I live in Maryland. Am I eligible for a Medicare Supplement plan?

Medicare Supplement insurance, also known in Maryland as Medigap, is a type of private insurance that can help cover some of the out-of-pocket costs not covered by Original Medicare, such as copayments, coinsurance, and deductibles. Medicare Supplement insurance plans are offered by private insurance companies and are standardized by the federal government.

To be eligible for a Medicare Supplement insurance plan in Maryland, you must be enrolled in both Medicare Part A and Part B and be at least 65 years old. You can enroll in a Medicare Supplement insurance plan during your Medigap Open Enrollment Period, which begins on the first day of the month in which you are both 65 years old and enrolled in Medicare Part B.

During this six-month enrollment period, Maryland Medicare beneficiaries have a guaranteed right to purchase any Medicare Supplement insurance plan available in your state, regardless of your health status. After this enrollment period, you may still be able to enroll in a Medicare Supplement insurance plan, but the insurance company may be able to refuse coverage or charge you a higher premium based on your health status.

It's important to note that not all Medicare Supplement insurance plans are available in all states, and the plans that are available may vary in terms of the benefits they cover and the cost of the premiums. You can compare Medicare Supplement insurance plans and get more information about eligibility by contacting the Medicare program at 1-800-MEDICARE (1-800-633-4227) or visiting the Medicare website.