The great news is people can switch a Medigap Plan anytime it benefits them and they don't need to wait for a certain enrollment period. The Medigap open enrollment period is a 6 month period when a person is 65 years old and gets Medicare Part B. It allows the individual a one time period where they can apply for a Medigap Plan without answering any health questions.
However, even after the open enrollment period people over 65 switch plans all the time to save money or improve their benefits. There is usually a dozen or so health questions that are focused on big health issues in the last 2 years. A good independent agent that specializes in Medigap Plans will be able to go over those questions with you and help you pick the carrier that meets your needs the best.
Independent Agent & Medicare Supplement Specialist, reMEDIGAP, USA
If you are new to Medicare and in your Initial Enrollment Period you are also in your Medigap Open Enrollment Period. This is a one time event that lasts for 6 month. It begins the first day of the month in which you turn 65 or older and are enrolled in Medicare Part B. During this time you can purchase any Medigap Plan an insurance company offers in your state without answering any medical questions. Not knowing what your health may be in the future, It's a great time to get Medigap.
The Annual Election Period (Oct 15 through Dec 7) is a time for you to change your Prescription Drug Plan (Part D). You do not have to make any changes to your Medigap Plan. Medigap Plans are guaranteed renewable. As long as you make your premium payments, the plan is yours to keep.
If you want to apply for a new Medigap plan or replace an existing plan outside of your initial Open Enrollment period, you'll have to answer health questions. The good news is that insurance companies each have their own set of unique medical questions. I've seen insulin dependent diabetics get declined with one company but offered a policy with another.
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However, even after the open enrollment period people over 65 switch plans all the time to save money or improve their benefits. There is usually a dozen or so health questions that are focused on big health issues in the last 2 years. A good independent agent that specializes in Medigap Plans will be able to go over those questions with you and help you pick the carrier that meets your needs the best.
The Annual Election Period (Oct 15 through Dec 7) is a time for you to change your Prescription Drug Plan (Part D). You do not have to make any changes to your Medigap Plan. Medigap Plans are guaranteed renewable. As long as you make your premium payments, the plan is yours to keep.
If you want to apply for a new Medigap plan or replace an existing plan outside of your initial Open Enrollment period, you'll have to answer health questions. The good news is that insurance companies each have their own set of unique medical questions. I've seen insulin dependent diabetics get declined with one company but offered a policy with another.