Medigap Enrollment Period Explained

Listen to the Brief

For those entering the world of Medicare, understanding the Medigap Open Enrollment Period is absolutely essential. It represents your best—and in many cases, only—opportunity to secure comprehensive Medicare Supplement Insurance coverage at the lowest rates without medical underwriting.

Medigap policies, also known as Medicare Supplement Insurance, help pay for healthcare costs not covered by Original Medicare, including copayments, coinsurance, and deductibles. However, knowing the right time to enroll in a Medigap plan can mean the difference between affordable, comprehensive coverage and either being denied coverage altogether or paying significantly higher premiums based on your health status.

Missing your Medigap Open Enrollment Period is one of the costliest Medicare mistakes you can make. Once this one-time window closes, you may never again have the same level of protection when applying for coverage.

Below, we break down everything you need to know about the Medigap Open Enrollment Period in 2026, including eligibility rules, guaranteed issue rights, state-specific protections, and how Medigap enrollment interacts with Medicare Advantage and other types of health insurance.

Table of Contents

What Is the Medigap Open Enrollment Period?

The Medigap Open Enrollment Period (also called the Medigap OEP) is a one-time, six-month window that begins on the first day of the month when you’re both:

Age 65 or older, AND
Enrolled in Medicare Part B

During this protected timeframe, federal law provides you with powerful consumer protections:

Guaranteed Issue Rights

Insurance companies must offer you any Medigap policy they sell in your state
Your application cannot be denied based on your health status
You cannot be charged more due to pre-existing health conditions

Best Available Rates

You receive the insurance company’s best available rate for your age and location
No health-based premium surcharges can be added
You’re in the same rate class as other healthy applicants your age

No Medical Underwriting

You don’t have to answer health questions on your application
You don’t need a medical exam
Your medical history cannot be used against you

This is the absolute best time to purchase Medicare Supplement Insurance. You have maximum protection, maximum choice, and minimum cost. You can select from any standardized Medigap plan offered in your state with complete confidence that your application will be accepted at standard rates.

Why This Period Matters So Much

After your Medigap Open Enrollment Period ends, you can still apply for Medigap coverage at any time. However, you’ll likely face:

Medical underwriting (detailed health questions and review of medical records)
Potential denial of coverage based on your health history
Premium surcharges for pre-existing conditions
Six-month waiting periods for pre-existing condition coverage

Many people assume they can “wait and see” if they need Medigap coverage. This assumption has cost thousands of Medicare beneficiaries the opportunity to get affordable supplemental insurance. Once you develop health conditions, getting Medigap coverage becomes extremely difficult or impossible in most states.

When Does Your Medigap Open Enrollment Period Begin?

Your Medigap Open Enrollment Period begins on the first day of the month when both of the following conditions are met:

You are age 65 or older
You are enrolled in Medicare Part B

Common Scenarios and Start Dates

Scenario 1: You turn 65 and enroll in Part B at the same time

If your 65th birthday is June 15th and you enroll in Medicare Part B effective June 1st, your Medigap Open Enrollment Period begins June 1st and ends November 30th.

Scenario 2: You delayed Part B due to employer coverage

If you turn 65 in March but delay Medicare Part B enrollment until August when you retire, your Medigap Open Enrollment Period begins August 1st (the first day of the month you’re enrolled in Part B) and ends January 31st of the following year.

Scenario 3: You’re already enrolled in Part A before 65

If you were receiving Social Security benefits and were automatically enrolled in Part A at 65, but delayed Part B, your Medigap Open Enrollment Period still doesn’t start until you enroll in Part B. Having Part A alone doesn’t trigger the enrollment period.

Important: You must be enrolled in both Part A and Part B to be eligible for Medigap. However, the Open Enrollment Period is specifically triggered by Part B enrollment when you’re 65 or older.

The 6-Month Timeline

Once your Medigap Open Enrollment Period begins, you have six full months of protection. Here’s what that timeline looks like:

Month 1 (When you’re 65+ and have Part B): Open Enrollment Period begins
Months 1-6: Full guaranteed issue rights and protections
End of Month 6: Open Enrollment Period ends at 11:59 PM on the last day
After Month 6: Medical underwriting typically applies (unless you qualify for guaranteed issue rights)

What If You’re Not Yet 65?

If you qualify for Medicare before age 65 due to disability or End-Stage Renal Disease (ESRD), different rules apply, which we’ll cover in detail later in this guide.

