Can I be denied for a Medicare Supplement plan?

Question

Tony Capraro III · Accepted Answer

This answer is provided in a video format. Watch the agent's video response here: https://medicareagentshub.com/questions/can-i-be-denied-for-a-medicare-supplement-plan#tony-capraro

Larry Dalton · Answer

Yes, due to health conditions, you can be denied a Medicare supplement (Medigap plan). However, during your initial enrollment in Medicare you have guarantee right.  You have three months before your 65th birthday, the month of your 65th birthday, and three months after your 65th birthday, that no insurance company can deny you supplemental (Medigap) coverage. 

If you continue to work for a company past 65, and remain on their group insurance plan, then decide to retire, you have a guaranteed issue when you come off the company group health insurance for the next 63 days.

There is also a Medigap Trial Rights available. When you first join Medicare and choose to use a Medicare Advantage plan but decide later that it is not the right choice, you have one year to switch back to the Medigap plan with guaranteed coverage.

In some cases, if your insurance carrier goes bankrupt or a policy has been terminated, you could be given a guarantee issue on a Medigap plan.   However, it is important to note that not all insurance companies or states are required to meet these guarantee issues except on the initial enrollment or by a government mandate.

Lt Col Tim Brown · Answer

When you first get on Medicare (called your initial election period IEP) you cannot be denied.  But say its outside your IEP, then you will be underwritten (asked the medical questions), and a carrier can accept or decline your application.  Medicare Advantage plans have no medical questions to qualify.  You just have to join in an enrollment period.  

Tim Brown, please contact me.

Terri Reagin · Answer

The short answer is it depends on when you are enrolling for it. If you enroll for a supplement plan within the first 6 months of your medicare age in (open enrollment) or you are enrolling due to a loss of employer coverage or other reasons that could give you a "guarantee issue" then NO you cannot be asked medical questions or denied. If however, you choose to apply outside that time frame, you will be asked medical questions and they can either increase your rate or decline your coverage based on pre-existing medical history.

Answered by Terri Reagin on July 17, 2025

Broker Licensed in OK, AR, CO & 6 other states

Answered by Terri Reagin Medicare Insurance Agent

Tasha Riggs · Answer

YES! You have a 6  month window from the time you turned 65 get it on a Guarantee issue basis. Meaning you are guaranteed to get it. If you want to change to other supplemental plans after that you will be medically Underwritten and have to be approved. 
Medicare Advantage will approve you no matter what and per law they have to cover the exact same things as original  Medicare.

Joseph Meyers · Answer

In Michigan (where I primarily help ppl) when turning 65 or leaving credible work group coverage you are granted guaranteed acceptance into a medicare supplement plan(medigap)

Outside of that situation there will be health questions and underwriting to determine acceptance into a supplement (medigap) plan

Jay Larshus · Answer

Medicare Supplements are Guaranteed Issued when you first sign up for Medicare or when you lose qualified Employer Coverage.  However, if you wish to switch Medicare Supplement Company's, you may need to answer health questions and you can be denied.  

In addition, if you enroll in a Medicare Advantage plan for the first time, you may leave the Advantage plan within one year and you can  go back to your original Supplement or sign up for a Supplement with no health questions.  After one year of being on an Advantage plan, you may still leave the Advantage plan and go to a Supplement IF you can pass the underwriting questions.  If you cannot pass underwriting, you will be denied.

Darlene Murphy · Answer

You may be denied a Medicare Supplement, however, there are certain times of enrollment where no health questions apply. Supplements are covered by private insurance companies, so they can deny acceptance.

Answered by Darlene Murphy on July 9, 2025

Broker Licensed in CA, AZ, ID & 7 other states

Answered by Darlene Murphy Medicare Insurance Agent

Joseph Mullen · Answer

In New York State, all Medicare beneficiaries are eligible for continuous open enrollment for Medigap ( supplemental) policies. This means insurance companies: Must sell you a Medigap ( supplemental) policy at any time, no matter your age or health status. Cannot deny you coverage or charge you more because of your health status.

