Who is not eligible for Medigap?

Asked by: Norris Doyle  |  Last update: January 16, 2026
Score: 4.6/5 (26 votes)

If you have ESRD or a disability, you may not be able to buy the Medigap policy you want, or any Medigap policy, until you turn 65. Federal law doesn't require companies to sell Medigap policies to people under 65.

Can I be denied Medigap coverage?

Nine out of ten (90%) Medicare Advantage enrollees ages 65 and older, or 22.4 million people, are subject to medical underwriting and may be denied coverage if they apply for a Medigap policy outside of the Medicare Advantage trial period or other specific guaranteed issue periods, as of 2022 (Figure 1; Appendix Table ...

Can everyone get Medigap?

Medicare Supplement insurance, sometimes known as "Medigap" insurance, may be purchased by anyone enrolled in Medicare. Medigap Plans are designed to pay some of the out-of-pocket expenses that people have to pay when using their Medicare benefits.

How do I know if I qualify for Medigap?

To purchase Medicare Supplement Insurance (Medigap) you must be enrolled in Medicare Part A and Part B. Medicare Supplement Insurance provides coverage for gaps in medical costs not covered by Medicare. Medicare Supplement plans are standardized and offer various benefits to help offset your healthcare cost.

What is the downside to Medigap 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.

Whos is not eligible for Medicare

20 related questions found

Why do people choose Medigap over Medicare Advantage?

Under Advantage plans, the government pays insurers to provide all of the care under a private policy. Medigap also allows retirees to choose their doctors. Advantage plans operate like HMOs, which control the cost of care by requiring policyholders to stay within an approved network of providers.

Why is it not a good idea to have supplemental insurance?

One of the most significant drawbacks of supplemental insurance policies is the coverage limits. For instance, with Mechanical Repair Coverage, you'll typically need to pay out of pocket until your deductible is met on your primary policy before supplemental insurance takes over to cover a costly vehicle repair.

What plan G does not cover?

High deductible plan G does not cover the Medicare Part B deductible. However, high deductible F and G count your payment of the Medicare Part B deductible toward meeting the plan deductible. 2Plans K and L pay 100% of covered services for the rest of the calendar year once you meet the out-of-pocket yearly limit.

Can Medigap deny preexisting conditions?

Be aware that under federal law, Medigap policy insurers can refuse to cover your prior medical conditions for the first six months.

Why are people leaving Medicare Advantage plans?

But there are trade-offs. Medicare Advantage plans often have a limited network of hospitals and physicians. And while the premiums are typically low, enrollees could end up paying more in the long run in copays and deductibles if they develop a serious illness.

What is required for a person to have Medigap coverage?

Generally, when you buy a Medigap policy you must have Medicare Part A and Part B. You will have to pay the monthly Medicare Part B premium.

Why is a plan G better than an advantage plan?

Medigap Plan G offers more comprehensive benefits than the Medicare Advantage plan and is more widely available. It also provides more freedom for enrollees. For example, a Medigap Plan G enrollee can visit a specialist without a referral.

Can I get a Medigap policy if I am under 65?

It depends on your state.

Some states allow anyone with Medicare under 65 to buy a Medigap policy. If you have ESRD or a disability, you may not be able to buy the Medigap policy you want, or any Medigap policy, until you turn 65. Federal law doesn't require companies to sell Medigap policies to people under 65.

What pre-existing conditions are not covered?

Is there health insurance for pre-existing conditions? Choosing a health plan is no longer based on the concept of a pre-existing condition. A health insurer cannot deny you coverage or raise rates for plans if you have a medical condition at the time of enrollment.

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.

Are Medigap policies being phased out?

For example, Medigap plans C and F will no longer be available to new Medicare recipients after January 1st, 2020.

Which states have guaranteed issues for Medigap?

State laws can provide further protections, but only four states— Connecticut, Massachusetts, Maine, and New York—require either continuous or annual guaranteed issue protections for Medigap for all beneficiaries in traditional Medicare ages 65 and older, regardless of their medical history.

What affects Medigap premiums?

Premiums Vary Across Medigap Policies

Premiums may be based on factors such as a policyholder's age, smoking status, gender, and residential area, even during open enrollment and guaranteed issue periods. Premium costs are one of the primary concerns for people with Medigap.

What is the disadvantage of Plan G?

Medicare Supplement Plan G does have higher premiums than some Medicare Advantage plans and some of the other Medicare Supplement plans. Medicare Supplement Plan G doesn't provide prescription drug coverage or extra benefits that often come with Medicare Advantage plans.

What Medigap plan is most popular?

Plan G accounts for nearly four in 10 of all Medigap plans sold, making it the most popular choice among all Medigap plan letters. Plan G is popular because it covers nearly all of your costs with Original Medicare.

Does Plan G cover colonoscopy?

However, if you have a comprehensive Medigap plan, such as Plan G, you wouldn't have to worry about your Part B coinsurance or Part B excess charges as Medigap Plan G covers both costs. Instead, your colonoscopy would be 100% covered regardless of the type of doctor you see.

Do I really need supplemental insurance with Medicare Part?

Supplemental insurance is advisable for those with Medicare to help cover out-of-pocket costs and gaps in coverage, offering financial protection for deductibles, coinsurance, and other medical expenses not fully covered by Medicare.

What is better, an advantage plan or a supplemental plan?

Summary: Medicare Advantage offers broader coverage including prescription drugs and dental care, while Medicare Supplement focuses on covering most out-of-pocket costs. Medicare Advantage plans are managed by private insurers with network restrictions, whereas Medicare Supplement allows freedom of provider choice.

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.