Can I get a second Medigap Open Enrollment Period if I enroll in Medicare, then get job insurance again, and then lose it? If you’re considering a new job but are unsure about how it will affect your Medicare Supplement, check out this article.
Second Medigap Open Enrollment Period
If you’re 65 or older and have Medicare Part B, that’s the prime time to enroll in Medigap (AKA Medicare Supplement Insurance). This period is known as your Open Enrollment Period or Initial Enrollment Period, depending on who you ask. You have 6 months from the effective date of your Medicare Part B to sign up for Medigap, ensuring the best rate regardless of your health history. Not sure how much time you have left to sign up? Check out the free Deadline Calculator from Senior65.com.
On the other hand, there’s no such thing as a ‘Second Medigap Open Enrollment Period‘. There are a few special situations where you might be able to get Medigap coverage without medical underwriting, but it’s not a specific time period. Missed the deadline for Medigap? Don’t give up! Contact 800-930-7956 and the Senior65.com team can help you explore your choices for free.
Leaving Medicare to Return to Work
If you or your spouse go back to work after signing up for Medicare, you could save money by dropping Part B (remember, if you drop Part B, you can’t keep your Medigap Plan). By signing up for your employer’s health insurance, you may temporarily drop Part B coverage. However, this option isn’t available to everyone, it depends on the size of your employer:
Working at a large employer
If you work for a company with 20 or more employees, the employer’s coverage is primary and Medicare is secondary. Keep in mind, most people can’t drop Part A since it’s usually premium-free for those who worked 10 years or more. But, if you do pause Part B, make sure to reenroll before your job-based coverage ends or during the eight-month Special Enrollment Period afterward. This step is important to avoid late enrollment penalties.
Working at a small business
If you work for a small company (less than 20 employees), things work a bit differently. Medicare will usually be your primary insurance, and your employer’s plan will be secondary. Be careful about dropping Medicare Part B because you could end up with gaps in your coverage. It’s best to check with your employer’s HR department to see if you’re required to keep Medicare.
Learn How to Drop a Medicare Part A or B here.
Switching Back to Medigap After Quitting Work Insurance
Once you turn 65 and enroll in Part B, you have six months to buy any Medigap plan in your area, no matter your health history. This one-time window guarantees coverage, but it’s important to plan carefully. If you drop Part B because you’re returning to work and later reenroll, you usually lose that guaranteed issue right. Without it, insurers can deny you coverage or charge higher premiums for preexisting conditions.
Some states have different rules that expand your rights, so it’s worth checking if they apply where you live.
Next Steps to Return to Medigap
If you’re returning to Medicare after job-based coverage, Senior65.com can help you find Medigap plan. We will review your options and help you identify if there are any companies that don’t require medical underwriting. If that option is not available, we can help you navigate enrolling in Medigap with Medical underwriting. Call us at 800-930-7956 to explore your options.