Medicare is well-recognized government-based insurance. It includes a vast number of different plans and parts. It can be tough to understand and navigate them all. In this article, we will outline what the Medicare Supplement Open Enrollment period is, and the truly unique benefits you can receive from taking advantage of it.

What is Medicare Supplement Open Enrollment? 

Medicare Supplement Open Enrollment Period is a designated amount of time that each Medicare beneficiary is given to enroll in a Medigap plan without answering health questions. 

While you can sign up for Medicare Supplement later on, the Medicare Supplement Open Enrollment period prohibits insurance carriers from denying coverage based on pre-existing health conditions. The Medicare Supplement Open Enrollment period is usually only offered once in a lifetime. 

It is important to note that you are only able to enroll in plans for which you are eligible during your Medicare Supplement Open Enrollment Period.  For example, if you enrolled in Medicare after January 1, 2020, you are not eligible to enroll in the following plans:

• Medigap Plan F;
• High Deductible Plan F;
• Medigap Plan C.

When does Medicare Supplement Open Enrollment take place?

Medicare Supplement Open Enrollment is a 6-month period that begins on your Medicare Part B effective day. For most beneficiaries, it starts on the first day of the month in which they turn 65. An example of this is outlined below: 

• Your Medicare Part B coverage begins on August 1st. 
• Your Medicare Supplement Open Enrollment Period would also begin on August 1st.
• Your  Medicare Supplement Open Enrollment period would continue until January 31st. 

Special circumstance for delay of Medicare Supplement Open Enrollment

There is a special circumstance for Medicare Supplement Open Enrollment not to begin during the month of your 65th birthday. For beneficiaries who delay enrollment for Medicare Part B due to approved insurance coverage, their Medicare Supplement Open Enrollment Period is also delayed. In these instances, the Medicare Supplement Open Enrollment Period will begin as soon as the approved insurance coverage dissipates. 

Special secondary Medicare Supplement Open Enrollment

There are two situations where a second Medigap Open Enrollment period is available to beneficiaries. Both situations are outlined below:

1. Retire, unretire, retire again: Beneficiaries of Medicare Supplement are typically retired. If a beneficiary retires and enrolls in Medicare Part B, they get their 1st Medigap Open Enrollment. If they decided to return to the workforce and join job-based insurance, they will be offered a 2nd Medigap Open Enrollment when they retire again after re-enrolling in Medicare Part B. 

2. On Medicare under 65 due to a disability: Beneficiaries of Medicare who are under 65 years old due to a disability receive their 1st Medigap Open Enrollment when they are first given benefits. They receive their 2nd Medigap Open Enrollment when they turn 65 years old. 

Medicare Supplement Open Enrollment period preparation 

 Now that you understand when the Medicare Supplement Open Enrollment period is, you want to set yourself up for success by preparing as soon as possible. Below are ways to apply for Medigap before or during the Medicare Supplement Open Enrollment Period. 

• Many Medicare Supplement carries allow submission for Medigap a full 6 months prior to the beneficiary’s Medicare Part B effective date. This allows you to get a jump start on the process and take advantage of the Medicare Supplement Open Enrollment Period. 

• If you were automatically enrolled in Medicare, once your Medicare ID arrives in the mail, you can apply for Medigap coverage. 

• Once you apply for Medicare Part B, you can immediately apply for Medigap coverage. 

With insurance rates changing almost daily, it is a good idea to lock into a Medigap policy even before your Medicare Supplement Open Enrollment Period (when applicable). Applying early does not start your benefits early. Benefits will still take effect after you are 65 years old with Medicare Part B. 

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Can you sign up for Medigap outside of your Medicare Supplement Open Enrollment period? 

Medicare Supplements are available to beneficiaries at any time throughout the year. 

If a beneficiary has missed their Medicare Supplement Open Enrollment Period, they are still able to apply for Medigap coverage. The major difference is that you are more than likely going to be asked questions regarding your pre-existing health conditions.  If you apply for Medigap coverage outside of your Medicare Supplement Open Enrollment period, you can be denied coverage based on your past or current health conditions. 

Special Medigap birthday rule 

Some states have adopted a special Medigap birthday rule which may qualify a beneficiary for a special Medigap Open Enrollment period. It allows the beneficiary to apply for coverage without answering health questions. To date, only 5 states currently have this rule in place. Each state has its own unique qualifications for this rule. 

Difference between Medigap Open Enrollment period & the Annual Enrollment Period 

Medigap Open Enrollment and the Annual Medicare period are not the same thing. Your Medigap Open Enrollment Period is unique to you as it only happens once in a lifetime and is based on your 65th birthday and enrollment in Medicare Part B. Medicare annual enrollment period applies to Medicare Part D and Medicare Advantage, which have the same enrollment dates each year. 

One of the biggest issues for beneficiaries is confusing these two enrollment periods. A beneficiary is not able to bypass any health questions during the Medicare annual enrollment period.  

Reaping the rewards of your Medigap Open Enrollment period

The Medicare Supplement Open Enrollment Period is truly a unique opportunity for beneficiaries. This is the only time in which, by law, a carrier is legally responsible to approve your application for medical coverage without regard to your health conditions or history. This is why we wanted to provide you with as much helpful information as possible so you can take advantage of this special window.