Eligibility Requirements for Medigap Enrollment

To be eligible to purchase a Medigap policy at any time (during or after your Open Enrollment Period), you must meet the following requirements:

Basic Eligibility Requirements

1. Enrolled in Medicare Part A

Most people get premium-free Part A at age 65 if they or their spouse worked and paid Medicare taxes for at least 10 years

2. Enrolled in Medicare Part B

You must actively enroll in Part B and pay the monthly premium (standard premium is $185/month in 2025)

3. Living in the United States

You must be a U.S. resident to purchase Medigap

4. Not enrolled in a Medicare Advantage Plan

You cannot have Medigap coverage while enrolled in Medicare Advantage
You must be on Original Medicare (Parts A and B) to use Medigap

What You Don’t Need for Medigap

You do not need to:

Enroll in Medicare Part D (though it’s highly recommended to avoid late enrollment penalties)
Have a certain income level
Meet any health requirements (during your Open Enrollment Period)
Live in a specific state (Medigap is available nationwide, though plan availability varies)

Medigap Enrollment for Those Under Age 65

Federal law does not require insurance companies to sell Medigap policies to people under age 65 who qualify for Medicare due to disability or End-Stage Renal Disease (ESRD). However, many states have enacted their own laws providing Medigap protections for younger Medicare beneficiaries.

Federal Law for Under-65 Beneficiaries

Under federal law:

Insurance companies are not required to sell Medigap to people under 65
Those under 65 have no federally-mandated Open Enrollment Period
Medical underwriting can be applied at any age under 65

This means that in many states, if you’re under 65 and on Medicare due to disability, you may struggle to find Medigap coverage or face very high premiums.

State Laws Protecting Under-65 Beneficiaries

Fortunately, many states go beyond federal requirements. As of 2025-2026, more than half of U.S. states require insurance companies to offer at least one Medigap plan to people under 65 who are on Medicare due to disability.

States with Under-65 Medigap Protections:

These protections vary significantly by state. Some states require:

Guaranteed issue rights for at least one plan
Access to all Medigap plans
Specific enrollment periods
Premium restrictions

Coverage and pricing vary widely depending on your state, so it’s essential to check with your State Insurance Department or contact a licensed Medicare advisor to review your rights and plan availability.

The Second Open Enrollment Period at Age 65

If you qualified for Medicare before age 65 due to disability and enrolled in a Medigap policy, you get a valuable second opportunity when you turn 65:

You receive a brand new Medigap Open Enrollment Period when you turn 65 and are enrolled in Part B. This means:

You can switch to any Medigap plan available in your state
You have guaranteed issue rights again
You cannot be denied or charged more based on health
You can potentially get better coverage at lower rates

This second Open Enrollment Period is particularly valuable if:

You were limited in plan choices when you first got Medigap under 65
You’re paying high premiums based on your disability status
You want to switch to a more comprehensive plan
You want to shop for better rates

Take advantage of this opportunity. Many people under 65 pay significantly higher Medigap premiums. Turning 65 gives you a chance to potentially reduce your costs dramatically.

Understanding Pre-Existing Condition Waiting Periods

Even during your Medigap Open Enrollment Period when you cannot be denied coverage or charged more for pre-existing conditions, insurance companies may still impose a waiting period before covering those conditions.

The 6-Month Pre-Existing Condition Waiting Period

Under federal law, Medigap insurers can delay coverage for pre-existing conditions for up to six months from your policy effective date, but only if you did not have at least six months of continuous creditable coverage immediately before your Medigap policy started.

Pre-Existing Condition Definition:

A pre-existing condition is a health problem or condition that:

You had before your Medigap policy started, AND
For which you received medical advice, treatment, or diagnosis within the six months before your Medigap policy started

What Is Creditable Coverage?

Creditable coverage refers to previous health insurance that was at least as comprehensive as Medicare coverage. Types of creditable coverage include:

Group health insurance through an employer (20+ employees)
COBRA continuation coverage
Medicare Advantage plans
Medicaid
Military coverage (TRICARE, VA benefits)
Other comprehensive health insurance

If you had at least six months of continuous creditable coverage immediately before your Medigap policy effective date, the pre-existing condition waiting period is waived entirely.

