Can I Change My Medicare Supplement Plan During Annual Enrollment?
Key Points
- The Annual Enrollment Period (AEP) applies to Part D and Medicare Advantage — not Medigap.
- You can apply to change your Medigap plan at any time of year, but health underwriting may be required.
- Your one-time Medigap Open Enrollment window — at age 65 — is your best chance to enroll without health questions.
Every fall, Medicare holds its Annual Enrollment Period. But does that apply to Medigap plans? The answer surprises most people.
What the Annual Enrollment Period Actually Covers
Every year from October 15 through December 7, Medicare holds the Annual Enrollment Period (AEP). During this time, you can switch Medicare Advantage plans, switch from Medicare Advantage back to Original Medicare, or change your Part D prescription drug plan. These changes take effect January 1 of the following year.
What the AEP does NOT cover is Medicare Supplement (Medigap) plans. This is one of the most common misconceptions we hear from clients each fall.
When Can You Change Medigap Plans?
Unlike Part D and Medicare Advantage, Medigap plans are not tied to annual enrollment windows. You can apply to change your Medigap plan at any point during the year. However, outside of your initial six-month Open Enrollment Period, insurance companies in most states have the right to ask medical underwriting questions — and can deny your application or charge higher premiums based on your health history.
If you're in good health and your Medigap premium has increased significantly, it may be worth shopping for a lower rate with a different carrier that offers the same plan letter.
Your One-Time Open Enrollment Window
When you first turn 65 and enroll in Medicare Part B, you receive a one-time six-month Medigap Open Enrollment Period. During this window, no insurance company can deny you a Medigap plan or charge you more due to pre-existing health conditions. This is the most important enrollment window you'll have for Medigap — and it's worth using wisely.
Choosing the right carrier from the start — one with a strong track record of stable rate increases — can make a significant difference in what you pay over the course of your retirement.
Does Florida Have Any Exceptions?
Some states have special rules that allow beneficiaries to change Medigap plans without underwriting at certain times — such as on their policy anniversary. Florida is not one of those states, so in most cases, health underwriting will apply if you try to switch plans after your initial Open Enrollment Period.
That said, there are special enrollment situations — like losing employer coverage — where guaranteed issue rights may apply. We can review your specific situation and let you know what options are available.
Still Have Questions?
Our licensed Medicare brokers are here to help — at no cost to you.