Many Medicare beneficiaries wonder: Can I still enroll in a Medicare Supplement (Medigap) plan after age 65? The answer is yes — but timing matters. Whether you're just now retiring, leaving employer coverage, or reconsidering your Medicare options, this guide breaks down what you need to know about enrolling in Medigap after age 65, including eligibility, penalties, pricing, and more.
Table of Contents
| Section | Jump to Section |
|---|---|
| 🧓 Eligibility Rules After 65 | Go to Eligibility |
| 📆 Enrollment Periods | Go to Enrollment Periods |
| 💵 Costs & Medical Underwriting | Go to Costs |
| 🔁 Alternatives to Medigap | Go to Alternatives |
| ❓ FAQ | Go to FAQ |
📆 Enrollment Periods
The best time to get a Medigap plan is during your 6-month Medigap Open Enrollment Period (OEP), which starts when you are both:
- 65 years or older
- Enrolled in Medicare Part B
During this period, insurers must sell you a policy without medical underwriting, meaning they can’t deny you based on pre-existing conditions.
What if your OEP has passed?
You can still apply, but you may be subject to underwriting unless you qualify for a Guaranteed Issue Right, such as:
- You're losing group or employer coverage.
- Your Medicare Advantage plan is ending.
- You’re moving out of your plan’s service area.
🧓 Eligibility Rules After 65
If you’re 65 or older and enrolled in Medicare Part A and Part B, you are generally eligible for a Medicare Supplement plan. Unlike Medicare Advantage, Medigap is only available if you're enrolled in Original Medicare.
💵 Costs & Medical Underwriting
After your initial Medigap Open Enrollment Period, insurers can review your health history through underwriting.
Factors That Affect Medigap Costs:
Age: Premiums may increase with age (especially under attained-age pricing).
Location: Rates vary significantly by state and ZIP code.
Health status: If you’re underwritten, certain conditions can raise your premium or lead to denial.
Pro Tip: Shop around with multiple Medigap insurers like Wisconsin Medicare Supplement Plans and ask whether underwriting will apply. Some insurers have more lenient guidelines.
Get your free Medicare supplement quote today!
Get My Quote🔁 Alternatives to Medigap
If you’re not eligible for Medigap due to underwriting or costs, consider these options:
Medicare Advantage (Part C):
Low or $0 premiums in many areas
Includes Part A, B, and often Part D
May include vision, dental, hearing, and fitness benefits
PACE (Program of All-Inclusive Care for the Elderly):
Available in some states, PACE is designed for seniors with chronic care needs who want coordinated, all-inclusive care.
Stay with Original Medicare:
Pairing Medicare with a Part D drug plan and budgeted savings for out-of-pocket expenses is another route, though riskier without Medigap protection.
❓ Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: Can I enroll in a Medigap plan after 70?
A: Yes, you can apply at any age after 65, but you may have to pass medical underwriting.
Q: Will I be denied Medigap if I have a pre-existing condition?
A: During your Medigap Open Enrollment Period, you cannot be denied. After that, underwriting rules apply unless you have guaranteed issue rights.
Q: Is there a penalty for not buying Medigap at 65?
A: There’s no penalty like with Part B or D, but you may face higher costs or denial later if you miss your enrollment window.
Q: Can I switch Medigap plans later?
A: Yes, but switching may trigger underwriting. Only a few states allow plan changes without health review.
✅ Conclusion: Yes, You Can Get Medigap After 65
Just because you’ve passed your 65th birthday doesn’t mean you’ve missed the boat on Medicare Supplement Insurance. Whether you're just now retiring, coming off employer coverage, or re-evaluating your Medicare needs, you can still apply for a Medigap plan. However, when and how you apply can impact your premiums, eligibility, and peace of mind.
If you're within your Medigap Open Enrollment Period or have guaranteed issue rights, you’ll have more flexibility and protection. If not, underwriting could come into play—but don’t let that stop you from exploring your options.
📞 Take action today: Talk to a licensed Medicare agent who can walk you through your options and find a plan that fits both your health needs and budget.