How the Waiting Period Works

If you don’t have six months of creditable coverage and the insurer imposes a waiting period:

During the 6-month waiting period:

Your Medigap policy covers everything except pre-existing conditions
Original Medicare still covers pre-existing conditions (with its normal cost-sharing)
You pay Original Medicare’s cost-sharing for pre-existing condition care during the waiting period

After the 6-month waiting period:

Your Medigap policy begins covering pre-existing conditions according to the plan design
You receive full Medigap benefits for all covered services

Example Scenario

Nina turns 65 in June 2026 and enrolls in Medicare Part B effective June 1, 2026. She applies for Medigap Plan G during her Open Enrollment Period with coverage starting June 1, 2026.

Scenario A: Nina has creditable coverage

She had group health insurance through her employer for the past 5 years until she retired
Because she has more than 6 months of creditable coverage, there is no waiting period
Her Plan G covers all benefits including pre-existing conditions immediately

Scenario B: Nina doesn’t have creditable coverage

She was uninsured for the past year before getting Medicare
The insurance company imposes a 6-month waiting period
From June 1 to November 30, 2026, her Plan G covers all benefits except pre-existing conditions
Starting December 1, 2026, her Plan G provides full coverage including pre-existing conditions

Important: Even with a waiting period, you still have Original Medicare covering your pre-existing conditions. The waiting period only affects your Medigap coverage, not your Medicare coverage.

Guaranteed Issue Rights: Getting Medigap After Your Open Enrollment Period

Outside your Medigap Open Enrollment Period, you can still purchase Medigap coverage if you qualify for guaranteed issue rights (also called guaranteed issue situations).

Guaranteed issue rights are special federal protections that require insurance companies to:

Sell you a Medigap policy
Accept your application regardless of health status
Charge you standard rates (not health-based premium surcharges)
Waive pre-existing condition waiting periods

Situations That Trigger Guaranteed Issue Rights

You have guaranteed issue rights in the following circumstances:

1. Loss of Employer or Union Coverage

You have guaranteed issue rights if:

You had group health insurance through current employment (or your spouse’s) and it’s ending
You had COBRA continuation coverage and it’s ending
You had union-based retiree coverage and it’s ending

Time frame: You must apply for Medigap within 63 days of when your prior coverage ends.

Plans available: You can buy Medigap Plans A, B, C, D, F, G, K, or L (if available in your state).

2. Medicare Advantage Plan Leaves Your Area or Stops Providing Coverage

You have guaranteed issue rights if:

Your Medicare Advantage plan is no longer offering coverage in your area
Your plan violated its contract with you or misled you
The plan went bankrupt or became insolvent

Time frame: You must apply for Medigap within 63 days from when you receive notice that your coverage is ending.

Plans available: You can buy Medigap Plans A, B, C, D, F, G, K, or L (if available in your state).

3. You Leave a Medicare Advantage Plan to Return to Original Medicare (Trial Right)

You have guaranteed issue rights if:

This is the first time you joined a Medicare Advantage plan
You’ve been in the plan for less than 12 months
You decide to switch back to Original Medicare

Time frame: You must apply for Medigap within 63 days of when your Medicare Advantage coverage ends.

Plans available: You can buy the same type of Medigap policy you had before joining Medicare Advantage, if available from any insurance company in your state. If that plan isn’t available, you can buy Plans A, B, C, D, F, G, K, or L.

This is often called the “trial right” because it gives you an opportunity to try Medicare Advantage risk-free for up to one year.

4. You Move Out of Your Medicare Advantage Plan’s Service Area

You have guaranteed issue rights if:

You move outside your Medicare Advantage plan’s service area
You return to Original Medicare as a result

Time frame: You must apply for Medigap within 63 days of when your Medicare Advantage coverage ends.

Plans available: You can buy Medigap Plans A, B, C, D, F, G, K, or L (if available in your state).

5. Your Medicare SELECT Policy Is Discontinued

If you have a Medicare SELECT policy (a special network-based Medigap plan) and:

You move outside the service area, OR
The plan stops being offered in your area

You have guaranteed issue rights to buy certain Medigap plans.

Important Guaranteed Issue Rights Details

The 63-Day Time Frame Is Critical

You must apply for Medigap coverage within 63 days of when your qualifying event occurs (usually when your prior coverage ends). Missing this deadline means losing your guaranteed issue rights, and you’ll likely face medical underwriting.

Limited Plan Selection

Guaranteed issue rights typically apply to Medigap Plans A, B, C, D, F, G, K, and L (and High Deductible versions of F and G where available). You may not have guaranteed issue rights to Plans M or N unless you had one of those plans previously.

One-Time Use

Most guaranteed issue situations can only be used once. For example, the Medicare Advantage trial right only applies to your first Medicare Advantage plan, not subsequent plans.

