Medigap Without Underwriting means signing up for a Medigap plan without having to go through a health review. Sounds too good to be true, right? Well, if you don’t miss your enrollment window its easy. But there are some other times when you can get Medigap without health questions as we explain below.
What is Medigap?
Medigap (aka Medicare Supplement Insurance) is a private insurance plan that fills Medicare’s coverage gaps. For instance, Medicare pays 80% of hospital and doctor expenses, and Medigap can handle the remaining 20%. Depending on your policy, Medigap might also pay for deductibles, coinsurance, and other expenses, making healthcare more affordable. Want to know more? Check out our Medigap Overview article.
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What is Medigap Without Underwriting?
When a Medigap application goes through “medical underwriting,” the insurance company can review your health history. Medigap applications usually include around 20+ health questions, and depending on your answers, you might get the best rate, a higher one, or be denied if you have certain pre-existing conditions. Learn more about Medigap underwriting and see what types of pre-existing conditions insurance companies are concerned with.
To skip this process, you should enroll during your Initial Enrollment Period (also called the Open Enrollment Period). This six-month window after you turn 65 and enroll in Medicare Part B guarantees you a Medigap plan with no medical questions and the best rate, regardless of your health history. WE STRONGLY RECOMMEND ENROLLING DURING THIS TIME!!!!
Not sure when your Medigap Without Underwriting coverage starts or ends? Our free Deadline Calculator, developed by Senior65.com, can help! It’s a quick and easy way to figure out your exact enrollment window.
Changing Your Mind during the Medigap Open Enrollment Period
Purchasing a Medigap policy within your 6-month Open Enrollment Period also gives you the freedom to change your mind. If you’re not satisfied, you can switch to a new Medigap policy as long as you do so within the first 6 months of your Part B effective date. (Source: Medicare.gov)
Special Enrollment Periods for Medigap Without Underwriting
Some circumstances allow Medigap enrollment beyond the standard periods, skipping medical underwriting. In these cases, you may qualify for a Special Enrollment Period (SEP):
Medigap Guaranteed Issue Rights
You may have Guaranteed Issue Rights if you lose other health coverage (except voluntary drug plans), if your Medicare Advantage plan discontinues, or if you move out of its service area. Rights may also apply if your plan doesn’t renew its contract or if your employer’s health plan coverage ends. There are a bunch of somewhat weird rules that may qualify you for a Special Enrollment Period. Read more about Medigap Guaranteed Issue Rights and SEPs.
State Laws for Medigap With No Underwriting
In certain states, you can switch Medigap plans annually without a medical exam, thanks to the Medigap Birthday or Anniversary Rule. However, there are specific enrollment periods to keep in mind. Read here about States That Allow Switching Without Underwriting and here about the Medigap Birthday Rule for each state.
Medicare Advantage Trial Period
If you start a Medicare Advantage plan (for the first time) and then decide it’s not right for you, you might be able to switch to Medigap without a medical exam. Note: Don’t miss your chance! You may have a 60-day (before your current plan ends) window to switch to Medigap without underwriting. Read more about Medicare Advantage Enrollment Periods.
Medigap Under 65
If you’re under 65 and qualify for Medicare due to disability or End-Stage Renal Disease (ESRD), you might be able to get Medigap without a medical exam. Learn more about Medigap under 65. Also once you turn 65, you would be able to enroll in any Medigap plan without underwriting.
Medigap Underwriting Holiday
A Medigap Underwriting Holiday is a special promotion when certain insurance companies let people enroll in Medigap plans without checking their medical history. It makes signing up easier because you don’t need to worry about past health issues. This can be beneficial for individuals with pre-existing conditions or those who want to avoid the potential for higher premiums. These promotional preriods are super rate and really only take place in California (if at all). Click on this link to check if it’s available right now.
Next Steps to Medigap Without Underwriting
In summary, special enrollment situations come with specific rules and timeframes, if you haven’t missed them enrolling without underwriting is easy. If you have missed your initial enrollment window and don’t have state specific special rules, you can consider enrolling with Underwriting. We have build a pretty cool Medigap Underwriting Chatbot which can help answer all your questions.
Call Senior65.com at 800-930-7956, and our team will help you find the best enrollment timing and show you competitive pricing from trusted carriers.
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