Is Guaranteed Issue available after the Medicare Open Enrollment period ends?

Question

John Lopez · Accepted Answer

Guaranteed Issue is available for up to 6 months after your Part B becomes effective, and it doesn't have to coincide with with the Medicare Open Enrollment Period. There are also other situations in which Guaranteed Issue applies, but consult with a local independent health broker to determine if your situation applies.

Answered by John Lopez on April 15, 2025

Broker Licensed in DE, MD, NC, NJ, NY & PA

Answered by John Lopez Medicare Insurance Agent

Steve and Sue Brauer · Answer

Yes, if you fall into one of the SEP's, the Special Enrollment Periods. If you change your residence to outside of the service area, you move from another state, you lose coverage through no fault of your own, you leave your Employer Group Health insurance plan are a few examples.

Answered by Steve and Sue Brauer on April 8, 2025

Broker Licensed in AZ & CA

Answered by Steve and Sue Brauer Medicare Insurance Agent

Lt Col Tim Brown · Answer

Yes if a person qualifies for that election.  You’ll need to be specific on your circumstances to see if you qualify for that.

George Ibanez · Answer

It is only available  but only during specific life qualifying events such as losing employer coverage, moving out of your service area, or your Medicare plan withdrawing for the area or losing it's contract with Medicare.

For more information or a quote contact George Ibanez.

Edward Smith, ChFC, CRPS, AIF · Answer

Guaranteed Issue is available for up to 6 months after your Part B becomes effective, and it doesn't have to coincide with with the Medicare Open Enrollment Period. There are also other situations in which Guaranteed Issue applies, but consult with a local independent health broker to determine if your situation applies.

Answered by John Lopez on April 15, 2025

Broker Licensed in DE, MD, NC, NJ, NY & PA

Michelle Sparks · Answer

The availability of Guarantee Issue (GI) for Medicare Supplements can vary from state to state, once you are outside of your initial enrollment period (IEP). For example, some states have an anniversary rule or birthday rule that have guarantee issue beyond the initial enrollment period (e.g. 6 months beginning with the first day of the month in which you are both age 65 or older and enrolled in Medicare Part B). Additionally, if you are outside of your IEP, you may still qualify for Guarantee Issue, if you have a qualifying event, like losing coverage from an employer group health plan. Lastly, if you are outside of your IEP, you may still qualify for a Medicare Supplement, you will just need to go through medical underwriting. My recommendation would be to contact an independent Medicare Broker to help assess all your options and best path forward.

Answered by Michelle Sparks on January 12, 2026

Broker Licensed in KS, AR, FL, MO & TX

Answered by Michelle Sparks Medicare Insurance Agent

Ravi Natarajan · Answer

Depends on the state. Depends on whether a product in available in a particular state. Depends on Trial Right Period that can be state specific and lastly depends on special circumstances such as the Medicare Advantage Plan that they are currently on is exiting the market. Best to work with your broker.

Answered by Ravi Natarajan on January 12, 2026

Broker Licensed in MA, AZ, CA & 12 other states

Answered by Ravi Natarajan Medicare Insurance Agent

Cody Hebden, MBA, CLU, FLMI · Answer

Guaranteed Issue rules are complicated and strictly regulated, largely because insurance companies try to avoid being required to accept applicants with known medical risks when they’re able to underwrite (ie. they don't want to pay for known medical issues and bills). That said, Guaranteed Issue can still be available after the Medicare Open Enrollment period in certain qualifying situations. Examples include relocating out of state where your Medicare Advantage plan is no longer available, retiring again after returning to work and losing employer coverage, enrolled in a Medicare Advantage plan in the first 12-months of enrolling in Medicare (trial period), etc. Because eligibility depends heavily on timing and personal circumstances, it’s important to explain your situation clearly so a knowledgeable broker, like myself, can determine whether you qualify.

Answered by Cody Hebden, MBA, CLU, FLMI on December 29, 2025

Broker Licensed in NC & SC

Answered by Cody Hebden, MBA, CLU, FLMI Medicare Insurance Agent

Ruben Trejo · Answer

Yes, a Guaranteed Issue can still be available after Medicare Open Enrollment ends, but only if you qualify for a special situation. It is not based on the calendar, it is based on life events like moving, losing employer coverage, or your plan ending. If you do not have one of those situations, then health questions usually apply, so it is important to review your options before making a move. Hope this helps.

Answered by Ruben Trejo on December 29, 2025

Broker Licensed in TX, AL, AR & 44 other states

Answered by Ruben Trejo Medicare Insurance Agent

Alicia Hoilman · Answer

Absolutely! Guaranteed Issue rights protect you from being denied a Medicare Supplement plan—even after your Open Enrollment period has passed—as long as you meet certain conditions.