State Laws May Provide Additional Rights

Some states offer more generous guaranteed issue protections beyond federal requirements. Check your state’s specific laws.

Switching from Medicare Advantage to Medigap

Many people start with Medicare Advantage and later decide they want the flexibility and predictability of Original Medicare with Medigap coverage. Understanding the rules for this transition is crucial.

When You Can Switch from Medicare Advantage to Medigap

You can return to Original Medicare and apply for Medigap during these periods:

1. Medicare Annual Enrollment Period (October 15 – December 7)

You can drop your Medicare Advantage plan
Your return to Original Medicare takes effect January 1
You can apply for Medigap at any time (but may face medical underwriting)

2. Medicare Advantage Open Enrollment Period (January 1 – March 31)

You can switch from Medicare Advantage to Original Medicare
You can apply for Medigap (but may face medical underwriting)

3. Special Enrollment Periods

Various circumstances trigger Special Enrollment Periods
You can return to Original Medicare
You may or may not have guaranteed issue rights for Medigap

The Challenge: Medical Underwriting

Here’s the critical issue: Unless you qualify for guaranteed issue rights, you’ll face medical underwriting when applying for Medigap after your Open Enrollment Period.

Medical underwriting means:

You must answer detailed health questions on your application
The insurance company reviews your medical history
You can be denied coverage based on your health
You can be charged higher premiums based on pre-existing conditions
You may face waiting periods for pre-existing condition coverage

Reality Check: If you’ve developed health conditions while on Medicare Advantage, you may find it very difficult or impossible to get Medigap coverage when you try to switch back to Original Medicare.

The Medicare Advantage Trial Right Exception

There is one important exception that allows you to switch from Medicare Advantage to Medigap with guaranteed issue rights:

If you’re switching within 12 months of first enrolling in Medicare Advantage, you have a trial right that provides guaranteed issue protections.

Requirements:

This must be your first Medicare Advantage plan (not a subsequent plan you switched to)
You must disenroll within 12 months of when your Medicare Advantage coverage started
You must apply for Medigap within 63 days of when your Medicare Advantage coverage ends

What this means:

You can try Medicare Advantage for up to 12 months
If you don’t like it, you can return to Original Medicare
You have guaranteed issue rights to get Medigap
You cannot be denied or charged more based on health

This trial right only applies once—to your first Medicare Advantage enrollment. If you leave Medicare Advantage, get Medigap, then later switch back to Medicare Advantage and want to return to Medigap again, you won’t have guaranteed issue rights the second time.

Strategic Considerations

Think carefully before choosing Medicare Advantage initially:

If you think you might want Medigap later, consider choosing it during your initial enrollment
Once you’re on Medicare Advantage and your trial period expires, switching back to Medigap becomes very difficult
Many people feel “trapped” in Medicare Advantage because they can’t pass medical underwriting for Medigap

If you’re currently on Medicare Advantage and want to switch:

Act quickly if you’re within your 12-month trial right period
Understand that after 12 months, you’ll likely face medical underwriting
Consider your current health status and likelihood of being approved
Some states have additional protections that may help

Enrolling in Medigap Outside Your Open Enrollment Period

If you’re applying for Medigap after your Open Enrollment Period ends and you don’t qualify for guaranteed issue rights, you’ll face medical underwriting in most states.

What Is Medical Underwriting?

Medical underwriting is the process insurance companies use to evaluate your health status and determine whether to:

Accept your application
Deny your application
Accept your application with premium surcharges
Impose waiting periods for pre-existing conditions

The Medical Underwriting Process

When you apply for Medigap outside protected enrollment periods:

1. Health Questionnaire You’ll complete a detailed medical history questionnaire asking about:

Current health conditions and diagnoses
Medications you take
Recent hospitalizations or surgeries
Doctor visits and treatments
Family medical history

2. Medical Records Review The insurance company may:

Request your medical records from your doctors
Review pharmacy records for prescription history
Contact your healthcare providers for additional information
Require medical exams in some cases

3. Underwriting Decision Based on their review, the insurer will:

Approve your application at standard rates
Approve your application with health-based premium surcharges
Deny your application completely
Approve with waiting periods for pre-existing conditions

What Health Conditions Can Lead to Denial?

