Your rights, your options, and why the “default” choice might not be your best one

Life changes fast.
Losing group health coverage, moving to a new state, or having your Medicare Advantage plan end can be stressful. The last thing you need is to be told you can’t get the Medicare Supplement plan you want.

That’s why guaranteed issue rights exist. They give you a safety net — but here’s what most people don’t realize: you can’t always choose from every Medigap plan, and sometimes the ones you can choose aren’t the most cost-effective.

What is a Guaranteed Issue Right?

Normally, when you apply for a Medicare Supplement (Medigap) plan, you answer medical underwriting questions. The insurance company uses your answers to decide whether to approve you and at what premium.

With guaranteed issue rights:

• You cannot be denied a plan because of your health.

• You cannot be charged more due to pre-existing conditions.

• You’re guaranteed coverage during certain life changes.

When Do Guaranteed Issue Rights Apply?

Some of the most common examples include:

• You’re losing employer or union health insurance (retirement, layoff, benefits ending).

• Your Medicare Advantage plan ends, leaves your area, or reduces benefits.

• You move to a new state where your plan isn’t offered.

• You’re new to Medicare Part B.

(You can learn more about Medicare Advantage and enrollment rules on our Medicare page.)

Which Plans Are Usually Available in Florida (and Many Other States We Serve)?

If you qualify for guaranteed issue, the plans typically available are:

• Plan A – Basic coverage only.

• Plan B – Plan A + Part A deductible coverage.

• Plan C – Broad coverage, but only if you were eligible for Medicare before Jan. 1, 2020.

• Plan F – Full coverage, including excess charges (only if eligible before Jan. 1, 2020).

• Plan K – Lower premium, higher cost-sharing, with an annual out-of-pocket cap.

• Plan L – Moderate premium, some cost-sharing, with an annual out-of-pocket cap.

Popular plans like Plan G and Plan N are not usually available with guaranteed issue rights. Learn more about Medicare Supplement options on our Medicare Supplement page

Why This Matters for Your Budget

Guaranteed issue is an important protection — but it’s not always the most affordable path. You may:

• Pay higher monthly premiums.

• Have fewer plan choices.

• Miss out on popular, balanced options like Plan G or Plan N.

Why You Might Still Want to Answer Medical Questions

If you’re healthy enough to pass underwriting, you may:

• Unlock more plan options (including G and N).

• Secure a lower monthly premium.

• Potentially avoid being in a risk pool with steeper annual increases.

Curious what those medical questions look like? You can see sample underwriting guidelines by requesting our free Medicare Starter Kit here. It’s a simple way to know in advance whether you’re likely to qualify.

Why Rates Are Rising for Supplements

• More high-cost members entering through guaranteed issue.

• Medicare reimbursement cuts squeezing insurers.

• An aging population using more healthcare services.

All of this creates larger-than-usual premium increases, especially in plans with more guaranteed issue enrollments.

Your Next Step

If you think you qualify for guaranteed issue, act quickly — these windows are usually only 63 days from your qualifying event.

But before you lock in your choice, let’s review whether underwriting could save you money and give you more plan options.

• Learn more about how Medicare Supplements work on our Medicare page.

• Compare the most popular plans (F, G, and N) in our recent Supplement Plans blog.

• Request your free Medicare Starter Kit here to preview underwriting questions and get a head start.

Guaranteed issue rights protect you during life changes — but they don’t always give you the best coverage or price. If you’re healthy enough to answer the questions, you may unlock more options, lower premiums, and better long-term stability.

We can help you weigh both paths and make a confident choice.