Medigap for Disabled Under 65: What You Need to Know

If you are under 65 and receiving Medicare due to a disability, you might be wondering how to cover the out-of-pocket costs that Traditional Medicare leaves behind. A Medicare Supplement (Medigap) plan can help, but the rules for getting one are different than they are for people turning 65.

Federal law does not require insurance companies to sell Medigap policies to people under 65. However, many states have stepped in to mandate that carriers offer at least one Medigap plan to disabled Medicare beneficiaries. The availability, pricing, and specific plans offered depend entirely on where you live.

When you qualify for Medicare due to a disability, you have a choice to make. The real choice isn't between a supplement and an Advantage plan; it's between Traditional Medicare (Parts A and B) and Medicare Advantage (Part C). The supplement decision comes AFTER you choose Traditional Medicare - it's a component of the Traditional path, not an alternative to Advantage. If you choose the Traditional path, a supplement fills the gaps by law. Benefits are standardized by federal law, meaning a Plan G from one company offers the exact same coverage as a Plan G from another.

In states that require carriers to offer Medigap to those under 65, you typically get a six-month Medigap Open Enrollment Period that starts the month you are enrolled in Medicare Part B. During this window, you can buy any Medigap policy the state requires carriers to sell you, and they cannot deny you coverage or charge you more based on your health status.

If your state does not require carriers to offer Medigap to people under 65, you might still find a company willing to sell you a policy, but they can use medical underwriting. This means they can look at your health history and potentially deny coverage or charge a higher premium.

Navigating Medigap rules when you're under 65 can be frustrating. You don't have to figure it out alone. We're on your side of the table, ready to help you understand your state's specific rules and find the coverage you need. Self-reliance isn't a slogan; it's about making informed decisions with the right information. Let us show you what's available in your area.