When can my parent buy a Medigap policy?

Updated October 6, 2026 · General information, not professional advice

When can you buy a Medigap policy?

Your parent can apply for a Medigap (Medicare Supplement Insurance) policy at any time, but the federal guarantee that an insurer must sell it, at the best price, only applies at certain times:

• Medigap Open Enrollment Period: 6 months, starting the first day of the month they are 65 or older and enrolled in Part B. It happens once and cannot be repeated.
• Guaranteed issue rights: specific situations, usually with a 63-day window, described below.
• State rules: some states give extra rights to buy or switch.

Outside these, insurers in most states can use medical underwriting: they can ask about health, charge more, or say no.

Guaranteed issue rights: common situations

• Their employer or union health coverage that pays after Medicare is ending.
• Their Medicare Advantage plan is leaving Medicare or their area, or they move out of the plan's service area.
• They joined a Medicare Advantage plan when first eligible at 65 and want to switch to Original Medicare within the first 12 months (a "trial right").
• They dropped a Medigap policy to try Medicare Advantage for the first time and want to return within 12 months.
• Their Medigap insurer went bankrupt, or the insurer or plan misled them or broke the rules.

Keep letters showing when other coverage ended; the insurer may ask for proof. These rights generally let your parent buy Plan A, B, C, D, F, G, K or L, depending on the situation and when they became eligible.

Which Medigap plan to consider

Medigap plans are standardized by letter in most states, so Plan G from one company has the same benefits as Plan G from another; only price and service differ.

• Plan G is a common choice for people new to Medicare. It covers most gaps except the Part B deductible ($283 in 2026).
• Plan N usually costs less but has some copays for office and emergency visits.
• Plans C and F can't be sold to people who became eligible for Medicare on or after January 1, 2020.
• Massachusetts, Minnesota and Wisconsin standardize plans differently.

Under 65 on disability?

Federal law doesn't require insurers to sell Medigap to people under 65. Some states do require it, and then your parent gets a new Medigap Open Enrollment Period when they turn 65. Ask your state insurance department.

Many people under 65 with disability choose Medicare Advantage or Original Medicare with Part D until they turn 65, then buy Medigap during their new open enrollment period if their state offers one.

Common Medigap mistakes to avoid

• Missing the 6-month window because your parent kept working and delayed Part B, then enrolled later without realizing the clock started when Part B began.
• Choosing only on price without asking how the premium is rated; a low starting premium can rise faster with age.
• Dropping Medigap to try Medicare Advantage without checking whether they could get it back.
• Forgetting drug coverage. Medigap doesn't cover prescriptions, and going without Part D or other creditable coverage can lead to a late enrollment penalty.
• Buying a policy they don't need. People with full Medicaid generally don't need Medigap.

If you're unsure, a State Health Insurance Assistance Program (SHIP) counselor can review your parent's situation for free and explain your state's rules.

How to shop for Medigap

1. Confirm your parent has Part A and Part B.
2. Pick the plan letter that fits their budget and health.
3. Get quotes from several insurers. Ask how the premium is priced (community-rated, issue-age-rated, or attained-age-rated), which affects future increases.
4. Pair Medigap with a stand-alone Part D drug plan; Medigap plans sold today don't include drug coverage.
5. Ask your State Health Insurance Assistance Program (SHIP) or state insurance department about your state's extra rights.

When your parent needs care, seniorcare.si can show licensed providers near your ZIP code that accept Medicare.