For instance, when you turn 65, you’re granted a 6-month Guaranteed Issue window to enroll in a Medicare Supplement plan without any medical underwriting. During that time, you cannot be denied coverage.

There are also special circumstances that trigger these rights. Say you originally enrolled in a Medicare Supplement plan, then switched to a Medicare Advantage plan to test it out. If it’s been less than 12 months, you’re eligible to use the Trial Right Special Enrollment Period (SEP) to return to your original Supplement plan with Guaranteed Issue protection. Note: this option is available only once in your lifetime and only within that 12-month period.

Another scenario would be if your Medicare Advantage plan is discontinued in your area. In that case, you’re entitled to a Guaranteed Issue right to enroll in a Medicare Supplement plan without having to go through medical underwriting. However, you must act within 63 days of your Advantage plan ending.

Your best next step? Connect with a knowledgeable local broker who can help you understand your rights and explore your coverage options. They’ll make sure you don’t miss a beat.

David Didier · Answer

Under certain conditions, for example, if you moved out of the area on Medical Advantage plans, or if you lost coverage through no fault of your own, ( like a company pulled out of area,), or if you initially joined a Medical Advantage plan and within the first 12 months of turning 65, you want to go back to a Medicare Supplement or just Medicare.:)

Answered by David Didier on October 1, 2025

Broker Licensed in LA & TX

Answered by David Didier Medicare Insurance Agent

Paul Barrett · Answer

A lot of people think that once their Medicare Supplement Open Enrollment Period ends, they’ve missed their chance forever to get a Medigap plan without health questions. Thankfully, that’s not always true.

The reality is that guaranteed issue rights can still become available later on in certain situations. For example, if you lose employer coverage, move out of your Medicare Advantage plan’s service area, your plan terminates, or you qualify for a Medicare Advantage trial right, you may still be able to enroll in a Medicare Supplement plan without medical underwriting.

Some states, like New York, even offer additional consumer protections that make switching Medigap plans easier year-round.

The important thing to understand is that Medicare rules are not always one-size-fits-all. Your rights can depend on timing, your state, and how your previous coverage ended.

That’s why I always tell people not to assume they’re stuck. I’ve seen many situations where someone thought they had no options left, only to find out they actually qualified for guaranteed issue protections. Sometimes it just takes having the right person look at the situation carefully and explain things in plain English.

Tyler Dalton · Answer

Yes, Guaranteed Issue is still available even after your Medicare Supplement Open Enrollment window closes, but only in certain situations.

These rights kick in during specific events, like if you lose coverage through no fault of your own, move out of your plan’s service area, or try out a Medicare Advantage plan and decide within a year that it’s not the right fit. That last one is called a “trial right” and you only get it once, so it’s important to time it right.

Guaranteed Issue means you can get a Medigap (Medicare Supplement) plan with no health questions and no underwriting, as long as you qualify under one of these special circumstances. It’s not tied to the fall Open Enrollment period. It’s a separate set of protections altogether.
Your best bet? Work with a local broker who actually understands the rules and can guide you based on your unique situation. That’s what we do every day.

Adam Simon · Answer

Yes, in certain situations. For instance, with a Medicare supplement, you have a six month open enrollment period from the time you enter Medicare part B. You are always guaranteed to be accepted during that timeframe. If you live in a state with the “birthday rule“, you can move plans with a guaranteed issue on the anniversary of your birthday if you so choose to. And states without the birthday rule, there is a guarantee issue right for somebody who leaves a Medicare supplement to enter a Medicare advantage plan for the first time and then goes back to their Medicare supplement within 12 months. That reentry into the Medicare supplement is guaranteed issue. Hope that helps!

Answered by Adam Simon on April 6, 2026

Broker Licensed in MI, AL, AZ & 13 other states

Answered by Adam Simon Medicare Insurance Agent

Tina VanPhung · Answer

Yes — but only in specific situations.

Guaranteed Issue (GI) rights are not tied to the Medicare Annual Open Enrollment Period (Oct 15–Dec 7) or Jan 1-Mar 31. Instead, GI rights occur when certain qualifying events happen, such as:

- You lose employer or union group coverage
- Your Medicare Advantage plan leaves the service area
- You move out of your Medicare Advantage plan’s service area
- Your plan stops contracting with Medicare
- You joined a Medicare Advantage plan for the first time and want to switch back to Original 

Medicare within 12 months (trial right)

- You lose Medicaid eligibility
- You cancel a Medicare Advantage plan within the first 12 months if you were new to Medicare Part A & B (trial right)

When you have a Guaranteed Issue right, insurance companies must sell you specific Medigap plans (varies by state), regardless of health conditions, and they cannot charge more because of health issues.