Answered by Joseph Mullen on June 16, 2025

Broker Licensed in NY, CT, FL & 5 other states

Answered by Joseph Mullen Medicare Insurance Agent

Sarah Rollins · Answer

Medicare Supplement plans are technically medically underwritten - meaning the insurance company will look at your health history. Kind of like life insurance. If you are applying for a Medicare Supplement plan outside of your initial enrollment period, or outside of a special enrollment period, and if you have certain medical conditions, you might be denied.

Answered by Sarah Rollins on June 12, 2025

Broker Licensed in CO, AZ, CA, ME, SC & TN

Answered by Sarah Rollins Medicare Insurance Agent

Tyler Haskell · Answer

If you want a medicare supplement plan and you are outside your open enrollment time, you could be denied a plan. Your Medicare supplement open enrollment will normally be 6 months from when your part B goes into effect. For example, if you turn 65 in January and your medicare part A and B start January 1st, you would have 6 months from Jan 1st to pick any medicare supplement plan available to you in your area without any kind of medicare underwriting.

Answered by Tyler Haskell on August 4, 2025

Broker Licensed in UT

Answered by Tyler Haskell Medicare Insurance Agent

Steven Bleicher · Answer

If you are first turning age 65, there are no pre-existing conditions that will yield a decline for your enrollment into a Med. Supp, aka, Medigap plan. However, once you turn age 66, if you do exhibit some serious conditions, you would not be able to move in the future to another Supplement if you so desired. So, be sure to get 2-3 agents advise you, making sure that they are independent reps or brokers since you don't want to be interviewed by a "captive agent" who can only offer you one company's plans. Remember: an Advantage plan has NO monthly premium (since it's govt-subsidized) but a steep deductible which is a potential cost factor for you if you were ever "officially" admitted (don't be under observation!) to a hospital.

Answered by Steven Bleicher on May 11, 2025

Broker Licensed in AZ

Answered by Steven Bleicher Medicare Insurance Agent

Diana Garner · Answer

Yes, you can be denied because Medicare Supplement plans are underwritten; however, there are special enrollment periods where you qualify for a Med Sup plan that is guaranteed issue.  

Some special enrollment periods include:
1) Initial enrollment period - when you first become eligible for Medicare.
2) Losing creditable coverage through an employer
3) Losing coverage under your Medicare Advantage plan
4) Birthday Rule - some states have passed a rule allowing Medicare beneficiaries guaranteed issue on Med Sups during a 60-day period following their birthday.

Timothy Brown · Answer

Yes, you can be denied coverage for a Medicare Supplement under the following circumstances:

1) You don’t qualify medically because of your health history and/or current health status/condition and current prescriptions

2) You don’t live in a guaranteed issue state where medical underwriting isn’t part of the process 

3) You don’t have a guaranteed issue options such as leaving employer group insurance, an existing plan leaving the market or moving from one state to another where you're now out of the service area.

Yasmery Vargas · Answer

The short answer is Yes. If you are outside of your enrollment window and attempt to enroll in a Medicare supplement, you will be subjected to the underwriting questions. Its best practice to enroll in a Medicare supplement plan when you are new to 65 as it is a guaranteed issue.

Answered by Yasmery Vargas on April 29, 2025

Agent Licensed in PA

Answered by Yasmery Vargas Medicare Insurance Agent

Diana Salisbury · Answer

Yes if you are out of your initial enrollment period with Medicare,  

Or If you have been on an advantage plan and now want to try out a Medicare supplement, you will be asked medical questions on an application and could be denied coverage due to some specific health issues.

Fred Manas · Answer

Yes.
You can be denied for a Medicare Supplement (Medigap) plan, particularly if you apply outside of your initial enrollment period or a guaranteed issue period. 
Insurers can deny coverage or impose waiting periods for pre-existing conditions outside of these periods.

Vachik Chakhbazian · Answer

Yes, it's possible to be denied a Medicare Supplement (Medigap) plan, but it depends on the circumstances and when you're applying. Generally, you can't be denied for pre-existing conditions if you are in your 6-month Medigap open enrollment period or during other guaranteed issue periods.

