Open Enrollment Period (OEP)
During the six-month open enrollment period, a company can't turn you down because of health problems. Additionally, they must accept you for any policy they sell. If you had Medicare due to disability before age 65, you still get an open enrollment period at age 65.
Choices are more limited once your open enrollment period is over, and you want to buy or change plans. Only a few companies offer Medicare Supplements on a guarantee issue basis. Those that have a guarantee issue often limit choices to basic plans.
Guarantee Issue
Guarantee issue means an insurance company does not consider pre-existing health conditions. There are special events when guarantee issue policies must be made available. Download factsheet on events that guarantee your right to buy Medicare Supplement Insurance.