But outside of these GI situations, if you apply for a Medigap policy, you will usually need to go through medical underwriting, and the carrier may deny coverage or charge a higher premium.

David Peters · Answer

Guaranteed issue in regard to Medicare supplements refers to turning 65 in general. You can get a plan in your area. There are several other times you can get Guaranteed issue, including moving from state to state, your current plan stops coverage in your market,etc.

Answered by David Peters on October 4, 2025

Broker Licensed in TN & VA

Answered by David Peters Medicare Insurance Agent

Steven Bleicher · Answer

I suggest you go to Medicare.gov and put in the search box "SEP's". This stands for Special Election periods. These represent "odd" times when certain circumstances occur which allow you to use an SEP and change your initial plan. There are numerous SEP's that folks can utilize at their discretion. The most obvious one is when you have moved your domicile to another location be it within your State OR outside your current State. 

Most of the time however, "GI" or guaranteed issue are for those newly eligible Medicare folks who are within that 7-months' window of eligibility. That is: 3 months before your birthday month, your actual birthday month and 3 months after your birthday month for a grand total of 7 months. 

However, folks are usually not aware of what is called a "trial right". This means that if they are inside one year of having joined Medicare at age 65, they can exercise a trial right, dropping what they initially thought was better, in favor of an alternate plan (whether it is a free Advantage or a monthly Medigap (or Med. Supplement) premium plan).

Diana Garner · Answer

Yes, but only in specific, qualifying situations such as:
     1) losing other coverage
     2) moving out of a plan's service area

There may be other qualifying events that can qualify you for guaranteed issue as well.  Some states have elected the "Birthday Rule," meaning that the 60 days following your birthday, you can change your Medicare Supplement plan without underwriting questions.

Melanie Blackston · Answer

Yes, Guaranteed Issue rights for Medigap policies are available after the initial 6-month Open Enrollment period, but only during specific qualifying situations. These rights allow you to buy certain Medigap plans without medical underwriting or pre-existing condition exclusions.

Answered by Melanie Blackston on February 3, 2026

Broker Licensed in SC, GA & NC

Answered by Melanie Blackston Medicare Insurance Agent

Mary Salmon · Answer

Once a person is past their Medicare open enrollment for a Medicare supplement, guaranteed issue is no longer available.  The only exception to this is if they were enrolled in an Advantage plan and the carrier pulled the plan from the market.  At that point the beneficiary has a guaranteed issue to go back to Original Medicare and enroll in a supplement.  

If a beneficiary decides to enroll in an Advantage plan, those plans are guaranteed issue during Annual Enrollment Period Oct 15-Dec 7 each year for a January 1 effective date.

Frank Woerner · Answer

No, the Guaranteed Issue rights for Medigap plans do not necessarily end with Open Enrollment ending. Medigap Open Enrollment period last for six months starting first day of the birthday month age 65 or older and enrolled in Part B.

Answered by Frank Woerner on April 7, 2025

Broker Licensed in IN & IL

Answered by Frank Woerner Medicare Insurance Agent

Julie Kovacevich · Answer

Guaranteed issue is available only in specific, limited situations after Open Enrollment ends. 

If you have a Medicare Advantage Plan and it ends, such as the plan leaving the market. 

If you have Original Medicare with employer or union coverage that's ending. 

If your Medigap company goes bankrupt or your policy ends through no fault of yours.

If you leave a Medicare Advantage Plan because the company didn't follow the rules or misled you. 

The key phrase in all of these is that something has to change with your coverage. 

*In most cases, you have a 63 day to make a change.

Fred Manas · Answer

Yes, but only in specific situations. While a Medigap (Medicare Supplement) Open Enrollment Period is a six-month window where you're guaranteed acceptance into any plan without medical underwriting, Guaranteed Issue Rights exist for certain circumstances outside of this period that trigger enrollment in a new Medigap policy without medical underwriting. Examples include losing other creditable coverage, moving out of a plan's service area, or having a Medicare Advantage plan discontinued. Some states also offer additional Guaranteed Issue rights that go beyond federal guidelines. 
When Guaranteed Issue Rights Apply (Federal Rules)
Loss of other coverage:
If your other health coverage (like a retiree plan or COBRA) ends, you might have a guaranteed issue right. 
Plan discontinuation:
If your Medicare Advantage plan is discontinued, you may have a guaranteed issue right to join Original Medicare and buy a Medigap policy. 
Trial right:
This is a specific right to join a Medigap plan after trying a Medicare Advantage plan. 
What to Do if You Don't Qualify for a Guaranteed Issue Right
Check your state's rules:
.
State laws vary significantly, and some states provide broader protections for Medigap policies. 
Apply for Medigap:
.
You can still apply for a Medigap plan at any time, but in most states, you'll be subject to medical underwriting. 
Consider other options:
.
If Medigap isn't an option, you can explore other Medicare plans, but these have their own enrollment periods and rules.

