Key Takeaways
Medigap is Medicare supplemental insurance, which helps pay for cost-sharing in Original Medicare.
Unlike Medicare Advantage and Part D, there are limited opportunities for someone to enroll in Medigap; usually enrollment must occur when first joining Part B.
Medigap, also known as Medicare Supplemental Insurance, is an insurance policy sold by private insurance companies to help beneficiaries pay for their out-of-pocket costs in Medicare Parts A & B. Medicare beneficiaries may apply for Medigap at any time of the year, but may be charged more or denied a policy outside the Medigap Open Enrollment Period (MOEP).
The MOEP, based on federal law, requires insurance companies to sell Medigap policies at preferred rates (lowest price). As required under federal law, the MOEP is a one-time, six-month period in which a Medigap company cannot refuse Medigap coverage when the applicant meets both these requirements:
- Is aged 65 or older, and
- Enrolled in Medicare Part B
This fact sheet explains when people can purchase a Medigap, or Medicare supplemental insurance plan, and the rights they have around their Medigap Open Enrollment Period.
