Can I be turned down for a Medicare Supplement plan because of a pre-existing condition?

Question

Ann Sanfelippo · Accepted Answer

Yes, in many situations you can be turned down for a Medicare Supplement (Medigap) plan because of a pre-existing condition. During your six-month Medigap Open Enrollment Period, however, insurance companies generally cannot use medical underwriting to deny you coverage or charge you more because of your health. After that period, insurers in many states may review your medical history and can decline your application unless you have a guaranteed-issue right or other state protection. Because underwriting rules vary by company and state, it's important to consult with a qualified Medicare agent to check your eligibility before changing or dropping existing coverage.

Answered by Ann Sanfelippo on September 8, 2026

Broker Licensed in FL, AL, AZ & 14 other states

Answered by Ann Sanfelippo Medicare Insurance Agent

Edward Givens · Answer

Yes, in some situations you can.

If you’re applying for a Medicare Supplement plan outside your  Medigap Open Enrollment Period or another guaranteed-issue right, the insurance company may use medical underwriting. That means certain pre-existing conditions could affect your approval or premium.

During your Medigap Open Enrollment Period, however, you generally cannot be denied coverage because of a pre-existing condition.

Timing is key, so it’s always worth checking your eligibility before applying.

June Anguiano · Answer

When you turn 65 (or if you're older due to retirement) and enroll in Medicare Part B, you enter a period that will allow you guaranteed acceptance into a Medicare Supplement plan. This is good news if you know you have a pre-existing condition because you will not be turned down. It's a specific window of time that comes with that first enrollment into Part B. Outside of that window of time, the only other way to bypass medically qualifying for a supplement plan is by experiencing an event where you lose your health coverage at no fault of your own, or if you are in a 12 month trial period to see if you like Part C. If none of that applies, your pre-existing condition may be a determining issue.

Answered by June Anguiano on September 7, 2026

Broker Licensed in IL

Answered by June Anguiano Medicare Insurance Agent

Gregg Matheny · Answer

Yes, unfortunately.

 The only time that you are able to get on a supplement plan with a pre-existing condition is right when you turn 65 or start Medicare part B, this is known as “Guaranteed Issue”. GI is a period of thins in which you can apply for a supplement plan and you DO NOT have to go through any underwriting questions.
 
When you first become eligible for part B there’s a little more pressure when weighing the option of Medicare Advantage Vs. Medicare Supplement

Can I be turned down for a Medicare Supplement plan because of a pre-existing condition?

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