Medicare Open Enrollment

Are you in your Medicare Open Enrollment Period?

The best time to get a Medicare Supplement is during your Open Enrollment Period because you can not be turned down for coverage based upon any past or present health conditions.

When is my Medicare Open Enrollment Period?

It is a 6 month period that begins when you first go onto Medicare Part A and Part B. For most people, it happens when they turn age 65. Some people get Part A and wait to get Part B.

Here's how it typically works:  

A person approaching age 65 knows he/she will be going onto Medicare. That person enrolls with Medicare for both hospital (Part A) and medical coverage (Part B). Medicare assigns an effective date for the new coverage to start on the 1st day of the month that person turns age 65.

Example: Wilbur was born August 14, 1945, his Medicare coverage will start August 1, 2010.
His Open Enrollment Period would also begin on August 1st and last for 6 months. He can enroll anytime during the months of August, Sept, Oct, Nov, Dec, and January 2011 without worrrying about Underwriting turning down his application based upon health issues.

Do I have to wait until my Open Enrollment Period to apply for a Medicare Supplement?

No, you can sign up early if you want, that way you can have full coverage which will start as soon as Medicare kicks in.

What if I miss my Open Enrollment Period?

If you are unaware of your Open Enrollment Period and miss all of it, then you are out of luck. You will not get another Open Enrollment Period. You can still apply for a Medigap policy but you will be subject to underwriting approval of your health history.

What if I am on Disability?

If you are under age 65 and acquire Medicare due to a disability, then your Open Enrollment Period revolves around the 25th month of your disability. According to Medicare: "you can join during the 3 months before to 3 months after your 25th month of disability."

You will then get another Open Enrollment Period just like everyone else around the time you turn age 65 as outlined above.

What about Open Enrollment for Prescription Drug Rx Coverage?  Click Here