Does fall Medicare Open Enrollment let me switch Medigap without health questions?

Question

Wade Shiu · Accepted Answer

That Depends, and this one confuses people every fall.

Fall enrollment (Oct 15–Dec 7) covers Advantage plans and drug plans. Medigap has its own rules.

For Medigap, you get window(s) with no health questions when:
1.  the six months after you turn 65 and enroll in Part B. 
2. the Medicare Advantage plan you are on is discontinued in your zip code.  
Apart from that, switching Medigap in most states — including SC and NC means a health questionnaire.

Talk to an agent or your state's SHIP program before you change things, the wrong change is hard to undo.

Christopher Horan · Answer

No, the fall Medicare Open Enrollment Period does not let you switch Medigap plans without answering health questions.
The annual fall enrollment window (running from October 15 to December 7) applies strictly to Medicare Advantage (Part C) and Medicare Prescription Drug plans (Part D). It does not provide a yearly, guaranteed-issue window to change or sign up for a Medicare Supplement Insurance (Medigap) policy

Maria Davis Arnold · Answer

Usually, no. The October 15–December 7 Medicare Open Enrollment Period lets you change Medicare Advantage and Part D coverage, but it does not automatically let you switch Medigap policies without medical underwriting. 

You may be able to switch without your health affecting acceptance or price if you’re still in your one-time, six-month Medigap Open Enrollment Period or have a guaranteed issue right. Otherwise, a new insurer may ask health questions and may decline your application or charge more. The Medigap period is separate from fall Medicare Open Enrollment. Please call your see what is available to you.

Christi Blackwood · Answer

No. Medicare’s fall Open Enrollment (Oct. 15–Dec. 7) applies to Medicare Advantage and Part D plans, not Medigap, so switching Medigap plans may require health questions/medical underwriting unless you qualify for a guaranteed-issue right.

Answered by Christi Blackwood on October 5, 2026

Agent Licensed in NC & TX

Answered by Christi Blackwood Medicare Insurance Agent

Jeremy Harkins · Answer

Not automatically. The October 15 through December 7 enrollment period mainly concerns Medicare Advantage and Part D. It does not create a nationwide annual right to buy any Medigap (Medicare Supplement) policy without underwriting. State rules and individual guaranteed-issue situations may provide other rights. Check those protections before treating fall enrollment as a supplement reset button.

Answered by Jeremy Harkins on September 14, 2026

Broker Licensed in TN, AR, CA & 5 other states

Answered by Jeremy Harkins Medicare Insurance Agent

April Ryan · Answer

Unfortunately, no, Medicare Open Enrollment does not let you switch Medigap plans without health questions. The only time you can switch without health questions is if you are enrolled in an Advantage Plan that is being discontinued in your area or during your initial Medigap open enrollment window when you are turning 65 or about to retire after 65 and going on Medicare.

Answered by April Ryan on October 5, 2026

Broker Licensed in NC, GA, MD & 5 other states

Answered by April Ryan Medicare Insurance Agent

Joe Waldman · Answer

No. You only have guaranteed issue when you turn 65. All other times you will be subjected to Medical underwriting.

Marc Gilman · Answer

This answer is provided in a video format. Watch the agent's video response here: https://medicareagentshub.com/questions/fall-medicare-open-enrollment-switch-medigap-health-questions#marc-gilman

Does fall Medicare Open Enrollment let me switch Medigap without health questions?

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Does fall Medicare Open Enrollment let me switch Medigap without health questions?

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