Why your first 6 months matter for Medigap

When you are 65 or older and your Part B (doctor coverage) starts, you have 6 months to buy a help-with-bills plan (Medigap) with health protections. This time is called Medigap Open Enrollment. It begins the month you have both Part B and are 65 or older. For most people, it happens once. You can get a plan during this time without being turned down because of your health.

During these 6 months, insurance companies must sell you any help-with-bills plan (Medigap) they offer. They cannot turn you down because of your health. They also cannot charge more because of past or current health conditions. Your health history cannot be used to deny you a plan or raise its price during this time.

After these 6 months, insurance companies in most states can ask health questions. They can turn down your application or charge more based on your answers. Some states offer extra protections. Many do not. Choosing your help-with-bills plan during this first protected time avoids those health questions.

If you are considering the any-doctor plan (Original Medicare + Medigap + drug plan), understand when these 6 months start. Waiting can make the help-with-bills piece (Medigap) harder to get or more expensive later. Your state's rules can affect your options.