Can a Medicare Supplement plan be purchased at any time of the year?
Asked by: Prof. Melisa Morissette I | Last update: December 4, 2025Score: 4.2/5 (34 votes)
Can you get Medicare Supplement plans at any time?
You can enroll in a Medicare Supplement plan in California anytime if you already have Original Medicare‡ Part A and Part B. The best time to enroll is during the Medigap Open Enrollment Period, starting the first month you have Medicare Part B and you're 65 or older.
What is the 6-month rule for Medicare supplements?
If you are age 65 or over and eligible for Medicare, you have a 6-month period during which you can purchase almost any Medigap policy at the lowest price for your age, even if you have or recently had health problems.
Is there an open enrollment period for Medicare Supplement plans?
The best time to buy a Medigap policy is during your Medigap Open Enrollment Period. This is the 6-month period that starts the first day of the month you're 65 or older and signed up for Part B.
What time of the year can you switch Medicare Supplement plans?
Short Answer. You can apply for a new Medicare supplement insurance policy at any time. However, you could be denied due to health conditions. Each year, during the Annual Enrollment Period from October 15 to December 7, you can enroll in a Medicare Advantage plan.
Can I change Medicare Supplement plans ANYTIME? Yes, but there's a CATCH!
What is the best supplemental insurance for Medicare?
- Best for extra plan benefits: Humana.
- Best for straightforward coverage: State Farm.
- Best for extensive medical care coverage: AARP by UnitedHealthcare.
- Best for a range of Medigap plans: Blue Cross Blue Shield.
Can you be denied a Medicare Supplement plan?
At other times, insurance companies may refuse to sell you a policy. If you have or had health problems, you may not be able to buy the Medigap plan of your choice unless you are in open enrollment or a guarantee-issue period.
Is there a waiting period on Medicare Supplement plans?
Waiting Periods
Some companies use a shorter waiting period of 30 or 60 days. Companies may not impose a waiting period if: You had health coverage during the 6 months prior to purchasing a Medigap plan. You are in a guaranteed-issue period.
Can I enroll in Medicare anytime of the year?
You can sign up between January 1-March 31 each year. This is called the General Enrollment Period. Your coverage starts the month after you sign up. You might pay a monthly late enrollment penalty, if you don't qualify for a Special Enrollment Period.
Why are people leaving Medicare Advantage plans?
Key takeaways: People leave Medicare Advantage plans because out-of-pocket costs vary between plans, network restrictions can cause frustration, prior authorization requests can delay care, and it can be difficult to use the additional benefits they provide.
Can you drop a Medicare Supplement plan at any time?
Your answer:
If you want to drop your Medigap policy, contact your insurance company to cancel it. If you drop your Medigap policy, you might not be able to get it or any policy back later.
Can you switch Medicare plans anytime?
If you are currently enrolled in a Medicare Advantage plan and would like to switch to traditional Medicare, or switch to another Medicare Advantage plan, you may do so during the Medicare Open Enrollment period, which runs from October 15 through December 7 each year, or during the second Open Enrollment Period just ...
Is there a Medicare Supplement that covers everything?
With Medicare Supplement Plan F, you get the most complete coverage available. And because Plan F also covers costs in excess of Medicare-approved amounts, you may have no out-of-pocket costs for hospital and doctor's office care.
Can Medicare Supplement plans deny coverage for preexisting conditions?
Do Medicare Supplement insurance plans cover preexisting conditions? Yes. However, a Medigap insurance company can refuse to cover pre‑existing conditions for up to 6 months after enrollment. This is called a “pre‑existing condition waiting period.” After 6 months, the Medigap policy will cover those conditions.
Can Medicare supplement be purchased anytime of the year?
Medicare Supplement insurance doesn't have restrictions on enrollment periods the way other Medicare coverage does. As long as you're enrolled in Original Medicare, Part A and Part B, you can apply for a Medicare Supplement insurance plan anytime.
Does everyone have to pay $170 a month for Medicare?
Most people pay no premiums for Part A. For Medicare Part B in 2025, most beneficiaries will pay $185 per month. Certain factors may require you to pay more or less than the standard Medicare Part B premium in 2025.
Can I drop my employer health insurance and go on Medicare Part B?
Once you stop working (or lose your health insurance, if that happens first) you have an 8-month Special Enrollment Period (SEP) when you can sign up for Medicare (or add Part B to existing Part A coverage).
What is the downside to Medicare Supplement plans?
There are a couple of cons to consider before choosing a Medigap plan: Premiums: Medigap premiums can be pricey. Coverage: Medicare Supplement plans don't cover everything, so you'd still have to pay out of pocket for things like dental care, vision care and long-term care.
What 3 states allow year-round enrollment in Medigap?
- New York.
- Connecticut.
- Vermont.
- Washington.
- Oklahoma.
What is the most popular Medicare Supplement plan?
Medicare Supplement Plan F has historically been the most popular Medigap plan. Roughly 5.75 million Americans were enrolled in Medigap Plan F in 2021. This plan covers everything Plan C covers, plus Part B excess charges. Medigap Plan F is also available in a high-deductible version.
What is the 6 month rule for Medicare?
If they're eligible for premium-free Part A, coverage for Part A begins 6 months back from the date they apply, but no earlier than the first month they were eligible for Medicare. Individuals must stop contributing to their health savings account 6 months before applying for Medicare to prevent paying an IRS penalty.
Does income affect Medicare Supplement plans?
If you have a higher income, you'll pay an additional premium amount for Medicare Part B and Medicare prescription drug coverage. We call the additional amount the “income-related monthly adjustment amount.”
Which of the following would prohibit a person from purchasing a Medicare Supplement policy?
Based on this evaluation, the most appropriate answer to which option would prohibit a person from purchasing a Medicare Supplement policy is A. A pre-existing condition, but it should be noted that this is more nuanced than a simple prohibition.