Fair Square Medicare Wordmark

When Can You Change Medicare Supplement Plans?

Medigap stock image
By Daniel Petkevich
Nov 18, 2022

Read this before you switch

Generally speaking, we believe that Medicare Supplement (also known as Medigap) Plans are the best option for most people eligible for Medicare. However, different circumstances require different solutions, and at Fair Square Medicare, we are here for you and your specific healthcare needs. Suppose you want to switch your Medicare Supplement plan. In that case, you must do so during your six-month Medigap open enrollment period or during a special circumstances period of eligibility due to guaranteed issue rights. 

Stay Up to Date on Medicare!

Join the Fair Square Medicare Newsletter to stay informed on cost savings, changes to Medicare, and other valuable healthcare information.

What is a Medicare supplement plan?

 Medicare Supplement plans are health insurance policies that help pay for some of the out-of-pocket costs not covered by Original Medicare, such as coinsurance, copayments and deductibles. A Medicare supplement plan can provide valuable protection against rising healthcare costs. 

There are numerous different Medicare Supplement plan letters to choose from

, including plans A, B, C, D, F, G, K, L, M and N. Each plan is standardized by the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) and offers different benefits. All of those plans might seem overwhelming, but the simple answer is that you should probably be on

Plan G (or Plan N in some states).

What are the benefits of a Medicare Supplement plan?

Depending on the type of plan you choose, Medicare Supplement plans can offer many benefits. 
These include:
  • Comprehensively cover some of the out-of-pocket costs associated with Original Medicare, such as coinsurance, copayments and deductibles. 
  • Offer predictable and affordable premiums. 
  • Provide generous coverage for medical bills. 
  • Allow you to see any provider that accepts Medicare assignment (in other words, they accept what Medicare pays). 
  • Can be used both domestically and abroad under certain circumstances. 
Overall, a Medicare Supplement plan can help reduce your risk of incurring expensive out-of-pocket costs associated with plans that don't offer as much coverage.

When can you change your Medicare Supplement plan?

You may switch your Medicare Supplement plan during the six-month Medigap open enrollment period. The timing of the open enrollment period is a unique to your Medicare start date. If your coverage starts on July 1st, then your open enrollment period starts that day, and continues for six months, until December 31st. During this time you have an opportunity to join any Medicare Supplement plan available in your area. 
The other way to change your Medicare Supplement plan is to receive guaranteed issue rights through a specific circumstance. Different states have different rules for what is considered a special circumstance. Here are some common examples: 
  • You move out of the plan’s service area 
  • Your current plan is ending or changing its benefits 
  • You qualify for a state health insurance assistance program 
  • You are eligible for Medicare Extra Help, also known as “Low-Income Subsidy” 
Be sure to check in with your local State Health Insurance Assistance Program to see what guaranteed issue rights in your state look like.

How can you change your Medicare Supplement plan?

The process to change your Medicare Supplement plan is relatively simple. All you need to do is call the insurance company that provides your current plan and ask them to cancel it. Then, you can contact an agent who sells plans in your area, or use the Compare Plans button on our website to compare different plans available in your area. Once you have selected a new plan, you will need to fill out an enrollment form and submit it to the insurance company providing the new plan. The insurance company will then review your application and let you know if you are accepted for coverage. 

Takeaway

Whether you decide to switch during your Medigap open enrollment period, or special circumstances period of eligibility, Fair Square Medicare can help you make sure you have the best plan for your specific circumstances. We will be there with you every step of the way so that you can find the perfect Medicare Supplement plan and rest easy knowing that your healthcare expenses are covered! Contact us today at 1-888-376-2028 to learn more about how we can help.

Stay Up to Date on Medicare!

Join the Fair Square Medicare Newsletter to stay informed on cost savings, changes to Medicare, and other valuable healthcare information.

Recommended Articles

Heart on Heart Rhythm Background Concept stock photo
Does Medicare Cover Cardiac Ablation?
Dec 9, 2022
plastic surgeons standing over a patient stock image
Does Medicare Cover Cosmetic Surgery?
Nov 28, 2022
Kidney stone stock image
Does Medicare Cover Kidney Stone Removal?
Nov 23, 2022
Doctor demonstrating upper cervical spine anatomy stock photo
Does Medicare Cover Cervical Disc Replacement?
Jan 20, 2023
senior couple doing yoga stock image
13 Best Ways for Seniors to Stay Active in Columbus
Mar 8, 2023
Diagnosis incontinence stock image
Does Medicare Cover Incontinence Supplies?
Dec 22, 2022
Male doctor with his arms crossed stock image
Can Doctors Choose Not to Accept Medicare?
Dec 8, 2022
Gastroenterologist doctor, stomach specialist. Aesthetic handdrawn highlighted illustration of human stomach. Neutral grey background, studio photo and collage. stock photo
Does Medicare Cover Bariatric Surgery?
Dec 27, 2022
Cover image
2025 Medicare Price Changes
Oct 30, 2023
Gloved hands with a scalpel begin a knee replacement surgery
Does Medicare Cover Iovera Treatment?
Jan 11, 2023
hand holding up Invisalign stock photo
Does Medicare Cover Orthodontic Care?
Nov 18, 2022
Asian senior male patient having him eyes examined by laser machine
Finding the Best Vision Plans for Seniors
Jan 6, 2023
Cover image
How Are Medicare Star Ratings Determined?
Sep 6, 2023
Fair Square
Do I Need to Renew My Medicare?
Nov 29, 2022
a variety of pills in a daily pill organizer stock image
Does Medicare Cover Vitamins?
Dec 5, 2022
Medigap stock image
When Can You Change Medicare Supplement Plans?
Nov 18, 2022
Pile of junk in a house, hoarder room pile of household equipment needs clearing out stock photo
Does Medicare Cover Hoarding Cleanup?
Jan 10, 2023
Visiting a hospital front desk illustrated stock image
Do All Hospitals Accept Medicare Advantage Plans?
Apr 11, 2023

