Can I get a Medicare Supplement plan without medical underwriting?
Asked by: Adriel Flatley | Last update: December 30, 2025Score: 4.8/5 (56 votes)
When can I get a Medicare Supplement plan without underwriting?
A: You won't have to go through medical underwriting (in other words, answer any medical questions) if you apply for your Medicare Supplement (also called Medigap) plan within six months of your Part B effective date.
Do Medicare Supplement plans require medical underwriting?
Enrolling clients into Medicare Supplements when they turn 65 isn't difficult, since those aging into Medicare have the opportunity to sign up for any Medicare Supplement regardless of health. But this isn't always the case. Sometimes a client will have to pass underwriting, a process where health matters.
Is it possible to get a Medicare Advantage plan without medical underwriting?
No, there is no underwriting for Medicare Advantage.
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.
Here's How Much We Paid With Medicare | Medicare Supplement vs Advantage
What is the biggest disadvantage of the Medicare Advantage plan?
Medicare Advantage Plan Pros And Cons
One disadvantage is that some Medicare Advantage plans may offer fewer options when it comes to doctors and hospitals, as they may have smaller plan networks than Original Medicare.
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.
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.
What is the 6 month rule for Medicare?
You can sign up for Part A any time after you turn 65. Your Part A coverage starts 6 months back from when you sign up or when you apply for benefits from Social Security (or the Railroad Retirement Board). Coverage can't start earlier than the month you turned 65.
Can you use Cobra as a supplement to Medicare?
If you get COBRA first and then become eligible for Medicare, when you turn 65, COBRA will cease providing primary insurance coverage to you. Medicare will become primary, and if you can keep COBRA, it will become your secondary insurer.
Can I be turned down for a Medigap plan?
Outside of your Medigap Open Enrollment Period: You may have to pay more for a policy. Fewer policy options may be available to you. The insurance company is allowed to deny you a policy if you don't meet their medical underwriting requirements.
Do Medicare Supplement plans require prior authorization?
Broadly speaking, Medicare Supplement plans provide better access to care. By significantly reducing out-of-pocket expenses, they ensure the cost of services isn't a barrier to care. They also don't limit your access through provider networks and prior authorization requirements.
How to avoid Medigap underwriting?
Can you avoid the medical underwriting process? Yes, you can avoid the medical underwriting process by enrolling during your Medigap initial open 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.
What happens if you can't afford a Medicare Supplement plan?
If you are still finding yourself squeezed, look into a Medicare Savings Progam. There are four different programs with different asset and income criteria. These programs can help you to pay for Part A and Part B. They can also enroll you in the Extra Help program to assist with Part D costs.
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.
Can you change Medicare Supplement plans without underwriting?
Yes, a person can change Medigap policies without medical underwriting if they are within the 6-month Medigap open enrollment period. They can also do so if they are eligible under a specific situation or guaranteed issue right.
What is the term for a Medicare Supplement plan that does not require underwriting?
Federal law requires Medigap insurers to issue Medigap policies without medical underwriting during a one-time, six-month Medigap open enrollment period for beneficiaries ages 65 and older when first enrolling in Medicare Part B, and for certain qualifying events, such as during a Medicare Advantage trial period.
Can you get supplemental insurance with a pre-existing condition?
Yes. Under the Affordable Care Act, health insurance companies can't refuse to cover you or charge you more just because you have a “pre-existing condition” — that is, a health problem you had before the date that new health coverage starts.
What is the best Medicare Supplement?
"Based on NerdWallet's Medigap rubric, I picked five best Medicare Supplement Insurance companies for 2025: AARP/UnitedHealthcare, Mutual of Omaha, State Farm, Anthem and Blue Cross Blue Shield. These companies stood out based on plan types offered, premiums, discounts, complaint rates and nationwide availability."
Why do doctors not like Medicare Advantage plans?
Across the country, provider grumbling about claim denials and onerous preapproval requirements by Advantage plans is crescendoing. Some hospitals and physician practices are so fed up they're refusing to accept the plans — even big ones like those offered by UnitedHealthcare and Humana.
What is the best Medicare plan that covers everything for seniors?
Original Medicare with Medigap likely offers the most comprehensive coverage, but it may also be the most costly. A person can consider their income and how much they are able to spend before choosing a Medicare plan. Original Medicare with Medigap also offers a lot of flexibility when choosing a doctor or specialist.
Why is a Medicare Supplement better than an advantage plan?
The biggest difference between Medicare Supplement Insurance, also known as Medigap, and Medicare Advantage is that with a Medigap plan, you have the freedom to see any doctor that accepts Medicare. With Medicare Advantage, you generally must get care within the plan's network of providers.