Delaying Medicare supplement Insurance.

[mrharsh]

So I signed up for Medicare part A and part B when I turned 65. Now I'm 73 years old. I've had continuous health insurance from my employer for over 20 years. I didn't need to sign up for part B, but I didn't know any better. Am I still eligible to sign up for Medigap if I want to retire?
I read somewhere that Medigap eligibility period is 8 months after you get your Medicare part B. Does it mean I can't get Medigap even though I've had continuous health insurance through my employer?

Thanks in advance.

 

[MBSC]

The 8 month window is for enrolling in Part B after retirement. This does not apply to you since you already have Part B. The Medigap Open Enrollment Period is 6 months after Part B enrollment. This means Medigap plans are no longer guaranteed issue under federal regulations and you may need to pass medical underwriting to obtain a Medigap plan.

However, some states have more consumer friendly regulations and require Medigap plans to be guaranteed issue when you retire regardless of health and no matter when Part B started. You can contact a local SHIP counselor or local insurance agent to determine if you live in one of these states.

Even if the state does not mandate Medigap plans be guaranteed issue at retirement, a few insurance companies like United HealthCare (UHC) and BCBS are known for being more generous in retirement situations and taking unhealthy applicants.

Find a SHIP Counselor: https://www.shiptacenter.org/