Can I get a Medigap plan with Guaranteed Issue if I'm losing my employer coverage?

Question

Joseph Bachmeier · Accepted Answer

You will be considered “guaranteed issue” as long as your employer coverage is considered credible coverage, which in most cases it is. There are a few other instances where you can be considered guaranteed issue.

Answered by Joseph Bachmeier on April 2, 2025

Agent Licensed in PA, AZ, DE & 5 other states

Answered by Joseph Bachmeier Medicare Insurance Agent

Steve and Sue Brauer · Answer

When you leave your Employer coverage, you usually have a "Guarantee Issue" scenario called a Special Enrollment period where your health issues are not a factor. But... you have only 60 days to obtain that Medigap coverage when you lose your employer health insurance. By the way, you have up to 8 months to enroll into Part B when you lose your employer coverage if you have not already enrolled.

Answered by Steve and Sue Brauer on April 8, 2025

Broker Licensed in AZ & CA

Answered by Steve and Sue Brauer Medicare Insurance Agent

Mike Alexander · Answer

Yes you will have to show proof of employer coverage and get an L564 form from your employer verifing your datess of coverage

Daniel Brechin · Answer

Yes, generally if you are leaving or losing your job you will have a special election to enroll.  You also need to take a PDP program.

Lt Col Tim Brown · Answer

Yes you can if you have Medicare Part A & Part B.    You can also get one during your Medicare enrollment period.

William Lawler · Answer

Absolutely! If you are losing your group health care that you receive through your employer, you have 63 days to enroll in a new health plan without penalty. Bill, Contact me.

Bill Wheeler · Answer

Good question and the answer is yes!
Losing employer coverage is a qualifying event for guaranteed issue rights,

John Becker · Answer

I am assuming you are 65 or older.

Yes, losing your employer-sponsored health coverage is a common reason for a guaranteed issue right for a Medigap plan. This means you can buy a Medigap policy without medical underwriting, regardless of your health, and you must apply within a specific timeframe, usually 63 days after losing your coverage.

When you lose your coverage, sign up for Medicare Part B immediately to avoid late penalties. Then, apply for a Medigap plan within 63 days of your employer coverage ending.

Shelly Hefley · Answer

If you were losing your employer coverage, you are definitely in a guarantee issue. But you do have a timeline that you have to work through. It has to be within 63 days or you lose that special enrollment period. Please let me know if I can help you.

Answered by Shelly Hefley on August 21, 2025

Broker Licensed in IN, AL, IL, KY & TN

Answered by Shelly Hefley Medicare Insurance Agent

Nikki Rowland · Answer

Yes. You have a Guaranteed Issue right if:

1. You're 65 or older and have Medicare Part B.

2. You're losing employer-sponsored group health coverage (this includes coverage through you or your spouse).

3. You apply for a Medigap plan within 63 days of the coverage ending.

Paula Duffy · Answer

You can qualify for Medigap Guarantee Issue if losing creditable employer coverage.  You should enroll within 63 days of losing that coverage.

Roger Werking · Answer

Yes, long as you are in your Initial Enrollment Period.

Which is 3 months before you turn 65 and 3 months sfter  age 65

Richard Pagano · Answer

Often, yes, but it depends on what type of employer coverage you are losing and whether you have (or are enrolling in) Medicare Part B.

If you are losing employer/union coverage that supplements Original Medicare (including many retiree plans or COBRA): You generally have a federal Medigap “guaranteed issue” right. That means you can buy a Medigap policy without medical underwriting, and you typically must apply within 63 days of the coverage ending (or the date you are notified it is ending, depending on timing).

If you are losing active employer coverage and you are enrolling in Part B now: You may not be using “guaranteed issue,” but you typically get a 6‑month Medigap open enrollment period starting when Part B becomes effective, during which you can usually buy any Medigap plan sold in your state without underwriting.

If you are voluntarily dropping employer coverage that you could keep: You often do not get a guaranteed issue right.

Also, Medigap generally requires that you have Original Medicare (Part A and Part B), and guaranteed issue rights and plan availability can vary by state.

