Medicare Supplement Open Enrollment Definitions

Information Provided by a Medigap Plan Representative

Beginning when you enroll in Medicare Part B, there’s a six-month period in which no Medigap company can deny you a policy. This six-month period is your open enrollment period. During these six months you have an absolute right, regardless of health problems or pre-existing conditions, to purchase a Medicare supplement plan.

Open enrollment rights apply to people in two categories:

If you’re at least 65, Medigap companies can’t deny you a policy as long as you apply within six months of your enrollment in Medicare Part B. During your six-month open enrollment period, a company must allow you to buy any of the Medigap plans it offers regardless of your medical history. You can use your open enrollment rights more than once during this six-month period. For instance, if you decide to cancel one Medigap policy, you have the right to purchase another in its place provided the sale takes place within six months of your enrollment in Medicare Part B.

Although your right to purchase a Medigap plan is absolute during your open enrollment period, a company may require a waiting period of up to six months before covering any pre-existing conditions for which you received treatment or medical advice from a physician within the previous six months.

It doesn’t matter whether you enroll in Medicare Part B at age 65 or much later. Your open enrollment rights aren’t affected by age as long as you’re at least 65.

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If you’re under age 65 but receive Medicare because of a disability, you have a six-month open enrollment period beginning the day you enroll in Medicare Part B. Your open enrollment right, however, applies only to Medigap Plan A. This means companies selling Medicare supplement insurance in the United States can’t deny you a Medigap Plan A policy because of pre-existing conditions or for any other reason. Although companies aren’t required to offer the other Medicare supplement insurance plans to Americans with disabilities, they may do so if they wish. During the first six months after you turn 65 and are enrolled in Medicare Part B, you’ll have a right to buy any Medigap plan you want.

If you have any questions about your open enrollment rights, one of our expert representatives will be glad to provide answers and to help get you on the road to the protection you’ll need in the days and years ahead. Don’t be left in the dark when it comes to your legal rights. Let MedicareMall answer your questions and walk you through the Medicare maze as we help you find the best Medigap or Medicare Advantage plan possible. Contact MedicareMall now and we’ll work hard to ensure you know your rights and get the coverage you deserve.

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