Medicare Open Enrollment Window
Get a Quote »Medicare Supplement QuotesThe Medicare open enrollment period is a six month window including the three months prior to and the three months following a consumer's 65th birthday. It is advantageous for most seniors to consider purchasing a Medicare supplement plan during this six month period of time.
Most importantly, an applicant cannot be denied supplemental coverage during open enrollment due to poor health. There is no health underwriting necessary and applicants will have all Medigap plans offered in their state available to them for purchase.
Advantages of Enrolling at Age 65
There are a few supplemental insurance providers who provide discounts during open enrollment. In some cases, the discount can be as much as 15% to the applicant. The savings will carry over into subsequent years helping to keep premiums lower as the insured grows older. Additionally, some insurance companies will require underwriting for popular supplements, like Plan J, if the applicant is more than three months past their 65th birthday. Applying during the six month window will require no underwriting for Plan J.
Other Guaranteed Periods of Eligibility
There are other time periods of guaranteed eligibility for a Medigap policy if the applicant is outside of their six month period. Consumers age 65 or older and who are involuntarily losing group health insurance coverage will also be guaranteed a supplemental policy. However, they may have to go through underwriting for certain plans, like Plan J, and they might not be afforded any discounts on their plan choice.
Medicare Disability and Open Enrollment
In some states, acceptance into Medicare disability is a qualifying event. Consumers under age 65 who are approved for government disability will have a short window (usually between one and six months) to purchase a Medicare supplement regardless of health history. Missouri, Illinois and Pennsylvania are all such states.
It is very advantageous for those who are eligible to enroll in a plan during this opening. Otherwise, they will have to go through medical underwriting and it is unlikely that they would qualify for supplemental coverage due to their health concerns.
