If you have a disability or End-Stage Renal Disease and you are under age 65, you might already have a Medicare policy in place. Does this mean you are entitled to Medigap even though you aren't yet 65 years old? It depends on where you live.
Medigap for People with a Disability or ESRD
Federal law does not require insurance companies to sell Medigap policies to people under age 65. Some states, however, have laws in place that do, in fact, require Medigap insurance companies to sell you a Medigap policy, even if you’re under age 65.
States that Require Insurance Companies to Offer Medigap Under Age 65
Below is a list of the states that require insurance companies to offer at least one kind of Medigap policy to people with Medicare under 65*:
• California • Colorado • Connecticut • Delaware • Florida • Georgia • Hawaii • Illinois • Kansas • Kentucky • Louisiana • Maine • Maryland • Massachusetts • Michigan • Minnesota • Mississippi • Missouri • Montana • New Hampshire • New Jersey • New York • North Carolina • Oklahoma • Oregon • Pennsylvania • South Dakota • Tennessee • Texas • Vermont • Wisconsin
Even if you do not live in one of the above states, insurance companies might still offer you a Medigap policy (they're just not required to do so). We can run you free, no-obligation Medigap quotes to help you get an idea of the monthly premiums.
It's important to remember that even if you are already enrolled in a Medigap policy prior to age 65, you’ll still have a Medigap Open Enrollment Period when you turn 65. Take advantage of it! During your Open Enrollment Period, you'll have access to all of the Medigap plans and will likely pay a lower premium at that time. During Open Enrollment, you can't be refused any Medigap policy due to a disability or health problem, nor can you be charged a higher premium than they charge other people who are 65.
*Some states provide these rights to all people with Medicare under 65, while others only extend them to people eligible for Medicare because of disability or only to people with ESRD.