Answered by Vachik Chakhbazian on April 27, 2025

Agent Licensed in CA, AL, AR & 22 other states

Answered by Vachik Chakhbazian Medicare Insurance Agent

Andrew Kramer · Answer

That depends when you are wanting to enroll in a Medicare Supplement plan. If you are enrolling with 6 months of signing up for Part B, you cannot be turned down. Also, if you chose to take an Advantage plan when you signed up for Part B, you have a 1 year free look for the Advantage plan. If by the 11 & 1/2 month, you decide to switch to a Supplement, you also cannot be turned down. Also, if you chose an Advantage plan, then moved from the service area of your plan, you cannot be turned down. Outside of those criteria, you will be subject to medical underwriting, with a few states being an exception. Bear in mind, the Supplement premium will rise in the years after your 65th birthday. Speak with your licensed health insurance agent who is a Medicare expert in your area.

Answered by Andrew Kramer on June 2, 2025

Agent Licensed in FL

Answered by Andrew Kramer Medicare Insurance Agent

Suzanne Lamperti · Answer

Yes, it depends on your health, unless you qualify for guaranteed issue.  You may qualify fir Medicaid if your financ I al situation is low income.

Carol Thompson · Answer

Yes you can be denied for a Medicare Supp. plan. Having certain preexisting conditions can cause you to be denied

 On the contrary, Medicare advantage plans do not deny beneficiaries due to preexisting conditions

Robert Remin · Answer

If you are in a non guaranteed issue state which are all except for NY, CT, ME, and MA and you are not in guaranteed issue status you are subject to underwriting and can be denied coverage. You are guaranteed issue if you are new to Medicare, leaving a work plan in which you had credible coverage, moving to a new county even within in the same state. The latter two apply regardless of age and even if you are in Medicare already.

Answered by Robert Remin on May 19, 2025

Agent Licensed in NY, CT, FL & NJ

Answered by Robert Remin Medicare Insurance Agent

David Christian · Answer

Yes you can absolutely be denied for a Medicare Supplement plan. Now that doesn't mean you will be denied. If you are new to Medicare and enroll when you get Medicare you won't be denied. Sometimes specific plans may decide to take enrollments in certain periods that will not have underwriting so no denial then. Also, if you enrolled into a Medicare Advantage Plan when you first got Medicare and within the first year decided to change into a Supplement plan, you will not have to undergo underwriting and will be accepted. Some plans may even allow you to switch from their own Medicare Advantage Plan to their Supplement plan without underwriting.

Answered by David Christian on May 20, 2025

Broker Licensed in CA & TX

Answered by David Christian Medicare Insurance Agent

Shahwali Hotaki · Answer

Yes, you can be denied a Medicare Supplement (Medigap) plan if you apply outside your Open Enrollment Period or without a guaranteed issue right.

During your 6-month Open Enrollment (starting when you’re 65+ and have Part B), insurers must accept you no matter your health.

Outside of that, companies can ask health questions, charge more, or deny coverage.

Some states offer more protections, but in most places, timing is key to avoid being denied.

Rick Balistreri · Answer

If you are turning 65 or new to Medicare, you are allowed to purchase a supplement plan with no underwriting, which means you will not be denied coverage. If you elected not to purchase a supplement when you were first eligible, then you could be subject to underwriting, and you may be denied coverage based on your current medical condition. Some states have guaranteed issue rights at any time, so it is important to do some research and speak with a Medicare specialist.

Answered by Rick Balistreri on May 13, 2025

Agent Licensed in MO, AZ, FL & 7 other states

Answered by Rick Balistreri Medicare Insurance Agent

Dennis Sullivan · Answer

This answer is provided in a video format. Watch the agent's video response here: https://medicareagentshub.com/questions/can-i-be-denied-for-a-medicare-supplement-plan#dennis-sullivan

Mike Wetsel · Answer

During your Initial Enrollment Period and certain Special Enrollment Periods you have guaranteed issue.
Outside this time you will likely have your enrollment application go through underwriting.

Robert Barco · Answer

You get a one-time six-month open enrollment when you turn 65 and first become eligible for Medicare Part B. At this time, you can sign up for a Medicare supplement without any health questions. You will not be denied coverage. If you wish to purchase a Medicare Supplement or Medigap after your 6-month open enrollment, you will need to pass underwriting, and you can be denied coverage due to health.

