If you worked in a position that paid into the Medicare program for at least 10 years, you are eligible to purchase the Medigap insurance policy that best fits your needs during the open enrollment period.

This is the six-month period of time that starts in the three months before your 65th birthday and ends three months after. During this time you cannot be denied coverage for any reason. To be eligible for this type of plan, you must first join Medicare Part B. Most people are automatically enrolled in Part A when the begin receiving the Social Security benefits.

Those people who apply for a supplemental plan after open enrollment has ended may find that the process is more complicated. The supplemental insurance provider can use medical underwriting before they choose to accept the application.

The premium for the Medigap insurance will be calculated once the results are submitted. However, there are some health care related circumstances where you are guaranteed the right to the supplemental plan of your choice after the initial enrollment period has ended. Under these conditions, the insurance provider cannot refuse coverage, add conditions to the policy, or increase the premium due to pre-existing conditions. The loss of certain types of existing health care coverage is one of these situations.

Even if you are outside of the open enrollment period, you have the right to purchase Medigap insurance. These rights are referred to as “guarantee issue” or Medigap Protections. In certain circumstances, insurance providers are required to issue you a policy.

These protections are in place as a supplemental plan insurance provider can refuse to accept your application or charge extra after the six-month initial eligibility period. Purchase a policy while your current plan is still active. Do not wait until it ends before arranging for new coverage. Have coverage start when the original plan ends

There are several situations in which you are covered by Medigap Protections. If your existing Medicare plan is discontinued, you may have a guaranteed issue right to buy Medigap insurance.

If your current plan leaves the program or if you had a supplement plan, joined a Medicare managed plan and decide to leave the program within 12 months of joining, you can purchase a plan under the Medigap Protections. There are other circumstances where the guaranteed issue right to buy is also in effect. Contact the State Health Insurance Assistance Program for more information.