Mark Boone · Answer

Yes, you may still have guaranteed issue after the general Medicare Open Enrollment period ends, but only in specific qualifying situations, such as losing other health coverage or moving out of your Medicare Advantage plan's service area. These rights are separate from the initial six-month Medigap Open Enrollment Period and allow you to purchase a Medigap policy without medical underwriting during these events

Answered by Mark Boone on November 10, 2025

Agent Licensed in MN, FL, MI & NC, OH, SC & VA

Answered by Mark Boone Medicare Insurance Agent

Suzanne Lamperti · Answer

Guaranteed Issue is available for those 64 1/2 -65 and 2 mos. Also for some that have a special circumstance such as loss of credible coverage.

Eizel Mere · Answer

Guaranteed issue into a Medicare Supplement is available for 1 year. When you turn 65 it begins and it ends the day before you turn 66. You can enroll 3 months ahead of time, your plan is effective the 1st of the month of your birthday.

Answered by Eizel Mere on May 12, 2025

Broker Licensed in FL

Answered by Eizel Mere Medicare Insurance Agent

Charles Borg · Answer

If you were enrolled in an Advantage plan that was discontinued you can enroll in original Medicare.

Ken Banks · Answer

Yes, Guaranteed Issue (GI) rights for Medicare Supplement (Medigap) plans are available after your initial Medigap Open Enrollment Period ends, but only under specific, qualifying life events. These are different from the general Medicare Open Enrollment Period (October 15 – December 7) that applies to Medicare Advantage and Part D plans. 
When Guaranteed Issue Rights Apply
Guaranteed issue rights mean that an insurance company must sell you a Medigap policy, cannot deny you coverage, and cannot charge you more due to your health status or pre-existing conditions. 
Common situations that trigger a guaranteed issue right include:
Loss of Employer Coverage: You have Original Medicare and an employer or union group health plan (including COBRA) that is ending.
Loss of Medicare Advantage Plan Coverage: Your Medicare Advantage Plan's contract with Medicare ends, you move out of the plan's service area, or you lose coverage through no fault of your own.
Trial Rights: You enrolled in a Medicare Advantage Plan when you were first eligible for Medicare at age 65, and you decide to switch back to Original Medicare within the first 12 months (this is a one-time right).
Disrupted Medigap Coverage: Your Medigap insurance company goes bankrupt or terminates your policy without fault on your part.
Misleading Information: Your plan or insurer violated their contract or misled you about your coverage.

Roberto Alonso · Answer

In this instance, the question itself is a bit confussed. Every part of Medicare has a time frame for enrollment and plan changes. Each time frame dictates when and what plans you can enroll and/or disenroll, and will there be any penalties involved in the election.

Original Medicare( Parts A & B), do not have medical questions, neither does Part C( Medicare Advantage, or Part D-Prescription drug plans) for that matter. 

In contrast, Medicare Supplement Plans , which you can buy anytime of the year, are basically only guaranteed issueduring your once-in-a-lifetime- Initial Election Period when you turned 65 or became Medicare eligible due to a disability, if your under 65.

Jamie Blake · Answer

Yes, the guaranteed Issue is available after the Medicare Open Enrollment period ends. 

This period is called The Birthday Rule.

This allows existing Medicare Supplement policyholders to have a new open enrollment period starting on the first day of their birthday month and extending for at least 60 days after.

During this time, these policyholders may purchase a new Medicare Supplement plan (with the same or lesser benefits) from their existing carrier or a new carrier without underwriting.


Carriers cannot rate up policyholders who choose to participate in the “birthday rule.”
Carriers must charge existing rates to new policyholders and cannot charge them new rates until the renewal period.

Michael Gilman · Answer

It depends, but in general the answer is no — Guaranteed Issue is only available in specific situations. Once the Medicare Supplement Open Enrollment Period ends, a person does not automatically have Guaranteed Issue rights. They only receive Guaranteed Issue protection if they experience a qualifying event, such as losing certain types of coverage, moving out of a plan’s service area, or using a trial right. Outside of Open Enrollment and outside of those specific Guaranteed Issue situations, a carrier can require medical underwriting.

