I have Medicare A and B, which was secondary to my large group health plan. My spouse passed away in late June 2025, and his company is providing COBRA coverage for six months, through January. If I wait until then, will I still have guaranteed issue for a Medicare supplement, or do I have only 63 days from June 30 (until Sept 1) to enroll? I'm in CO

Question

Richard Moreno · Accepted Answer

You must enroll within 63 days from the termination of your spouse's coverage to qualify for guaranteed issue. You lost your creditable coverage when the plan was terminated. you must Enroll within 63 says

Answered by Richard Moreno on August 23, 2025

Broker Licensed in TX, FL, LA, NM & OH

Answered by Richard Moreno Medicare Insurance Agent

Nick Mangini · Answer

According to Medicare.gov, COBRA is not considered creditable coverage so therefore you cannot go more than 63 days without proof of prior coverage in order to be guaranteed issue for a Medicare Supplement Plan (Medigap). You must get a plan now!!!

Answered by Nick Mangini on August 22, 2025

Broker Licensed in FL, AL, AZ & 31 other states

Answered by Nick Mangini Medicare Insurance Agent

Vernon Jones · Answer

No, you likely will not have guaranteed issue for a Medicare Supplement (Medigap) plan if you wait until your COBRA coverage ends in January, because Medicare considers COBRA not to be creditable coverage. You need to secure a Medigap plan now, within six months of your Part B special enrollment period ending on June 30, 2025, to avoid the risk of the 63-day rule.

Answered by Vernon Jones on August 24, 2025

Broker Licensed in NC & SC

Answered by Vernon Jones Medicare Insurance Agent

Lynn C Shurtleff · Answer

Because you already have A and B, you are subject to the 63 day window for losing employer coverage for the Guaranteed issue period for a Medicare Supplement. Normally, Cobra will be costly and will not excuse the penalty period for picking up a Part D plan either.

Answered by Lynn C Shurtleff on August 24, 2025

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

Answered by Lynn C Shurtleff Medicare Insurance Agent

Ronnie Robinson · Answer

I used to be licensed in Colorado, but I’m not so suggest this passed to someone that’s licensed in Colorado. Some Medicare supplement plans do very by state.

Glenda Martin · Answer

You have a Guaranteed Issue right to enroll in a Medicare Supplement plan when your COBRA coverage ends in January. Since you're losing employer-sponsored coverage, you're eligible for a 63-day window to enroll in a Medigap plan without medical underwriting. This means you can choose from specific plans (A, B, C, D, F, G, K, or L) without being denied coverage or charged more due to pre-existing conditions  .

Key Points:

•  Guaranteed Issue Window: You have 63 days from the date your COBRA coverage ends (January) to enroll in a Medigap plan.
•  Eligible Plans: You can choose from Plans A, B, C, D, F, G, K, or L, depending on your eligibility and plan availability.
•  No Medical Underwriting: Insurance companies can't deny you coverage or charge more based on your health status during this period.

Action Steps:

•  Mark Your Calendar: Note the end date of your COBRA coverage (January) and plan to enroll in a Medigap plan within the 63-day window.
•  Gather Documents: Prepare proof of coverage termination, such as a letter from your insurer or a disenrollment notice.
•  Compare Plans: Research and compare Medigap plans from different insurance companies to find the best fit for your needs  .

Rob Campbell · Answer

Guaranteed issue for Medicare supplement policies is typically available only during your initial enrollment. That period is a seven month window surrounding your 65th birth month. Three months before your birth month, your birth month, and three months after your birth month.

Answered by Rob Campbell on August 22, 2025

Broker Licensed in NC, AZ, CT & 11 other states

Answered by Rob Campbell Medicare Insurance Agent

Jessica Yen Le · Answer

I’m very sorry for your loss. Since your COBRA coverage continues through January 2026, your guaranteed issue right for a Medicare supplement begins when your COBRA ends, the 63-day window to enroll starts from the actual loss of coverage, not from your spouse’s passing. This ensures you can keep COBRA until then and still qualify for a Medigap plan without medical underwriting. Hope this helps.
Jessica Yen Le

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