Insurance companies can deny Medigap applications for various health conditions. Commonly denied conditions include:

Cancer (current or recent treatment)
Congestive heart failure
Chronic kidney disease or dialysis
Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD)
Cirrhosis of the liver
Dementia or Alzheimer’s disease
Diabetes with complications
Multiple sclerosis
Parkinson’s disease
Recent stroke or heart attack
End-stage renal disease (ESRD)

Even relatively minor conditions like controlled high blood pressure or high cholesterol can sometimes result in premium surcharges or questions about additional health issues.

Premium Surcharges

If approved with medical underwriting, you may pay significantly more than standard rates:

Premium surcharges of 25-50% are common
Some applicants face surcharges of 100% or more
Surcharges typically remain in effect permanently
You’ll pay the surcharge in addition to any age-based rate increases

Example: If the standard Medigap Plan G premium for your age is $150/month, but you receive a 40% health-based surcharge, you’d pay $210/month instead.

The Cost of Waiting

This is why applying during your Medigap Open Enrollment Period is so critical:

During Open Enrollment:

No medical questions
No denials
Standard rates
Full plan selection

After Open Enrollment:

Extensive medical questions
Risk of denial
Possible premium surcharges of 25-100%+
Limited plan options

The difference could be thousands of dollars per year in premiums, or complete inability to get coverage.

State-Specific Medigap Protections and Benefits

While federal law provides baseline Medigap protections, many states have enacted additional laws that offer enhanced consumer protections, enrollment opportunities, or guaranteed issue rights beyond federal requirements.

As of 2025-2026, approximately 23 states provide enhanced Medigap protections through various mechanisms.

Types of State-Level Protections

States provide additional Medigap protections in several ways:

1. Birthday Rules

Allow annual plan changes around your birthday without medical underwriting

2. Anniversary Rules

Allow annual plan changes around your policy anniversary date

3. Continuous Open Enrollment

Allow Medigap plan changes at any time without underwriting

4. Under-65 Protections

Require insurers to sell Medigap to people under 65 on Medicare

5. Enhanced Guaranteed Issue Rights

Provide guaranteed issue situations beyond federal requirements

States with Birthday Rules

Several states have implemented “birthday rules” that allow Medigap policyholders to switch plans without medical underwriting during a special window around their birthday each year.

California

You can change to a plan with equal or lesser benefits
Window: 30 days beginning on your birthday (60-day window in total)
No medical underwriting
Must have had your current Medigap policy for at least 12 months

Idaho

Can change to any Medigap plan with equal or lesser benefits
Window: 63 days beginning on your birthday
Must have been covered by your current policy for at least 6 months

Illinois

Can change to equal or lesser benefits
Window: 45 days before or after your birthday
No waiting periods or exclusions

Louisiana

Can change to equal or lesser benefits
Window: 30 days after your birthday
Must have been insured for at least 6 months

Nevada

Can change to equal or lesser benefits
Window: Within 30 days of your birthday
Must have been covered for at least 12 months

Oklahoma

Can change to equal or lesser benefits
Window: 60 days following your birthday
Must have been covered for at least 6 months

Oregon

Can change to equal or lesser benefits
Window: 30 days beginning on your birthday
Must have current policy for at least 6 months

States with Anniversary Rules

Missouri

Can change Medigap plans during your policy anniversary month
Can switch to equal or lesser benefits
No medical underwriting
Guaranteed issue rights

States with Continuous Open Enrollment

These states allow Medigap plan changes at any time without medical underwriting:

Connecticut

Can switch to equal or lesser benefit plans at any time
No waiting periods
One of the most consumer-friendly states for Medigap

Maine

Issue-age rating required (premiums don’t increase with age)
Can switch plans with limited restrictions

Massachusetts

Unique Medigap system with only two standardized plans
Can switch at any time

New York

Community rating required (everyone pays the same rate regardless of age)
Continuous open enrollment
Can switch plans at any time without underwriting

Washington

Can change plans once per year during open enrollment period (similar to birthday rule)
No medical underwriting

Understanding “Equal or Lesser Benefits”

Most state birthday and anniversary rules restrict changes to plans with “equal or lesser benefits.” This means:

You can switch:

From Plan G to Plan N (lesser benefits)
From Plan G to Plan G (equal benefits)
From Plan F to Plan G (lesser benefits)

You cannot switch:

From Plan N to Plan G (greater benefits) without underwriting
From Plan G to Plan F (greater benefits for those grandfathered)

This restriction prevents people from buying minimal coverage when healthy and upgrading to comprehensive coverage only when they develop health problems.

