Guaranteed Issue Rights — State by State
Guaranteed Issue (GI) rights allow you to enroll in certain Medigap plans without medical underwriting. These rights are powerful — but limited, time-sensitive, and highly state-specific. May River Medicare Insurance explains exactly when and where they apply so you don’t miss them.
When Guaranteed Issue applies, Medigap carriers must accept you regardless of health conditions, medications, or past claims.
Guaranteed Issue does not apply to every Medigap plan. Federal rules typically limit eligibility to Plans A, B, C*, F*, K, or L (depending on availability and Medicare eligibility date).
- Your Medicare Advantage plan leaves Medicare or your service area
- You move out of your Advantage plan’s coverage area
- You leave an employer or union group health plan
- You drop a Medigap plan to try Advantage (Trial Right — first 12 months)
- Your insurer misled you or violated Medicare rules
These rights are time-limited — usually 63 days. Missing the window can permanently remove your guaranteed protection.
- California
- Oregon
- Illinois
- Nevada
- Idaho
- Kentucky
- Louisiana
- Missouri
- Washington
- New York*
- Connecticut*
- Massachusetts*
*Some states require continuous open enrollment or operate under unique rating rules. Strategy matters even when underwriting is not allowed.
What’s allowed in one state may be denied in another. Carriers are not required to explain this — but we are.
Applying even one day late can trigger underwriting and future denials. May River Medicare verifies eligibility before any application is submitted.
Protect Your Guaranteed Issue Rights
May River Medicare Insurance is a nationwide, independent Medicare agency. We show every option up front, verify your state rules, and help you enroll safely — without pressure or surprises.