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Medicare

Medigap Open Enrollment Period: Your 6-Month Dates

Your Medigap open enrollment period is the 6 months that start the first month you're both 65 or older and enrolled in Part B. During it, any insurer must sell you any Medigap policy it offers in your state, at its best price, with no health questions. Enter your birthday and Part B start date for your exact window.

Federal Medigap rules Verified October 23, 2026

Your details

Date of birth

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Your Medigap open enrollment

November 2026 – April 2027

During these 6 months any Medigap insurer in your state must sell you any policy it offers, at its best rate, with no health questions.

Starts

November 1, 2026

Ends

last day of April 2027

It happens once

The window can’t be paused or repeated. Starting Part B starts the clock, even if you have other coverage — delay Part B if you’re still covered by a large employer.

Show the math

Federal law gives a 6-month Medigap open enrollment period that begins the first month you are both 65 or older and enrolled in Part B. After it ends, insurers in most states can use medical underwriting — charge more or refuse — except in specific guaranteed-issue situations such as losing employer coverage or leaving a Medicare Advantage plan within a trial period.

Next stepWhat Part B and D will cost youYour 2026 and 2027 premiums, including IRMAA.
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Medicare Supplement Open Enrollment: Guaranteed Issue, No Health Questions

For six months starting the first month you're 65 or older and in Part B, a Medigap insurer can't refuse you, can't charge more for health conditions and must sell any policy it offers in your state. It may make you wait up to 6 months for coverage of a pre-existing condition, unless you had creditable coverage before. (CMS: Choosing a Medigap Policy)

During your 6-month window After it (most states)
Can the insurer say no? No Yes
Health questions None Full medical underwriting
Price Best available rate Can be higher for health

What you're buying: most Medigap plans pay the 20% coinsurance Part B leaves you with. None of the plans sold to people new to Medicare since 2020 covers the Part B deductible, $283 in 2026, and the Medigap premium comes on top of the $202.90 monthly Part B premium (CMS 2026 premiums).

Pharmacist talking with an older customer at the counter
Photo: cottonbro studio / Pexels

Why this window matters more than the yearly one

Medicare's fall open enrollment (October 15 to December 7) lets you switch Medicare Advantage and Part D plans. It does not give Medigap rights in most states. After your six months, you can buy Medigap without health questions only in specific situations, such as losing employer coverage or leaving a Medicare Advantage plan within a trial period. A few states give broader rights. (Medicare.gov: buying a Medigap policy)

Older couple meeting an advisor about insurance
Photo: Kampus Production / Pexels

Our take: if you might want Medigap someday, buy it now

People who start with Medicare Advantage and later want Original Medicare plus Medigap are often turned down because of their health. The six-month window is the one time the door is guaranteed open. Get your dates right by checking your Medicare sign-up window, compare premiums on the Medicare premium calculator, and avoid the Part B late penalty while you're at it.

Still deciding between the two paths? Read Medicare Advantage vs Medigap: The 10-Year Cost Math.

Frequently asked questions

Does delaying Part B delay my Medigap window?

Yes. The window starts only when you're 65 or older and enrolled in Part B. People still on a large employer's plan who delay Part B keep their Medigap open enrollment for later.

Can I buy Medigap during the fall open enrollment period?

The October 15 to December 7 open enrollment is for Medicare Advantage and Part D. It gives no right to buy Medigap without health questions in most states.

I'm under 65 on Medicare. Do I get a Medigap window?

Federal law gives you one when you turn 65. Some states also require insurers to sell Medigap to people under 65, often at higher prices.

Which Medigap plans can I buy?

Any plan letter sold in your state. Plans C and F are available only to people who were eligible for Medicare before January 1, 2020.

Sources

Primary sources only. We re-check them whenever an agency publishes new figures.

  1. CMS
    Medicare.gov — Get ready to buy a Medigap policy
  2. CMS
    CMS — Choosing a Medigap Policy (guide 02110)
  3. CMS
    Medicare.gov — When does Medicare coverage start?
  4. CMS
    CMS — 2026 Medicare Parts A & B premiums and deductibles· published November 14, 2025

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Where people go next

Medicare Sign-Up WindowYour 7-month Initial Enrollment Period and the coverage start date for every month you could sign up.Open Medicare Premium CalculatorYour Part B and Part D costs for 2026 and 2027 — including IRMAA and late-enrollment penalties — for one or two people.Open Part B Late Penalty CalculatorThe lifetime Part B late penalty: 10% per full year late, priced for 2026 and 2027.Open