Medigap is health insurance that:

• Is sold by private insurance companies to supplement Original Medicare.
• Helps pay coinsurance, copayments and some deductibles for Medicare-covered services.
• May cover certain costs not covered by Original Medicare, such as medical care needed while traveling outside of the U.S.
• Covers the coinsurance for drugs covered under Part B, but not Part D.
• May cover certain additional mandated benefits, such as cancer screenings, reconstructive surgery, vaccinations and diabetic supplies.
• May cover some services not covered by Original Medicare, such as an annual physical and medical care outside the U.S.

Enrollment timing

• It is best to enroll during your initial six-month Medigap Open Enrollment Period.
  • This period begins on the first day of the month you are enrolled in Part B and ends six months later.
  • If you enroll during this period, the insurance company is required to sell you a policy.
• If you apply for a policy outside the six-month open enrollment period, you will likely be asked to complete a health questionnaire by the insurance company and your application may be denied.
• You will get another six-month open enrollment period, if you return to work, drop your Part B, and then re-enroll in Medicare.

Medicare Supplement Annual Open Enrollment Period

• Beginning in 2026, there will be an annual open enrollment period for Medicare Supplement (Medigap) policies, during which eligible individuals may enroll in Medigap policies without medical underwriting.
  • Guaranteed issue under the Medigap open enrollment period is limited to individuals age 65-70 who have not previously held Medigap coverage.
• More information regarding the open enrollment period can be found in Administrative Bulletin 2026-3.
• Annual Medigap premium guides may be found under the department's Medicare webpage.