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Medicare Supplement Open Enrollment

When you first become eligible for Medicare Part B, your Medicare Supplement Open Enrollment Period begins. You have exactly six months from this date to choose any Medicare supplement plan that you want and they must accept you with no questions asked. 

What is the Medicare Supplement Open Enrollment Period? 

It is very important to understand that your Medicare Supplement Open Enrollment Period:

  • Only happens one time (in most cases). 
  • Is NOT an annual opportunity. 
  • Lasts for only six months. 

One of the most important things you can do for yourself concerning Medicare is make sure you understand deadlines. You do not want to miss your Medicare Supplement Open Enrollment Period because you very likely not have another chance to enroll in a supplement plan without the possibility that you may be denied. This is the only guaranteed acceptance period that everyone gets, so you do not want to let it slip by you.

Special Situations

There are a few times when there is a second opportunity for a Medicare Supplement Open Enrollment Period. This occurs when:

  • You have re-entered the workforce and accepted employer health insurance and have retired for a second time. When you retire and enroll in Medicare again, you will have a Medicare Supplement Open Enrollment Period for six months after you receive your Plan B coverage. 
  • If you are on disability and receive Medicare before you are 65 years old, you will have a Medicare Supplement Open Enrollment Period for six months after you receive your Plan B coverage, and again when you reach 65 years of age. 
  • If you have delayed your enrollment into Part B because you are still working, when you do choose to retire, you may activate your Plan B coverage and your Medicare Supplement Open Enrollment Period will begin. 

Advantages of the Medicare Supplement Open Enrollment Period

The most important reason for you to enroll in a supplement plan during the open enrollment period is that it alleviates any concern that you could be denied. It is also true that while you will have other opportunities to sign up later, your options will be more limited at that time. Certain plans will no longer be available to you. 

What If You Miss the Open Enrollment Period?

If you miss the open enrollment period, you may have to answer medical questions when you enroll, and you face the possibility that your current health condition may disqualify you from acceptance. Your options of plans to choose from will also become more limited. If this happens, you may still be able to enroll in a Medicare Advantage plan, but those will limit which doctors you can see to their own network. 

What is Annual Open Enrollment?

Annual Open Enrollment is a period of time each year when people can make a change in their Part D drug plans and Medicare Advantage plans. This doesn’t apply to supplement plans. With the supplement plans, you are able to apply at any time but you will be subject to underwriting if you enroll in a plan outside of the Open Enrollment Period.

Not Sure Which Plan is Right for You?

Choosing a Medicare supplement plan can feel overwhelming, but it is imperative that you do not put off your enrollment. If you have questions, you should talk with a knowledgeable local medicare agent.

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