Medicare Supplement Insurance, commonly known as Medigap, is available at very specific enrollment times.

Best Time to Buy Medigap

The best time to purchase Medigap is when you are first eligible. Medigap gives you a guaranteed issuance, 6-month period that begins on the first day of the month in which you turn 65 (or older, see below) AND enrolled in Medicare Part B.

Guaranteed issuance means that preexisting conditions cannot preclude you from Medigap nor can the provider charge more if you have a preexisting condition.

If I Have Job-Based Insurance, Do I Buy Medigap?

If you have job-based health insurance you more than likely will want to wait to enroll in Medicare Part B and Medigap. Job-based plans often provide coverage similar to Medigap you don’t need a Medigap policy. Of course, always check with your HR person and your insurance broker before making a decision.

When your job-based coverage ends, you’ll get a chance to enroll without a Part B enrollment penalty. This means your Medigap guaranteed issuance period would begin once you enroll in Part B.

Medigap Enrollment Tip

Don’t enroll in Medicare Part B if you have qualified job-based insurance. If you do enroll in Part B and know you want Medigap at some point, you won’t be able to wait. You’ll need to enroll within the first 6 months of your Part B eligibility for guaranteed Medigap coverage for the future. What this means for you is you’ll be paying for extra insurance you don’t need.

Click here to read the article, “What is Medigap?”

Do I get another chance to switch plans?

It’s totally normal to feel unsure about your Medigap plan choice—lots of people do. And if you later realize it’s not quite right, there are usually options to make a change. If you’re within six months of starting Medicare Part B, switching is easy and guaranteed. After that, your state might offer rules like the Birthday Rule. If not, medical underwriting may apply, but our Instant Checker tool can help you check your chances before applying. Need help? Just give us a call—we’re here for you, and it’s free.

Next Steps

If you’re ready to enroll in Medigap call the number above or click on the link below for an instant quote.