What if I already have Medicare? How can I enroll in a Medicare supplement plan?
If you are at least 65, Medigap companies cannot 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 does not matter whether you enroll in Medicare Part B at age 65 or much later. Your open enrollment rights are not affected by age as long as you are at least 65.
What if several years have passed since I enrolled in Medicare Part B?
Although you are still able to apply for enrollment in a Medigap plan, Medicare supplement insurance companies are able to accept or reject your application on the basis of their underwriting policies. There is one exception. Every Medicare supplement insurance company is required by law to make Medigap Plan A available to all Medicare-eligible applicants regardless of when they apply.
Any Medicare supplement plan you enroll in is guaranteed renewable. This means that you cannot be dropped from your plan—regardless of your health status—as long as you pay your premiums.
What Medigap plans are currently available?
Medicare supplement plans span the alphabet from A to N. For most of our clients we recommend Medigap Plan F, which is designed to fill all the high-risk gaps in Original Medicare coverage. With Plan F you will not have to worry about paying out of pocket for any Medicare-approved hospital or medical costs including deductibles, copayments, and coinsurance charges. Plan F covers all Medicare-approved costs not covered by Medicare Part A and Medicare Part B.
For help comparing Medicare supplement plans, our Medigap Plans A-N comparison chart is a great place to start.
Are all Medicare supplement plans available in my area?
Not necessarily. Use our Medicare Supplement Insurance Quote form to learn what plans are available in your area. You can also use the form to request a free quote for the Medigap plan of your choice and learn just how inexpensive it can be to get the best supplement insurance protection available.
Get the best in Medigap protection by contacting MedicareMall today!
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