Can I switch or drop my Medigap policy?

Important: These answers only apply to your federal rights. Remember, in most cases, you won’t be able to switch your Medigap policy outside your 6-month Medigap Open Enrollment Period except in specific situations when you have a guaranteed issue right. Contact your State Insurance Department to find out if your state offers more opportunities for you to change your Medigap policy.

Answer a few questions to find out

Don’t have Medigap yet? Find out when you can get a policy. 

Select the situation that applies to you:

I want to change my coverage because:

I'm having an issue with the company I get my Medigap policy from:

Select your situation:

Did you join Medicare SELECT for the first time in the past year?

Do you have a Medicare SELECT policy?

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Your answer

You may want to drop your Medigap policy.

Your Medigap policy can’t pay any Medicare Advantage Plan deductibles, copayments, coinsurance, or premiums, if you decide to keep your Medigap policy.

Keep in mind that if you drop your Medigap policy, in most cases you won’t be able to get it back, so pay attention to the timing.

In general, you can only join a Medicare Advantage Plan during the Medicare Open Enrollment Period between October 15 – December 7 each year. If you join during Open Enrollment, your Medicare Advantage Plan coverage will begin on January 1.

Contact your Medigap insurance company to cancel your Medigap policy.

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Your answer

If you have an older Medigap policy, you don’t have to switch.

But, if you buy a new Medigap policy, you have to cancel your old policy (except for your 30-day “free look period”).

Once you cancel your policy, you can’t get it back and because it’s not standardized, insurance companies can no longer sell it.

If you bought your Medigap policy before:

  • June 1, 2010: It may offer coverage that isn’t available in a newer Medigap policy.
  • 1992: The company can refuse to renew your Medigap policy any year, and your policy may cost more than current Medigap policies.

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Your answer

You can switch if an insurer is willing to sell you a new Medigap policy.

If you have the right to switch, you may have to wait up to 6 months before any new benefits or your pre-existing condition will be covered.  What are some reasons why I'd want to change my policy?

Contact the Medigap insurance company for more information.

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Your answer

You can switch to any Medigap Plan A, B, C, D, F, G, K, or L that’s sold by an insurance company in your state.

If the company ends your coverage before you switch to a new policy, you have 63 days from the date your coverage ends to apply for a new Medigap policy.

Make sure you keep any letters, notices, or emails from your Medigap policy. You may need to include copies of these documents with your new Medigap application to prove you have the right to buy a new policy.

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Your answer

You have the following options:

  • You can buy a standardized Medigap policy from your current insurance company as long as it offers the same (or fewer) benefits. If you’ve had your Medicare SELECT policy for more than 6 months, you won’t have to answer any medical questions.
  • Or, you can switch Medigap policies. You can switch to Medigap Plan A, B, C, D, F, G, K, or L that’s sold by an insurance company in your state or the state you’re moving to.

    You must apply for a new Medigap policy either:

    - 60 days before your Medicare SELECT coverage ends.
    - No more than 63 days after your Medicare SELECT coverage ends.

    Contact the Medicare SELECT company for more information about your options.
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Your answer

You have the right to switch back to the Medigap policy you had before you joined Medicare SELECT, if the same insurance company you had before still sells it.

If that policy isn’t available, you can buy Medigap Plan A, B, C, D, F, G, K, or L that’s sold by an insurance company in your state.

You must apply for a new Medigap policy either:

  • 60 days before your Medicare SELECT coverage ends.
  • No more than 63 days after your Medicare SELECT coverage ends.

Your rights may last an extra 12 months in certain circumstances. Contact your State Insurance Department for more information. 

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Your answer

You can’t drop or switch Medigap policies right now.

You can change how you get your coverage during the Medicare Open Enrollment Period each year, or at other times if you qualify for a Special Enrollment Period.

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Your answer

You don’t have to switch, but you might be able to, if you want.

You can keep your current Medigap policy no matter where you live, as long as you still have Original Medicare.

If you want to switch to a different Medigap policy, you’ll have to check with the Medigap insurance company about your options.

Remember, you may have to pay more for your new Medigap policy and answer some medical questions if you decide to switch your Medigap policy outside of your Medigap Open Enrollment Period.

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If you want to drop your Medigap policy, contact your insurance company to cancel it. If you drop your Medigap policy, you might not be able to get it or any policy back later. 

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