What is Medigap Open Enrollment?
When you have the opportunity to enroll in Medigap coverage for the first time there will be an “open enrollment period” for you. This is a time in which you can enroll in a Medigap (Medicare Supplement Insurance) plan that will supplement your original Medicare policy. There are a few things that you should know about the Medigap Open Enrollment period that could affect your decisions.
- Your Medigap Open Enrollment period will begin the first month that you are covered by Medicare Part B and you are 65 or older. You need to remember this date and time so you know how long you have to get your enrollment done.
- Under Federal law you have this one-time only option for 6 months after you become eligible. At this time you can buy any Medigap policy that is sold in your state.
- During this open enrollment period you will have the opportunity to buy an Medigap policy that you want regardless of any past or present health issues. This is a great opportunity to get things covered that may not otherwise be covered and you should take full advantage of it.
What I do not understand is what I have to buy to get Medicare B? I was 70 in March this year, and did not understand that I should have enrolled when I was 65 – I was working fulltime as a teacher and had great health insurance then. My Medicare A and Drug coverage started late last year with the Medicare B scheduled to start July 1, 2011. Do I need to buy some kind of insurance to make B work? If you cannot help me, please tell me what agency I should go to in central Iowa that will help me understand this.
Thank you,
Sharon Vaipae