What it is
The Medigap open enrollment period is a one-time window. During it, insurance companies generally must sell you any Medigap plan they offer in your area. They generally cannot use your health history to decline you or to change what you are charged.
For most people, this window starts when they are both 65 or older and enrolled in Medicare Part B. Rules can differ for people under 65 who have Medicare, and they vary by state. Some states offer extra enrollment opportunities.
Medigap plans are sold by private companies. They help with some costs that Original Medicare does not pay. Only Plans A, B, D, G, K, L, M and N (and high-deductible Plan G) are sold to people newly eligible for Medicare. Plans C and F are for people who became eligible before January 1, 2020. Plans E, H, I and J were discontinued and are not sold today. Massachusetts, Minnesota and Wisconsin standardize Medigap differently.
How it’s traditionally been approached
Many people plan around this window when they near 65. They often sign up for Part B first, then look at Medigap plans during the open enrollment period. The reason is that outside this window, companies in many states may ask health questions.
Some people compare Medigap with Medicare Advantage. Medigap is often chosen for the freedom to see any provider nationwide that accepts Medicare, with no network or referrals, and for predictable cost-sharing. Its trade-offs are generally higher monthly premiums, possible medical underwriting outside open enrollment or guaranteed issue, a separate Part D plan for drugs, and no routine dental, vision or hearing.
Medicare Advantage has real strengths too. Plans often have lower premiums, an annual out-of-pocket maximum, extra benefits and drug coverage. The trade-offs can include networks, prior authorization and copays. Neither approach is right for everyone. Some people also have special guaranteed issue rights in certain situations, and those rules vary.
How the right licensed agent may help
A Medigap agent may help you understand when your window starts and when it may end. Because it depends on your Part B date, your age and your state, a short conversation can help you avoid surprises. An agent can also explain how the rules may apply to you.
A visit or call is usually a relaxed conversation. You may be asked about your Medicare dates, your doctors, your prescriptions and what matters most to you. A Medigap agent can explain the plan letters that are available to you and how the carriers in your area differ.
Good questions to ask include: When exactly does my open enrollment period begin and end? What happens if I miss it? Do I have any guaranteed issue rights? How will my drugs be covered? Which carriers sell plans in my state? Call 1-800-MEDIGAP for more information. Always confirm current rules with Medicare.gov, your State Health Insurance Assistance Program (SHIP), or a licensed agent.
The bigger picture
Choosing health coverage can feel heavy. Deadlines, new terms and big choices can add stress at a time when you may already be thinking about your health and your budget. Knowing the timing in advance may bring some peace of mind.
Feeling prepared can support your wellbeing. Taking time to ask questions, talk with family and review your options at your own pace may help you feel more settled. If you also look for care providers, Providers.plus is one place to explore.
Keep in mind
- 1-800-MEDIGAP is an independent, privately run educational site. It is not Medicare.gov, CMS, Social Security or any government agency, and it is not endorsed by the U.S. government or the federal Medicare program.
- Open enrollment, guaranteed issue and under-65 rules vary by state and can change over time. Confirm current rules before you decide.
- Missing your window may mean health questions later, and acceptance is not guaranteed in that case. Timing matters.
- This page is education only. It is not insurance, legal, tax or medical advice, and no plan is best for everyone.
Take the next step
- Talk with a Medigap agent ↗Jeff Cline on contacts.plus — a person, not a call center.
Not sure where to start? Answer a few gentle questions and choose who you’d like to hear from.
Call 1-800-MEDIGAP for more information
Frequently asked questions
What is the Medigap open enrollment period?
The Medigap open enrollment period is a one-time window when you may buy a Medigap plan without being declined for health reasons. For most people it begins when they are 65 or older and enrolled in Medicare Part B. Rules vary by state, so confirm yours with Medicare.gov, your SHIP, or a licensed agent.
When does the Medigap open enrollment period start?
It generally starts once you are enrolled in Medicare Part B and are 65 or older. Your exact dates depend on your Part B start date and your state's rules. A Medigap agent can help you find your dates.
What happens if I miss my Medigap open enrollment period?
You may still be able to apply, but companies in many states can ask health questions and may decline you or change what they charge. Some situations give you guaranteed issue rights, and some states have extra rules. Check current rules with Medicare.gov, your SHIP, or a licensed agent.
Can I get Medigap before age 65?
It depends on your state. Some states require insurers to offer Medigap to people under 65 who have Medicare, and others do not. Rules and options vary, so confirm with your SHIP or a licensed agent.
Is the Medigap open enrollment period the same as the Medicare Annual Enrollment Period?
No. They are different. The Medigap open enrollment period is a one-time window tied to your Part B start, while the Annual Enrollment Period is a yearly time to review Medicare Advantage and Part D choices. Medigap is not part of that yearly period, so its rules work differently.
Which Medigap plans can I choose during open enrollment?
Newly eligible people can generally choose from Plans A, B, D, G, K, L, M and N, plus high-deductible Plan G, where sold. Plans C and F are only for people who became eligible before January 1, 2020. Plans E, H, I and J were discontinued and are not sold today. Massachusetts, Minnesota and Wisconsin standardize plans differently. Call 1-800-MEDIGAP for more information.
Educational resource. 1-800-MEDIGAP shares general information and connects people with independent licensed agents. It is not professional advice. Talk with a qualified professional about your own situation.