Your Guide to Changing Medicare Supplement Insurance (Medigap) Plans

If you have Medicare, you probably already know it covers a lot, but not everything. That’s why many people choose to add a Medicare Supplement Insurance plan, also called Medigap, to help pay for out-of-pocket costs like copayments, coinsurance and hospital expenses.

But what if your needs change? Maybe you want a cheaper plan, or one that covers more. Switching Medigap plans isn’t as simple as changing other types of insurance, but it’s possible with the right timing and information.

Let’s walk through how Medigap works, when you can change your plan and what to watch out for.

Understanding Medigap: A Quick Refresher

Medigap policies are sold by private insurance companies to fill “gaps” in Original Medicare (Parts A and B).

Here’s what they typically cover:

• Medicare Part A coinsurance and hospital costs
• Some or all of your Part B coinsurance or copayments
• Blood transfusions (up to a certain number of pints)
• Skilled nursing facility coinsurance (on some plans)
• Emergency care abroad (on certain plans)

There are 10 standardized Medigap plans in most states, labeled A through N. Each plan covers a different mix of benefits, but every insurer offering the same letter plan must provide identical core benefits, with only the premiums varying.

Important: Plans C and F are no longer available to people who became eligible for Medicare on or after January 1, 2020. If you already have one, you can keep it.

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Why People Change Their Medigap Plan

Your healthcare needs or finances can shift over time. You might consider switching plans if:

• You’re paying for coverage you no longer need
• You want a plan that includes more benefits
• You found a better price from another insurer
• Your insurance company stopped offering your plan

Before making a move, it’s essential to know when you’re allowed to change and what rules apply.

The Best Time to Switch: Your Medigap Open Enrollment Period

Your Medigap Open Enrollment Period is a one-time, six-month window that starts when you’re both 65 or older and enrolled in Medicare Part B.

During this period:

• You can buy any Medigap plan available in your state.
• Insurance companies can’t deny you or charge you more for preexisting conditions.
• You won’t face waiting periods or coverage delays.

If you’re within this window, it’s the easiest and most flexible time to choose or change your Medigap plan.

If You Missed the Open Enrollment Window

Once your Medigap Open Enrollment Period ends, your options narrow, but you might still qualify for what’s called a “guaranteed issue right.”

What Is a Guaranteed Issue Right?

This special protection lets you buy a Medigap plan without medical underwriting (meaning you can’t be denied or charged more based on your health).
You may qualify if:

• Your employer or union coverage that supplements Medicare ends.
• You drop a Medicare Advantage (Part C) plan within 12 months of joining it for the first time at age 65.
• Your Medigap insurance company goes out of business or misleads you.

If you have a guaranteed issue right, insurers must sell you certain Medigap plans at the best rate available in your area.

What Happens Without a Guaranteed Issue Right

If you don’t qualify for special protections, you can still apply for a new Medigap policy, but insurers can:

• Require you to answer health questions
• Deny your application
• Charge higher premiums based on your medical history

That’s why timing your switch matters. In most states, there isn’t a standard “Annual Enrollment Period” for Medigap, like there is for Medicare Advantage or Part D drug plans.

State Rules Can Make a Big Difference

Some states make it easier to change Medigap plans. For example:

• California and Oregon: You can switch once a year during the 30 days after your birthday, as long as the new plan has equal or fewer benefits.
• New York, Connecticut, Maine, and Massachusetts: These states offer year-round guaranteed issue rights or special switching opportunities.

It’s worth checking your state’s rules before assuming you’re locked in.

Trying Out a New Plan: The “Free-Look” Period

If you’re unsure about switching, you can test-drive a new Medigap plan for 30 days.

This is known as the free-look period, and here’s how it works:

• You keep your old policy active while you try the new one.
• You must pay premiums for both policies during this month.
• If you decide you prefer the new plan, cancel the old one before the 30 days are up.

It’s a small price for peace of mind if you’re not 100% sure about your decision.

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Choosing the Right Medigap Plan for You

When comparing Medigap policies, consider:

• Your current and future healthcare needs: Do you visit specialists often? Travel frequently?
• Monthly premiums vs. coverage: A cheaper plan may cost more out-of-pocket later.
• Company reputation: Check customer reviews and financial stability.

If you need comprehensive protection, Plan G is often recommended for new enrollees since it’s similar to the old Plan F (except it doesn’t cover the Part B deductible).

Final Thoughts: Make an Informed Move

Switching your Medigap plan isn’t always simple, but it can be worthwhile if your situation has changed.

Before making any decision:

• Review your current coverage carefully
• Understand your state’s switching rules
• Compare plans side by side
• Seek guidance from a licensed Medicare advisor or State Health Insurance Assistance Program (SHIP)

A little preparation can go a long way in helping you find the right fit and ensure you’re getting the coverage and peace of mind you deserve.