Nolan Popel · Answer

Hi Nolan, Poppel here. So, the question is, can I get a Medigap policy with guaranteed issue if I am losing my employer coverage? The answer is yes, you absolutely can. All you need to do is get proof of group health coverage from your employer showing that you've had the group plan. If you don't already have Medicare Part B, that's a good point to sign up for Medicare Part B. Then, once you have those two things, you can apply for whatever supplement plan you want.

And if you're in a state that does have medical underwriting, you will not have to answer any of the medical questions because your group insurance coverage is what they call credible coverage, which means at least as good as what Medicare says it has to be. And you can buy whatever supplement plan you want one time without having to answer those medical questions.

Michelle de Guzman · Answer

Yes. If you have never enrolled in Medicare Part B, and you are losing your Employer-Sponsored Group Health Plan, you get the opportunity to enroll in Medicare Part B with a special election period AND Guaranteed Issue into a Medicare Supplement. If you have Mediare Part A and Medicare Part B and were on an Employer-sponsored group health you may also enroll in a Medicare supplement Plan with guaranteed issue rights.

Answered by Michelle de Guzman on April 8, 2026

Broker Licensed in TX, AZ, CA & 10 other states

Answered by Michelle de Guzman Medicare Insurance Agent

Joshua Allen · Answer

Yes, you can get a Medicare Supplement with Guaranteed Issue if losing your employer coverage.  This means that you are not required to answer any questions about your health history when you apply.

Rob Taylor · Answer

This is one of the most common questions I get from clients transitioning into retirement.

The short answer? Yes, you can.

When you lose creditable employer or union coverage, it usually triggers something called Guaranteed Issue rights. That’s a big deal because it means insurance companies must accept you for a Medigap plan, regardless of your health. No medical questions, no denials, just straightforward coverage.

Here are 3 things you’ll want to know:

1. The 63-Day Window:

You typically have 63 days after your employer coverage ends to enroll in a Medigap plan using these rights. This is a firm window, so it’s important not to let it slip by.

2. COBRA Can Be Misleading:

COBRA lets you keep your current plan for a period of time, but it doesn’t always work the way people expect with Medicare. In some cases, waiting on COBRA instead of moving forward with Part B and a Medigap plan can cause you to miss important timelines.

3. Your Plan Options

Depending on when you became eligible for Medicare, you’ll have access to certain standardized plans like Plan G or Plan N. These are designed to cover the out-of-pocket costs that Original Medicare doesn’t pay, like the 20% coinsurance.

Pro tip: Keep the letter from your employer that shows your coverage is ending. You may need it to confirm your eligibility for Guaranteed Issue.

If all of this feels a little overwhelming, that’s completely normal. This is exactly the kind of situation where having someone walk you through your options can make things a lot easier.

Alma Preciado · Answer

Yes you can apply for a Medigap also known as a Supplement Plan with Guaranteed Issue if you are losing your employer coverage. There is no need for underwriting or health question when you fall under the guarantee issue

Answered by Alma Preciado on January 5, 2026

Agent Licensed in CA

Answered by Alma Preciado Medicare Insurance Agent

Frank Buonomo · Answer

If you are 65 or older you will have an Initial Enrollment Period (IEP) based upon the loss of your employer coverage. Since this is your IEP, you will have a guaranteed enrollment without medical underwriting.

Answered by Frank Buonomo on February 9, 2026

Agent Licensed in NV, CA, ID & IL, NM, OR & TX

Answered by Frank Buonomo Medicare Insurance Agent

Diana Garner · Answer

Yes, losing your employer coverage or any other creditable coverage generates a guaranteed issue period to sign up for a Medicare Supplement (Medigap) plan.

You only have 63 days to enroll after losing your employer coverage. I recommend signing up for the Medigap plan before employer coverage ends, so that you have coverage instead of going without coverage.

Jim Tretola · Answer

Generally speaking the answer is Yes
However these employer plans must be recognized as credible coverage.

