Medigap Eligibility at 65
The only eligibility requirement for Medicare Supplement insurance (Medigap) is prior enrollment in Medicare Part A and Medicare Part B.
Initial Open Enrollment
You are eligible to enroll in Medigap on the date your Medicare B policy is effective. Initial open enrollment lasts for six months from this date. During this period, you are eligible to enroll in any Medigap plan that you choose, regardless of pre-existing conditions. In addition, you cannot be charged more for a premium based on pre-existing conditions.
General Open Enrollment
Following the six-month initial open enrollment period, individuals can still enroll in Medigap. However, pre-existing conditions can be considered for both eligibility and premium. This does not include special enrollment periods.
Medigap Eligibility Under 65
A small number of people younger than 65 have circumstances allowing them to enroll in Medicare Part A and Part B. Some states allow these individuals to enroll in Medigap plans. Thirty-one states require companies that sell Medigap to offer at least one policy to these individuals. In most cases, these companies can charge additional premiums.
If this situation applies to you, you will have six months to apply for Medigap beginning at the date that Medicare Part B becomes effective. Upon turning 65, any pre-existing conditions can no longer be used in considering premium. In many cases, this brings down the cost of the premium.
