Medicare Advantage Guaranteed Issue Rights

During a valid enrollment period, Medicare Advantage plans are always guaranteed issue for Medicare-eligible individuals who have both Medicare Part A and Part B coverage.

Medicare Supplement (Medigap) Guaranteed Issue Rights

During your Initial Coverage Enrollment Period (ICEP), Medigap insurance plans are also guaranteed issue meaning you cannot be turned down based on your medical history or pre-existing conditions. So, as long as you enroll during your ICEP and keep your Medigap plan active, you won’t have to worry about being denied coverage based on your health or being dropped due to the plan no longer being offered through the insurance provider.

However, if you choose not to enroll in a Medicare Supplement plan the first time you are eligible, you may lose guarantee issue rights for future Medicare Supplementinsurance applications and you may be subject to medical underwriting (the insurance provider can decide whether or not to offer you coverage based on your health or other factors).

In addition, if you have opted out of your employer sponsored healthcare plan or already have an individual Medigap or Medicare Advantage plan, federal law cannot guarantee your coverage for Medigap insurance during this Initial Coverage Enrollment Period.