Medicare Supplemental Insurance Eligibility: Requirements and Coverage Limitations
Medicare supplemental insurance, commonly known as Medigap, is designed to cover certain out-of-pocket costs that Original Medicare does not pay. To qualify for Medigap, individuals must be enrolled in both Medicare Part A and Part B. Medigap policies do not cover routine dental or vision care, hearing aids, private-duty nursing, or long-term care. Additionally, new Medigap policies exclude prescription drug coverage, necessitating a separate Medicare Part D plan for those who require it. The enrollment window for Medigap is crucial, as federal law provides a six-month open enrollment period starting the first month a person is 65 or older and enrolled in Part B. During this period, insurers cannot deny coverage or charge higher premiums due to pre-existing conditions. After this period, eligibility may be subject to medical underwriting, potentially resulting in higher premiums or difficulty obtaining coverage. 