Timothy Brown · Answer

Yes you can. The following Medicare Supplement/Medigap Plans are Guarantee Issue:

Plan F: If born before January 1, 1955
Plan G: If born after January 1, 1955

Michael Pyers · Answer

If your employer plan was creditable coverage (as good as Medicare) and the employer group was 20 or more employees.  Then, yes.

Walt Smith · Answer

Yes, you have the ability to get a plan that is guaranteed issue because your employer plan is ending. Contact me or your broker to get all the details.

DeeDee Whitlock · Answer

You will get guarantee issue coming off employer group within 63 days of losing group. Insurance company may ask for proof of group or a certificate of coverage to get the guarantee issue

Michael Wallner · Answer

Yes… you can get a Medigap Plan with Guaranteed Acceptance if you lose your Employer Coverage and you are 65 or older. Note, your Employer Coverage needs to be Creditable Coverage, as defined by CMS, (Center for Medicare Services). Your Human Resources department will need to complete a form verifying your Creditable Healthcare coverage.

Answered by Michael Wallner on December 5, 2025

Agent Licensed in DE, MD & NY

Answered by Michael Wallner Medicare Insurance Agent

Jason Vallejos · Answer

The answer is yes.  Losing employer creditable coverage is a Guaranteed Issue event for most Medicare Supplement (Medigap) plans.

Daintee Hurst Dietz · Answer

Depends on which plan but typically there is a special enrollment and GI in most cases. Again it’s important to have an agent review all of your options.

Leslie Santos · Answer

You only have 6 month after you are elegible for medicare to enroll in a medigap plan or supplement.

Nicholas Ryckert · Answer

Yes, you can get a guaranteed issue Medicgap plan if you lose your employer coverage.  You will have to submit a letter from the company that confirms your loss of coverage.

Greg Giordano · Answer

Yes, losing your employer-sponsored health coverage triggers a guaranteed issue period for Medigap plans. This means you can enroll in a Medigap plan without medical underwriting (being denied coverage due to pre-existing health conditions) as long as you apply within 63 days of losing your coverage.

Answered by Greg Giordano on August 1, 2025

Broker Licensed in FL, AZ, CO & 15 other states

Answered by Greg Giordano Medicare Insurance Agent

Rosalind Ryan · Answer

Yes, leaving employer coverage, opens a guaranteed issue right for a Medigap plan, which allows you to select one without having to go through underwriting or being rejected coverage because of your health status. You will have 63 days from the date your coverage end to enroll. Please let me know if you need my assistance with finding coverage that right for you.

Answered by Rosalind Ryan on June 4, 2025

Broker Licensed in GA, AL, FL & 8 other states

Answered by Rosalind Ryan Medicare Insurance Agent

Bob Callahan · Answer

Two things to note:
1.) if you are losing creditable employer-sponsored group coverage and are just now enrolling in Part B, then you have a Special Enrollment period to get an Rx plan within 62 days of creditable group coverage stopping. You also have the right to enroll in a supplement without underwriting for 6 months after enrolling in Part B.
2) If, however, you have been enrolled in Part B AND have participated in a creditable employer-sponsored group plan simultaneously (i.e. maintaining double coverage), you can enroll in a supplement without underwriting (i.e. Guaranteed Issuance, also called GI) if you can demonstrate that you've been covered under a group plan since turning 65. 
My only disclaimer is that I have successfully used such strategy many times, but I don't know if every carrier would accept it as GI. I can only say that some would.

Trina Knoche · Answer

Typically, yes you can as long as your employer plan was credible.  Also, remember that Cobra is not credible coverage.

Natalie Kelly · Answer

Yes. If you are getting on Medicare for the first time, you have guaranteed issue into a Medigap plan.

