Medicare Supplement Plans

Medicare Supplement plans (Medigap) fill in the gaps when using original Medicare. With original Medicare the beneficiary is responsible for all co-pays, co-insurance and deductibles. With a supplement plan, these can be taken care of. These plans are administered through private insurance carriers. There is a monthly premium associated with these plans. 

Initial enrollment period. 

When a Medicare beneficiary is initially eligible for Medicare that person can enroll into a Medicare Supplement without having to go through medical underwriting. However, if a newly eligible Medicare beneficiary decides on a Medicare Advantage plan first but changes his or her mind later down the road then that person will be subject to medical underwriting. During underwriting, the insurance company makes an assessment of the beneficiary's health status and medical history to determine if they can offer a Medicare Supplement plan and at what premium rate. 

Note: You cannot be on Medicaid and a Medicare Supplement at the same time. 

 You get a 6 month “Medigap Open Enrollment” period, which starts the first month you have Medicare Part B and you’re 65 or older. During this time, you can enroll in any Medigap policy and the insurance company can’t deny you coverage due to pre-existing health problems. After this period, you may not be able to buy a Medigap policy, or it may cost more. Your Medigap Open Enrollment Period is a one-time enrollment.  It doesn’t repeat every year, like the Medicare Open Enrollment Period.