If you are under 65 and you qualified for Medicare because of a disability, you may have noticed that Medicare rules don’t always feel consistent or fair. Many people think that Medicare works the same for everyone. But, once you’re on Medicare early (before turning 65), you start running into some fine-print issues.

So, can you enroll in a Medicare Supplement plan (or Medigap) if you are on Medicare because of disability? This Supplemental Medicare agency in Highland, Indiana is going to answer below.

Can you buy Medigap if you have Medicare due to disability?

It may be possible to buy a Medigap plan if you are under 65 and on Medicare because of a disability. But it depends on your state and what insurance companies in your state are required (or not required) to sell. Medigap plans are sold by private insurance companies. Medicare does not sell them, but it does standardize what each plan letter covers, so Plan G is Plan G in every state and Plan N is Plan N.

Even though coverage is standardized and benefits don’t change from state to state, availability can.

Federal law does not require insurance companies to sell Medigap policies to people under 65, even if they have Medicare due to disability. So what happens is that some states require insurance companies to sell at least one Medigap plan to those under 65, while others allow companies to restrict plan choices or charge much higher monthly premiums.

This is the reason two people can have the same Medicare coverage but completely different Medigap options. Only because they live in different states.

The guidance of a professional Supplemental Medicare agency in Highland, Indiana can be valuable here. They can tell you what Medigap plans are available to you right now, and what you may want to plan for in the future.

Why is Medigap easier to get once you turn 65?

When most people turn 65 and enroll in Medicare, they unlock the Medigap Open Enrollment Period. This is a six-month window during which Medigap is the easiest it will ever be to get.

During that time, you get some special protections. Insurance companies can’t turn you down because of your health and they can’t increase your price just because you have pre-existing conditions. In other words, you can enroll in a Medigap plan with guaranteed approval.

But things can look very different if you qualify for Medicare before 65 because of a disability. In many states, insurance companies are not required to sell Medigap plans to people under 65 the same way they are required to sell them to someone who is aging into Medicare. You may find that some plan letters are not available where you live or the companies that do sell Medigap plans charge much more than they would for someone enrolling at 65.

And even if you can get a plan now, the monthly premium can be noticeably higher. This is because insurance companies assume that under-65 Medicare beneficiaries have higher healthcare needs (which is usually true), so they price that risk into the monthly premium.

Once you turn 65 and enroll due to age, you get that full Medigap Open Enrollment Period just like anyone else. This means more Medigap plan options and much better pricing without health questions. So even if the options are limited right now, your situation can improve once you reach 65.

A qualified Supplemental Medicare agency in Highland, Indiana can help you decide the best strategy for when that time comes. They can explain what Medigap options you have right now versus what you are likely to qualify for once you turn 65. With their guidance, you can make the best decisions for your situation.

Looking for a Supplemental Medicare agency in Highland, Indiana?

Are you under 65 and have Medicare because of a disability? If so, and if you’re ready to consult with an experienced Supplemental Medicare agency in Highland, Indiana, our agents at Senior Care Insurance Services (SCIS) would be happy to help. We can explain if you qualify for special enrollment protections and what you should plan for when turning 65. Contact us today to begin the process.