Toyin Adeleye · Answer

If you had already enrolled in Part B prior to losing your employer coverage, you have a Guaranteed Issue right. If you're within 6 months of enrolling in Part B, you'd be in your open enrollment period for a Medigap plan. Hope this helps :)

Answered by Toyin Adeleye on November 24, 2025

Broker Licensed in NH

Answered by Toyin Adeleye Medicare Insurance Agent

Fred Manas · Answer

Yes, losing your employer-sponsored health coverage can trigger a guaranteed issue right for Medigap plans. This means you can enroll in a Medigap plan without medical underwriting, regardless of your health status. You'll have a specific timeframe (usually 63 days) from the date you lose coverage to enroll under these rights. 
Here's a more detailed explanation:
Guaranteed Issue Rights:
These rights protect you from being denied coverage or having to go through medical underwriting when you enroll in a Medigap plan. 
Losing Employer Coverage:
If your employer-sponsored retiree or union plan ends, you are eligible for guaranteed issue rights to enroll in a Medigap plan. 
Timeframe:
You typically have a period (usually 63 days) from the date you lose your employer coverage to enroll in a Medigap plan under guaranteed issue rights. 
No Medical Underwriting:
Because of guaranteed issue rights, insurers cannot deny your application for a Medigap plan or refuse to cover pre-existing conditions during this enrollment period. 
Best Available Rate:
Insurers must offer you the best available rate for the Medigap plan you choose during the guaranteed issue period. 
Important Considerations:
COBRA:
If you have COBRA coverage after your employer plan ends, you can buy a Medigap plan during or after your COBRA period. 
State Variations:
While most states follow federal guaranteed issue rules, some may have additional protections or variations. 
Contact SHIP:
You can contact your local State Health Insurance Assistance Program (SHIP) for more information and guidance.

Vachik Chakhbazian · Answer

Yes, you generally have a guaranteed issue right to buy a Medigap plan if you are losing your employer-sponsored coverage, allowing you to purchase a plan without a health screening or risk of denial. You must act within a specific timeframe, typically 63 days, from when your employer coverage ends to apply for the plan

Answered by Vachik Chakhbazian on September 23, 2025

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

Answered by Vachik Chakhbazian Medicare Insurance Agent

Gary Henderson · Answer

Yes, you can. You have a limited time to get this after you lose your employer coverage. Do not go on COBRA that does not qualify as medical insurance under Medicare rules. So, contact me, my name is Gary Henderson

Answered by Gary Henderson on July 7, 2025

Agent Licensed in TX, AK, AL & 46 other states

Answered by Gary Henderson Medicare Insurance Agent

Mary Brown · Answer

Yes, in many cases, losing employer coverage can trigger a Guaranteed Issue right for a Medigap plan. This means you may be able to enroll in certain Medigap plans without medical underwriting if you apply within the required timeframe after your coverage ends.

Answered by Mary Brown on May 19, 2026

Broker Licensed in NJ, DE, FL & NC, OH, PA & TX

Answered by Mary Brown Medicare Insurance Agent

Suzanne Lamperti · Answer

Yes,  that falls under Soecial Election Period. That is one of the instances where you can get guaranteed issue.

Todd Bostic · Answer

Yes, if you don’t take certain knock out medications and this is your first Medicare Supplement plan, yes you should qualify for Guaranteed Issue with no problem. Thank you

Jack Mayer · Answer

Yes you can get a medigap plan with a guarantee issue if you're coming off a credible employee group health plan and you have two months to get it done without penalty once you come off the group plan

Deborah Webster · Answer

Yes, you are eligible for guaranteed issue when you are first eligible to take your Part B or when leaving creditable group health care coverage after your initial enrollment period.

Andrew Kelly · Answer

Yes. Losing your employer coverage creates a SEP (Special Enrollment Period) and you will be able to choose the Medigap policy that works best for you and your family.

Jaye Maxx Alexander II · Answer

If you are in an eligible age group for a Medigap/Medicare Supplemental plan . You must also have solid proof that you have had employer coverage. The letter must be in detail to show the reason why you are losing the coverage.

Answered by Jaye Maxx Alexander II on September 1, 2025

Broker Licensed in NC, AK, AL & 47 other states

Answered by Jaye Maxx Alexander II Medicare Insurance Agent

Adam Ernst · Answer

Yes you can. You will have 2 months to be guaranteed insurable from the end of your employee coverage.

