Are Medicare Advantage plans guaranteed issue?

Question

Ann Sanfelippo · Accepted Answer

Yes — Medicare Advantage plans are generally guaranteed issue as long as you are enrolled in Medicare Part A and Part B and live in the plan’s service area. Unlike Medigap plans, Medicare Advantage plans typically do not use medical underwriting, so you cannot be denied because of health conditions.

However, you must enroll during a valid enrollment period, such as your Initial Enrollment Period, Annual Election Period, or a qualifying Special Enrollment Period.

The main exception is for people with End-Stage Renal Disease (ESRD), though most ESRD restrictions have been removed in recent years.

Brian Cronin · Answer

Not always. Medicare Advantage plans are guaranteed issue during certain enrollment periods, such as when you first become eligible for Medicare, during the Annual Enrollment Period (October 15–December 7), or if you qualify for a Special Enrollment Period due to certain life events. During those times, plans generally cannot deny coverage because of your health.

However, outside of a valid enrollment period, you typically cannot enroll in a Medicare Advantage plan unless you qualify for a Special Enrollment Period. Once you're eligible to enroll, Medicare Advantage plans must accept you regardless of pre-existing health conditions, except in very limited circumstances.

Isom Julian · Answer

Yes, Medicare Advantage plans are guaranteed issue during your Initial Enrollment Period and during the Annual Enrollment Period. Meaning insurance companies cannot deny you coverage or charge you more based on your health or pre-existing conditions.

Answered by Isom Julian on May 28, 2026

Broker Licensed in OH, FL, GA & 9 other states

Answered by Isom Julian Medicare Insurance Agent

Krissy Tenhagen · Answer

Medicare Advantage plans are guaranteed issue, meaning you cannot be denied coverage or pay more for your plan based on preexisting conditions, recent diagnosis or your current health condition. However, you can only enroll in plans within your service area, have Medicare Part A and B, and enroll during valid enrollment periods.

If you're concerned about managing costs during a health crisis or illness, here are some things to consider when selecting a Medicare Advantage Plan:

- look for a lower maximum out of pocket amount. This can help reduce costs for medical services that use original Medicare billing such as radiation, chemotherapy, and infusions. 
- understand what services you will use or need most frequently and estimate how many visits you may need in a plan year. Then, compare copays from different plans.
- ensure that all of your providers are in network and your prescriptions are on the plan's formulary.
- $0 premium plans might not always be the best option. Plans with a premium may have lower copays for services you use the most, saving you money even with paying a monthly premium.

An experienced broker who knows your area's network of providers and plans can guide you through finding the right plan for you.

Dean Chiapetto · Answer

Medicare Advantage plans are guarnateed issue plans. There are no health questions to qualify for a plan. You must check your Doctors,  Hospital and Medications are covered in the plans network, this  is very important.
Contact a Local Broker.
Brokers Make a Difference.

Tamela Clayton · Answer

'Guaranteed Issue' is not a thing with Medicare Advantage plans as it is with Medicare Supplements.  

However with Medicare Advantage plans, most people do not have to go through underwriting and answer medical questions.

Jasmine McGehee · Answer

Qualifying for a Medicare Advantage plan is straightforward. As long as you have both Part A and Part B, live in the plan's service area, and are in a valid enrollment window, like turning 65 or moving to a new area, you are eligible to join.

Answered by Jasmine McGehee on May 29, 2026

Broker Licensed in KY, IN & TN

Answered by Jasmine McGehee Medicare Insurance Agent

Margaret Winter · Answer

Medicare Advantage plans do not require medical underwriting. Sharing medical history or answering health questions is not part of the Medicare Advantage plan enrollment process. As long as you are entitled to Medicare Parts A and B and you follow the plan rules of the Medicare Advantage plan that you are enrolling in, you will generally be enrolled in the chosen plan without any barriers.

Answered by Margaret Winter on May 28, 2026

Broker Licensed in WI

Answered by Margaret Winter Medicare Insurance Agent

Are Medicare Advantage plans guaranteed issue?

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Are Medicare Advantage plans guaranteed issue?

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