosing, and make a smooth transition into Medicare coverage.When you have a pre-existing condition, you may be subject to a waiting period before your coverage kicks in. However if you are enrolling during your Medigap open enrollment period and you have had at least 6 months of continuous coverage prior to that period, you may be able to avoid or shorten waiting periods. Another way to avoid waiting periods is if you qualify for what’s known as guaranteed issue right. Read our recent blog post for more information on guaranteed issue rights.
To get more information about Medicare Supplement Insurance plans, talk to one of our Medigap plan representatives today.