Jim Willis · Answer

As long as you meet the requirements of the insurance company, you can get a Guaranteed issue Medigap plan.  

The question is why wouldn't you consider a Medicare Advantage plan instead?  The cost is lower or zero with more benefits.  The Medigap plan has copays, deductibles and does not cover some things at all if Medicare does not cover it.

Glenn Alterman · Answer

Yes this is allowed as it’s like getting started on Medicare for the first time.  Please contact me1 and I’ll go over all the gap plans available and the costs for your zip code

David Christian · Answer

Yes, when you leave an employer-sponsored retiree coverage, you get "Guaranteed Issue" rights for Medigap plans. So you can buy a Medigap policy without health questions or waiting periods for pre-existing conditions, if you apply within a specific timeframe (usually 63 days).

Answered by David Christian on April 27, 2025

Broker Licensed in CA & TX

Answered by David Christian Medicare Insurance Agent

Chad Hardy · Answer

Yes — losing your employer or union coverage can qualify you for a special enrollment window to get a Medigap plan without medical underwriting.

If you’re just now activating Medicare Part B because you’re losing group coverage, that triggers your Medigap Open Enrollment Period — a six-month window where you can enroll in any Medigap plan (like Plan G or N) with no health questions asked.

If you already had Part B and are simply losing employer coverage, you may instead qualify for a Guaranteed Issue window, which gives you 63 days to enroll in certain Medigap plans with no underwriting.

Both options protect you so you’re not penalized for leaving employer coverage.

Natalee Nimmo · Answer

Typically, yes, you can because you’re losing credible coverage. It also would depend on how large your employer is. How many employees that they have because that does impact the rules that centers of Medicare services has with employer coverage. The other part of that equation would be are you turning on your part B with Medicare. This is not something you need to wait on because typically you only have 63 days. I would get with a good broker and have them help you.

Answered by Natalee Nimmo on May 18, 2026

Broker Licensed in SC, FL, GA & KY, MO, NC & TX

Answered by Natalee Nimmo Medicare Insurance Agent

Tristan Gibbs · Answer

Possibly. If you are still in your Guaranteed Issue period (3 months before and 3 months after your 65th birthday) or it is your first time enrolling with Medicare, then yes, you can qualify for a Medicare Supplement plan with Guaranteed Issue.

Answered by Tristan Gibbs on April 7, 2026

Broker Licensed in FL

Answered by Tristan Gibbs Medicare Insurance Agent

Robin Duffey · Answer

Yes :) It is one of the most common ways to enroll into a Medigap plan within 63 days of losing the work ins. coverage. robin

Robert Evans · Answer

Yes, it is possible to get a Medicare guaranteed issue Medigap supplement after losing your employer coverage, however you must apply within 63 days of your employer coverage ending, and you can only buy certain plans (typically A, D, G, or Plans F/C if you were eligible for Medicare before 2020). As always speak to an agent

Answered by Robert Evans on September 11, 2025

Agent Licensed in TX

Answered by Robert Evans Medicare Insurance Agent

Michael Gilman · Answer

Yes — if you’re losing your employer or union coverage, you generally qualify for Guaranteed Issue rights to get a Medigap plan. You must apply within 63 days of losing that coverage, and you’ll need to provide documentation showing the loss of your employer plan. During that Guaranteed Issue window, you can enroll in certain Medigap plans without medical underwriting.

Answered by Michael Gilman on March 10, 2026

Broker Licensed in NY

Answered by Michael Gilman Medicare Insurance Agent

Diana Muhammad · Answer

Yes. If you enter into Original Medicare and a Medigap plan, and decide to opt out of your Medigap, you would have a guaranteed reissue benefit for a period of 12 months. You will also have a SEP for 2 months after losing your coverage with your employer. You will need documentation with date of loss.

