What is true about Medicare Supplement Open Enrollment?

Medicare Supplement Open Enrollment is a specific time frame that allows individuals who are newly eligible for Medicare to secure a Medicare Supplement (Medigap) policy without being subjected to medical underwriting. This period lasts for the first six months after a beneficiary registers for Medicare Part B, starting at the age of 65 or if they qualify due to a disability. During this timeframe, applicants have guaranteed issue rights, which means that insurers are required to sell them any Medigap policy they choose, regardless of any pre-existing conditions they may have. This unique aspect of the enrollment period is crucial because it ensures that individuals cannot be denied coverage or charged higher premiums based on their health status.

Other answer options reference periods that do not pertain specifically to Medicare Supplement Open Enrollment. For example, the annual enrollment dates for Medicare Part C and Part D plans fall between October 15 and December 7, which is unrelated to Medigap. Additionally, while there are other enrollment periods for various Medicare plans, the six-month window after turning 65 is distinctive and critical for accessing Medigap policies without penalty.