Answered by Robert Barco on April 27, 2025

Broker Licensed in OH

Answered by Robert Barco Medicare Insurance Agent

Scott Klag · Answer

If you are applying for a Medicare Supplement during a guaranteed issue window, you can't be denied coverage for that Medicare Supplement. However, if you apply for a Medicare Supplement after your guaranteed issue window has closed, you will have to go through health underwriting and if you don't qualify you will be denied coverage for that plan.

Answered by Scott Klag on June 24, 2025

Agent Licensed in OH

Answered by Scott Klag Medicare Insurance Agent

Mitchell Nunn · Answer

Yes actually you can be denied a medicare supplement. There are certain times though where that you are able to get around that.

Nicolas Cain · Answer

Yes, a consumer can be denied a Medicare Supplement if they apply outside protected enrollment periods and have health issues.

Susan Winters · Answer

When you first sign up for Medicare Part B at age 65 or older, you have a 6-month window where you can buy any Medicare supplement/Medigap plan with no health questions asked. This is called your Medigap Open Enrollment Period, and it guarantees your approval regardless of pre-existing conditions. After those 6 months, if you apply for a Medicare Supplement/Medigap plan, the insurance company can require medical underwriting, which means they can charge more or even deny coverage based on your health.

Answered by Susan Winters on July 16, 2025

Agent Licensed in FL, AL, AR & 16 other states

Answered by Susan Winters Medicare Insurance Agent

Danielle Moody · Answer

A person could be denied a Medicare Supplement (Medigap) plan for several reasons, especially if they are applying outside of their Medigap Open Enrollment Period. Here are some common reasons for denial:
1. Medical Underwriting
Outside of the 6-month Medigap Open Enrollment Period (which starts the month you're both 65 or older and enrolled in Medicare Part B), insurance companies can ask health questions and use medical underwriting. Based on your answers, they may:
Deny your application entirely
Charge a higher premium
Impose waiting periods for coverage of pre-existing conditions
2. Pre-Existing Conditions
If you have serious health issues such as:
Congestive heart failure
End-stage renal disease (ESRD)
Cancer (currently under treatment)
Recent stroke or heart attack
… you may be declined coverage depending on the insurer’s underwriting guidelines.
3. Missed Guaranteed Issue Rights
You may be denied if you:
Lost other coverage and didn’t apply during your guaranteed issue window
Delayed signing up for a Medigap plan after a qualifying event
These rights only last for a short time, and if you miss them, underwriting can be required.
4. Incorrect or Incomplete Application
Mistakes or omissions on your application can lead to delays or denials.
5. You’re Under Age 65 and on Medicare
In some states, insurers are not required to offer Medigap plans to people under 65 on Medicare due to disability or ESRD.

Brandon Brown · Answer

Yes, you can be denied a Medicare Supplement (Medigap) plan if you apply outside your Open Enrollment Period or without a guaranteed issue right.

During your 6-month Open Enrollment (starting when you’re 65+ and have Part B), insurers must accept you no matter your health.
Outside of that, companies can ask health questions, charge more, or deny coverage.

Some states offer more protections, but in most places, timing is key to avoid being denied.

Mike Fries · Answer

Yes and no.... If you are new to Medicare you cannot be denied for a Medicare Supplement plan. However, if you are already enrolled in a Medicare plan or missed your enrollment window, you may be subject to health insurance underwriting, which may lead to a denial.

Answered by Mike Fries on July 25, 2025

Broker Licensed in CA

Answered by Mike Fries Medicare Insurance Agent

Natalie Fragé · Answer

Yes, one can be denied for a Medicare Supplement plan. One way of getting denied is if one is outside their Guaranteed Issue (GI) windows or the Open Enrollment Period (OEP). Another way to be denied for a Medicare Supplement plan is being unable to pass underwriting (answering medical questions on the application) by answering yes to certain health conditions (Chronic respiratory illnesses, Congestive Heart Failure, chronic kidney disease, a recent heart attack, stroke and/or cancer.

Answered by Natalie Fragé on July 31, 2025

Broker Licensed in FL, AR, CA & 15 other states

Answered by Natalie Fragé Medicare Insurance Agent

Can I be denied for a Medicare Supplement plan?

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