Answered by Diana Muhammad on September 23, 2025

Agent Licensed in IL, CA, FL & 8 other states

Answered by Diana Muhammad Medicare Insurance Agent

Robert Moore · Answer

Yes you can. When you lose credible coverage or are 65 and signing up for the first time that is called your initial enrollment period (IEP). This is the time that you do some research in the companies that provide a Medigap plan and the costs of the plan. Finding the right plan is paramount in long term health. Getting with an experienced and trusted Medicare broker will be the key to finding the proper plan for you.

Answered by Robert Moore on May 29, 2025

Broker Licensed in IN, AL, IL & 11 other states

Answered by Robert Moore Medicare Insurance Agent

Lesley Burns · Answer

If a potential client is losing employer coverage, yes there is a guaranteed issue right to enroll in a medigap plan.

Bill Holland · Answer

There is a BIG IF. The If has to do with If and When you sign up for Medicare Part B.
You have a Guaranteed Issue window based on the EFFECTIVE DATE of your Medicare Part B.

You have a 2 Windows to sign up for Medicare Part B.

Window # 1 You are turning 65- you have a 7 month window
3 months before your Birth Month, your Birth Month , 3 months following your Birth Month.
Part B coverage starts the 1st day of your Birth Month.

Window # 2  Enrolling In Medicare Part B when losing Employer Coverage.
You have 8 months from Termination of Employer Coverage
to signup for Medicare Part B without a Penalty.
Part B coverage starts the 1st day of the Month.

These 2 windows Medicare Part B Enrollment Windows 
will get you a Guaranteed Issue Medicare Supplement Plan.

These windows close 3 months after the Effective Date of Your Medicare Part B

Sarah Frome · Answer

Yes! Medicare's enrollment periods can be tricky to navigate, but losing coverage is one of the ways to get guaranteed issue plans.

Zachary Montgomery · Answer

Yes, loss of credible coverage allows for guaranteed enrollment into the comparable parts of Medicare for which you are losing the credible coverage. In most scenarios, loss of group coverage will create a guaranteed issue window for Medigap. It is a short window compared to other enrollment opportunities, so meet with your agent as soon as you are aware that you are losing the coverage.

Answered by Zachary Montgomery on May 20, 2026

Agent Licensed in GA, AL, IA, IL, SC & TN

Answered by Zachary Montgomery Medicare Insurance Agent

Johnnie Jeter · Answer

If you receive communication from your employer that your health insurance coverage is ending, you may apply for a Medicare supplement plan starting 60 days before the loss of coverage and guaranteed issue rights end in 63 days after you lose coverage.

Answered by Johnnie Jeter on April 8, 2025

Broker Licensed in GA & OH

Answered by Johnnie Jeter Medicare Insurance Agent

Beverlyn Everage · Answer

When Guaranteed Issue Applies:
If you’re:

Age 65 or older, and

Losing group health insurance (from an employer or union, including COBRA),

you typically qualify for a 63-day Guaranteed Issue period starting the day your coverage ends.

Jasmine Jones · Answer

Yes, losing employer coverage gives you a SEP allowing you to get a Medigap policy without underwriting.

Kenneth Richter · Answer

Yes,as long as you have  not already enrolled in Part B.
Getting part B allows you another IEP event which  there is  no medical underwriting

Azalia Palma · Answer

Generally speaking, you are able to get a guarantee issue Medicare Supplement when you are turning 65 and newly entering the Medicare system and also during your entire 65th year, you are able to enroll in a supplement as a guarantee issue. Once you turn 66, you are no longer a guarantee issue. There may be some exceptions to the guarantee issue rule.

Answered by Azalia Palma on May 4, 2026

Broker Licensed in FL, GA, LA & MI, NC, NJ & SC

Answered by Azalia Palma Medicare Insurance Agent

Tamekia Mckinnie · Answer

Medigap coverages are GI when you first become eligible, so in this case if you are  enrolling in part B and dropping group then you’d be in your IEP and the answer would be yes!

Brent Hatchett · Answer

Yes if you have Medicare part B.  You have a 63 day window after you lose your employer coverage to apply for a guaranteed issue Medigap policy.

Can I get a Medigap plan with Guaranteed Issue if I'm losing my employer coverage?

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