What Oregon's rule says
Oregon is one of the states that protects Medigap buyers under 65. OAR 836-052-0138, enforced by the Oregon Division of Financial Regulation (DFR), applies to people who are eligible for Medicare because of a disability and first enrolled in Part B on or after September 1, 1993. During your six-month open enrollment:
- It starts the first day of the first month you're enrolled in Part B.
- A company must offer you every Medigap policy it currently sells, regardless of age, not just Plan A.
- It can't deny you, add conditions or price your policy based on your health.
- Your premium can't be higher than what the company charges people who are 65.
- With six months or more of prior creditable coverage, no pre-existing condition waiting period applies.
If your Part B was granted retroactively after an appeal, your six months run from the first day of the month after you get written notice.
After the six months
Once your window closes, a company can use medical underwriting. Companies that price by attained age can't charge you differently because you qualified for Medicare through a disability. You also keep federal guaranteed-issue rights, such as when a Medicare Advantage plan you're in leaves your county. And if you already have a Medigap policy, Oregon's yearly birthday window lets you move to the same or lesser benefits; see does Oregon have a Medigap birthday rule.
When you turn 65
You get a second six-month Medigap open enrollment at 65, with the full protections again. Many people use it to look at plans and prices with fresh eyes. See Medicare on disability in Oregon.
Other ways to cover costs
If your income is limited, Oregon's Medicare Savings Programs and OHP can help with Medicare costs, and having OHP may make Medigap unnecessary. See Medicare Savings Programs in Oregon and Medicare and OHP.
To compare Medigap policies from the companies they work with, you can request a call from a licensed insurance agent. For complaints about a Medigap company, call DFR's consumer advocates at 1-888-877-4894.
Related questions
When can I buy Medigap in Oregon?
Every protected window.
Can I get Medicare under 65 on disability?
How and when it starts.
What Medigap plans are sold in Oregon?
The standardized letters.
Sources
- Oregon Administrative Rules — OAR 836-052-0138, open enrollment (ID 9-2022, effective 1/1/2023)
- Oregon Administrative Rules — OAR 836-052-0142, guaranteed issue for eligible persons
- Medicare.gov — When can I buy a Medigap policy?
- Oregon Division of Financial Regulation — Contact us (consumer advocates)
More questions in this guide
- Can I switch from Medicare Advantage to a Medicare Supplement in Oregon?
- Does Oregon have a Medigap birthday rule?
- What Medicare Supplement plans are sold in Oregon?
- When can I buy a Medicare Supplement in Oregon?
Part of the guide: Medigap in Oregon — what it covers and Oregon's rules · All questions
Frequently asked questions
Do I get another chance when I turn 65?
Yes. If you enrolled in Part B before 65, OAR 836-052-0138 gives you a second six-month Medigap open enrollment when you turn 65.
Does federal law give under-65 Medigap rights?
No. Medicare.gov notes that federal law doesn't require companies to sell Medigap to people under 65. Oregon's rule is what protects you here.
I'm on Medicare for disability and just moved to Oregon. Can I still buy?
If your old state didn't require companies to sell Medigap to people under 65, Oregon gives you guaranteed issue for 63 days after you establish residency in Oregon.
Medicare in your Oregon county
Plans, local agents and help, county by county: Multnomah · Washington · Clackamas · Lane · Marion · Jackson · Deschutes · Linn · Douglas · Yamhill · Benton · Polk · Josephine · Umatilla · Klamath · Coos · Columbia · Lincoln · Clatsop · Malheur · All 36 counties →
