Medigap plans and people with disabilities
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Eligibility for Medigap
Medicare is not a comprehensive health care program. A Medigap policy is a type of insurance sold by private companies to fill gaps in Original Medicare (Medicare Parts A and B) coverage. Medigap policies cover co-payments, deductibles, and some services that Medicare doesn't cover.
Under California law, if you have Medicare coverage due to disability (except if you have end-stage renal disease), you have the right to buy a Medigap policy for 6 months starting with the effective date of your Medicare Part B benefits.
Medigap insurance companies are allowed to impose a waiting period before covering a pre-existing condition, except when you have had at least 6 months of prior continuous health coverage before applying for a Medigap policy.
See our Medigap section for more information.
End-stage renal disease & Medigap
People younger than 65 with end-stage renal disease do not have guaranteed access to Medigap insurance and may be unable to buy coverage to supplement their Medicare. However, they may apply to the California Major Risk Medical Insurance Program (MRMIP). For more information, call 1-800-289-6574 or visit the MRMIP website.
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Page updated April 29, 2008