More of our articles

13 Best Ways for Seniors to Stay Active in Indianapolis

13 Best Ways for Seniors to Stay Active in Phoenix

14 Best Ways for Seniors to Stay Active in Nashville

14 Best Ways for Seniors to Stay Active in Seattle

14 Best Ways for Seniors to Stay Active in Washington, D.C.

14 Best Ways to Stay Active in Charlotte

2024 Fair Square Client Retention and Satisfaction Report

Can I Change Medicare Advantage Plans Any Time? | Medicare Plans

Can Medicare Advantage Plans be Used Out of State?

Comparing All Medigap Plans | Chart Updated for 2025

Costco Pharmacy Partners with Fair Square

Do You Need Medigap if You're Eligible for Both Medicare and Medicaid?

Does Medicare Cover Abortion Services?

Does Medicare Cover Bladder Sling Surgery?

Does Medicare Cover Cala Trio?

Does Medicare Cover Cataract Surgery?

Does Medicare Cover Chiropractic Visits?

Does Medicare cover Deviated Septum Surgery?

Does Medicare Cover Disposable Underwear?

Does Medicare Cover Driving Evaluations?

Does Medicare Cover Exercise Physiology?

Does Medicare Cover Geri Chairs?

Does Medicare Cover Ketamine Infusion for Depression?

Does Medicare Cover Kyphoplasty?

Does Medicare Cover Macular Degeneration?

Does Medicare Cover Medical Marijuana?

Does Medicare Cover Mental Health?

Does Medicare Cover Nuedexta?

Does Medicare Cover Oxybutynin?

Does Medicare Cover Ozempic?

Does Medicare Cover Robotic Surgery?

Does Medicare Cover Shock Wave Therapy for Plantar Fasciitis?

Does Medicare Cover Tymlos?

Does Medicare Pay for Allergy Shots?

Does Medicare Pay for Bunion Surgery?

Does Medicare Require a Referral for Audiology Exams?

Does Retiring at Age 62 Make Me Eligible for Medicare?

Does Your Medicare Plan Cover B12 Shots?

Does Your Plan Include A Free Gym Membership?

Everything About Your Medicare Card + Medicare Number

Fair Square Client Newsletter: AEP Edition

Health Savings Accounts (HSAs) and Medicare

How Does Medicare Cover Colonoscopies?

How Does Medicare Pay for Emergency Room Visits?

How Does the End of the COVID-19 Public Health Emergency Affect Your Medicare?

How is Medicare Changing in 2025?

How Medicare Costs Can Pile Up

How Much Does a Pacemaker Cost with Medicare?

How Much Does Medicare Part A Cost in 2025?

How Much Does Medicare Part B Cost in 2025?

How Much Does Open Heart Surgery Cost with Medicare?

How Much Does Trelegy Cost with Medicare?

How Much Does Xeljanz Cost with Medicare?

How Often Can I Change Medicare Plans?

How to Become a Medicare Agent

How Your Employer Insurance and Medicare Work Together

Is Botox Covered by Medicare?

Is Displacement Affecting Your Medicare Coverage?

Is Fair Square Medicare Legitimate?

Is Vitrectomy Surgery Covered by Medicare?

Medicare Explained

Medicare Savings Programs in Kansas

Medicare Supplement Plans for Low-Income Seniors

Saving Money with Alternative Pharmacies & Discount Programs

The Fair Square Bulletin: October 2023

Welcome to Fair Square's First Newsletter

What Are Medicare Part B Excess Charges?

What Does Medicare Cover for Stroke Patients?

What is a Medicare Beneficiary Ombudsman?

What is the Medicare ICEP?

What's the Difference Between HMO and PPO Plans?

Will Medicare Cover Dental Implants?

Your Medicare One-Stop-Shop

Your guide to Medicare Parts A & B, Medicare Advantage, and Medigap. 100% free.
Get the Fair Square Bulletin

Medicare savings tips, helpful guides, and more.

About

Medicare 101

Current Clients

Medicare Supplement Plans

Medicare Advantage Plans

Fair Square 2025

Terms of Use
Notice of Privacy Practices

Virgil Insurance Agency, LLC (DBA Fair Square Medicare) and www.fairsquaremedicare.com are privately owned and operated by Help Button Inc. Medicare supplement insurance plans are not connected with or endorsed by the U.S. government or the federal Medicare program. This is a solicitation of insurance. A licensed agent/producer may contact you. Medicare Supplement insurance is available to those age 65 and older enrolled in Medicare Parts A and B and, in some states, to those under age 65 eligible for Medicare due to disability or End-Stage Renal disease. Virgil Insurance Agency is a licensed and certified representative of Medicare Advantage HMO, HMO SNP, PPO, PPO SNP and PFFS organizations and stand-alone PDP prescription drug plans. Each of the organizations we represent has a Medicare contract. Enrollment in any plan depends on contract renewal. The plans we represent do not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, age, disability, or sex. Plan availability varies by region and state. For a complete list of available plans please contact 1-800-MEDICARE (TTY users should call 1-877-486-2048), 24 hours a day/7 days a week or consult www.medicare.gov. © 2025 Help Button Inc

We do not offer every plan available in your area. Any information we provide is limited to those plans we do offer in your area. Please contact Medicare.gov or 1-800-MEDICARE to get information on all of your options.

MULTIPLAN_FairSquareMedicare_01062022_M