Answered by Michael Gilman on March 10, 2026

Broker Licensed in NY

Answered by Michael Gilman Medicare Insurance Agent

Marta Iris González · Answer

Yes — Guaranteed Issue rights do exist after the Medicare Open Enrollment Period, but they only apply in very specific situations.

Here’s how it works:

🧾 What Guaranteed Issue Means

Guaranteed Issue means that certain Medigap (supplement) plans must be offered to you without medical underwriting, even after the general enrollment periods have passed.

📅 When You Can Have Guaranteed Issue After Open Enrollment

You may have Guaranteed Issue rights outside of the initial Medigap Open Enrollment Period if one of these situations applies:

✅ Your current coverage is ending involuntarily
For example:
	•	Your employer group retiree plan is ending
	•	Your COBRA ends
	•	You lose Medicaid
	•	Your plan stops providing Medicare benefits

✅ You’re in a Medicare Advantage plan and it is ending service in your area
If your MA plan leaves Medicare or stops giving you coverage in your county, you get a special right to join certain Medigap plans without health questions.

✅ You move out of your plan’s service area
And your Medicare Advantage or Medigap plan doesn’t follow you.

❌ When Guaranteed Issue Does NOT Apply

Guaranteed Issue rights do not mean you can pick a Medigap plan at any time after open enrollment — only when one of the qualifying events above happens. If none of those apply, you may have to wait for a Medigap Open Enrollment Period or potentially be subject to medical underwriting.

📌 Key Takeaway

Yes — Guaranteed Issue can be available after open enrollment, but only if a qualifying event triggers it. It is not automatically available every year.

Anthony Albano · Answer

Under certain circumstances only. It must be looked at on an individual basis.
Just to give you an example of some circumstances.
If you are on group insurance, and that was discontinued, you may qualify for guaranteed issue.
If you recently turned 65 and it has been less than a year that may qualify you for guaranteed issue. 
If you moved from a different area and your current plan will not work in this area that may qualify for guaranteed issue

Deborah Lee · Answer

They need to have an SEP  Special enrollment after OEP such as moving out of the county their current plan is in.

Dalyaness Martinez · Answer

Yes and no. Depends on what type of plan you are currently on, and what are your specific needs. We can discuss it in more detail, if you want to.

Alaina Hunt · Answer

Guaranteed Issue rights usually only apply during certain times, like when you first join Medicare or during the Open Enrollment period. After that, it’s rare to have guaranteed acceptance without health questions.

However, in some special situations—like if your plan leaves your area or you lose other coverage—you might still have Guaranteed Issue rights. It’s a good idea to check your specific situation to know for sure.

Kelli Callihan Ostrander · Answer

Yes, guaranteed issue rights for Medigap (Medicare Supplement) policies are available outside of the Medicare Open Enrollment period in certain situations. While the Medicare Open Enrollment period (October 15 – December 7) allows for changes to Medicare Advantage and Part D plans, it doesn't guarantee the right to enroll in a Medigap plan without medical underwriting. Guaranteed issue rights for Medigap policies are tied to specific situations, such as losing coverage from employer-sponsored insurance, a Medicare Advantage plan, or certain other circumstances.

Answered by Kelli Callihan Ostrander on July 10, 2025

Agent Licensed in VA, FL, NC & WV

Answered by Kelli Callihan Ostrander Medicare Insurance Agent

Tim Measures · Answer

No. Guaranteed Issue only applies in special situations like losing coverage or moving; once Open Enrollment ends, most people have to answer health questions to get a Medigap plan.

Randy Sanchez · Answer

It may be and It depends. Guaranteed Issue applies to Medicare Supplements AKA Medigap plans, and is not so much a time frame as it is related to certain events. For example, if you loose Employee group coverage. This is just one example of how a Guaranteed issue may be available after the Open Enrollment period. 

Hope this helps

John Ward · Answer

Yes guaranteed issue rights are available after Open Enrollment, but are limited to specific circumstances. Guaranteed issue means 1) no denial based on health status, 2) no medical underwriting, 3) no rate increase. Please discuss your circumstances with a licensed agent.

Answered by John Ward on April 18, 2025

Broker Licensed in TX, FL, GA, LA, NM & OK

Answered by John Ward Medicare Insurance Agent

Keith Brown · Answer

It depends on the type of plan - Medicare Supplement or Medicare Advantage and if a person has a Special Election Period.

Eric Stokley · Answer

In some situations you may still be able to purchase a medigap policy. Under guaranteed issue rights, a company is required to sell you a Medigap policy at the best rates.

Is Guaranteed Issue available after the Medicare Open Enrollment period ends?

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Is Guaranteed Issue available after the Medicare Open Enrollment period ends?

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