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Guaranteed issue rights (also called "Medigap protections") protect your right as a senior consumer to purchase a Medigap health insurance policy. They are rights you have in certain situations that make it necessary for insurance companies to sell you a Medigap policy, even if you have a pre-existing health condition.
In these cases, insurance companies are required by law to sell you a Medigap policy, despite any pre-existing conditions, and they must not charge you more because of those conditions.
Residents of Massachusetts, Wisconson, and Wyoming are covered by guaranteed issue rights, but the related Medigap insurance policies vary.
Guaranteed issue rights apply when your other senior health care coverage (such as Medicare) changes, for example, if you've lost or dropped your coverage. It's important that you keep any notices, letters, and claim denials from your original health insurance company, as well as the postmarked envelopes in which they were mailed. When you apply for your new Medigap policy, they act as evidence that you have a guaranteed issue right.
To prevent breaks in coverage, you should apply for your Medigap supplemental health insurance policy for seniors before your prior coverage has ended. You can arrange to have your Medigap policy begin the day after your other health insurance policy is terminated.
Medigap Guaranteed Issue Rights Situations
There are a number of situations under which a supplemental health insurance company cannot refuse to sell you a policy. These situations include:
* A trial right gives you the ability to try out the Medicare Advantage Program, but to switch to a Medigap policy if you change your mind.
State laws vary for all guaranteed issue rights situations and their solutions. Please check the Medigap information page for your state for more details.