Medicare Supplement Eligibility
We are here to help you find out when you're eligible for a Medicare Supplement insurance policy and how to apply for a plan.
Are you eligible for Medicare Supplement plans?
Once you are 65 or older and enrolled in Medicare Part B, you can apply for a Medicare Supplement insurance policy. Medicare Supplement insurance plans, also known as Medigap plans, are sold by private insurance companies to help fill the “gaps” in Original Medicare Plan coverage.
These plans may also be available to you in some states if you’re younger than age 65 and eligible for Medicare due to disability.
When can you apply?
You can apply for a Medicare Supplement policy at any time. During your open enrollment period, you are guaranteed Medicare Supplement coverage. When applying outside of your open enrollment period, based on your previous health history or medical conditions you could be denied acceptance.
Medicare Supplement open enrollment is a 6-month period during which you can buy any Medicare Supplement policy sold in your state, even if you have pre-existing health conditions—you cannot be denied coverage during this period. This starts on the first day of the month when:
You're 65 (or older) AND
You’re enrolled in Medicare Part B (Medical Insurance)
You may have additional guaranteed issue enrollment periods in your state.
More Details To Know
Are you retiring at 65?
Once you’ve enrolled in Medicare Part B, your Medicare Supplement Open Enrollment period starts on the first day of the month in which you turn 65. For example, if you turn 65 on September 9 and you have already enrolled in Medicare Part B, your 6-month Medicare Supplement Open Enrollment period begins September 1.
Retiring after 65?
You may have already turned 65, but you’re still working and receiving health care insurance through your employer. When you decide to retire and enroll in Medicare Part B because you no longer have insurance through your employer, your open enrollment period for Medicare Supplement insurance would begin the first day of the month your Medicare Part B insurance becomes effective.
When can you switch plans?
You can choose a Medicare Supplement plan from a different company at any time after your open enrollment period. Because the government decides what benefits each Medicare Supplement plan offers, you can change companies and still keep the same plan. This includes the same basic benefits you have now with your current Medicare Supplement plan.
Do you have a special situation?
You may have questions about specific situations, such as disability or existing health conditions. Contact us at
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Online Enrollment Discount
State variations apply. Discount not available in CT, DC, FL, MA, NJ, NY, OH, OR, VA, and VT. To qualify for the online discount, you must be a new Medicare Supplement policy holder with HealthSpring*, without an active policy in the last 90 days. You must submit your Medicare Supplement Insurance application online at HealthSpring.com to qualify for the discount. If you do not complete the entire application online, and/or call to have an agent submit your application by phone, you will not qualify to receive the online discount. If your spouse is added at the time of application, they are also eligible to receive the online discount per the same terms. Discount qualification determined by HealthSpring. If you qualify, the 5% discount will remain in effect for the life of the policy. For residents of North Dakota, by applying online you save approximately 5%.
Premium Discount
State variations apply. Discount not available in HI, ID, MN, and VT. For residents of WA, the discount is referred to as Spousal Premium Discount, and only applies to spouses. Discount percentage varies by state.
*Insured by American Retirement Life Insurance Company, HealthSpring Insurance Company, HealthSpring National Health Insurance Company, Loyal American Life Insurance Company and Medco Containment Life Insurance Company.