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Your Medigap Open Enrollment Period

Under federal law, you get a 6 month Medigap Open Enrollment Period. It starts the first month you have Medicare Part B and you’re 65 or older. During this time, you:
 

  • Can enroll in any Medigap policy.

  • Will generally get better prices and more choices among policies.

  • You can buy any Medigap policy sold in your state. An insurance company can’t use medical underwriting to decide whether to accept your application - they can’t deny you coverage due to pre-existing health problems.

  • Can avoid or shorten waiting periods for a pre-existing condition if you buy a Medigap policy to replace creditable coverage.

Infographic showing the Medigap Open Enrollment Period.

After this period, you may not be able to buy a Medigap policy, or it may cost more. Your Medigap Open Enrollment Period is a one-time enrollment period. It doesn’t repeat every year, like the Medicare Open Enrollment Period.


Generally, your Medigap policy will begin the first of the month after you apply, but you can decide when you want it to start.

What if I miss my Medigap Open Enrollment Period?

Outside of your Medigap Open Enrollment Period:
 

  • You may have to pay more for a policy.

  • Fewer policy options may be available to you.

  • The insurance company is allowed to deny you a policy if you don’t meet their medical underwriting requirements.


There are certain situations where you may be able to buy a Medigap policy outside of your Medigap Open Enrollment Period. Situations where an insurance company can’t deny you a Medigap policy are called “guaranteed issue rights” or “Medigap protections.” What are guaranteed issue rights?

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