Why State Protections Matter

State-specific protections can be extremely valuable if:

You want flexibility to change Medigap plans as your needs evolve
You’re worried about being locked into one plan forever
Your health changes and you need different coverage
Your current plan raises rates significantly
You move to a different area with more competitive pricing

Know your state’s laws. These protections can save you thousands of dollars and provide valuable flexibility throughout your retirement.

The Annual Medicare Open Enrollment Period vs. Medigap

It’s important to understand that the Annual Medicare Open Enrollment Period (October 15 – December 7) is not the same as the Medigap Open Enrollment Period, though the similar names cause significant confusion.

Annual Medicare Open Enrollment Period (AEP)

Dates: October 15 through December 7 annually

What you can do:

Switch from Original Medicare to a Medicare Advantage plan
Switch from one Medicare Advantage plan to another
Switch from a Medicare Advantage plan back to Original Medicare
Join a Medicare Part D prescription drug plan
Switch Part D plans
Drop Part D coverage

What you cannot do:

Enroll in a Medigap policy with guaranteed issue rights (unless you qualify separately)
Switch Medigap plans without medical underwriting (except in certain states)

Medigap Open Enrollment Period

Dates: Six-month period beginning when you’re 65+ and enrolled in Part B (one-time only)

What you can do:

Enroll in any Medigap plan available in your state
Change your mind and switch to a different Medigap plan
Apply with guaranteed issue rights and no medical underwriting

What you cannot do:

Change your Medicare Advantage plan (this isn’t relevant during Medigap OEP)
Enroll in Medigap during this period if you missed your own Medigap Open Enrollment Period

Common Confusion

Many people mistakenly believe they can enroll in Medigap during the Annual Medicare Open Enrollment Period (October 15 – December 7) with guaranteed issue rights. This is incorrect.

The Annual Medicare Open Enrollment Period is for making changes to your Medicare Advantage and Part D coverage, not for enrolling in Medigap with guaranteed issue rights.

You can certainly apply for Medigap during the Annual Medicare Open Enrollment Period, but unless you:

Are within your own Medigap Open Enrollment Period, OR
Qualify for guaranteed issue rights due to a qualifying event, OR
Live in a state with special enrollment protections

You’ll face medical underwriting when applying for Medigap.

How to Enroll in a Medigap Policy

Once you understand when you’re eligible to enroll in Medigap, the actual enrollment process is relatively straightforward.

Steps to Enroll in Medigap

Step 1: Verify Your Medicare Part A and Part B Enrollment

Before you can enroll in Medigap, you must be enrolled in both Medicare Part A and Part B. Verify:

Your Medicare coverage is active
You know your Part B effective date (this determines your Open Enrollment Period start date)
You have your Medicare card with your Medicare Number

Step 2: Determine Your Enrollment Timing

Figure out:

Are you within your Medigap Open Enrollment Period?
Do you qualify for guaranteed issue rights?
Will you face medical underwriting?

Step 3: Research Medigap Plans Available in Your State

Not all Medigap plans are available in all states:

Massachusetts, Minnesota, and Wisconsin have unique Medigap systems
In other states, standardized plans are labeled A, B, C, D, F, G, K, L, M, and N
Plans F and C are no longer available to new Medicare beneficiaries (January 1, 2020 and later)
High Deductible Plan G is available in some states

Step 4: Compare Medigap Premiums from Multiple Insurance Companies

Medigap plans are standardized, meaning Plan G from Company A covers the same things as Plan G from Company B. However, premiums vary significantly between insurance companies.

You should:

Compare premiums from at least 3-5 insurance companies
Ask how premiums increase over time (attained-age, issue-age, or community-rated)
Check the company’s financial strength ratings
Review customer service reputation

Step 5: Consider Your Budget and Healthcare Needs

Choose a Medigap plan based on:

Your budget for monthly premiums
Your tolerance for out-of-pocket costs
Your expected healthcare utilization
Whether you travel frequently

Popular choices:

Plan G – Most comprehensive, highest premiums, minimal out-of-pocket costs
Plan N – Lower premiums, small copays for doctor/ER visits
High Deductible Plan G – Lowest premiums, but you pay first $2,800 in 2026 (projected) before plan covers anything

Step 6: Apply for Your Chosen Medigap Policy

You can apply for Medigap:

Directly with the insurance company (online, by phone, or in person)
Through a licensed insurance agent or broker
Through a Medicare advisor service

Step 7: Complete the Application

During your Open Enrollment Period:

Applications are simple with basic information
No medical questions required
No medical exam needed