When the right applies
Ohio's Medicare supplement rule, OAC 3901-8-08(O), follows federal law. You have a guaranteed-issue right to Medigap if you're in a Medicare Advantage plan and:
- the plan leaves Medicare or stops serving the area where you live (a non-renewal), or
- you move out of the plan's service area, or
- the plan broke its contract with you or misled you when you enrolled.
For 2027, some companies stop offering some Medicare Advantage plans in parts of Ohio, and at least 38,178 Ohioans must choose new coverage. See Ohio plans ending in 2027.
How to use it
- Find your non-renewal letter. It shows the date your plan ends. Keep a copy; the Medigap company may ask for it.
- Choose a plan letter. Your right covers Plans A, B, D, G, K and L, and C or F if you were eligible for Medicare before January 1, 2020. Plans with the same letter have the same benefits from every company.
- Compare companies. Ohio doesn't require one pricing method, so ask whether a policy is priced by issue age or attained age and how its rates have risen.
- Apply in time. Apply as early as 60 days before your plan ends and no later than 63 days after. Start the policy January 1 if your plan ends December 31.
- Join a Part D plan too. Medigap doesn't cover prescriptions. Choose a drug plan by December 31 for January 1 coverage.
You have 30 days after delivery to return a new Ohio Medigap policy for a full premium refund (OAC 3901-8-08(T)).
When the right doesn't apply
- Your plan continues with changes. An Annual Notice of Change isn't a non-renewal.
- You simply decide to leave a Medicare Advantage plan that's still offered, after your first 12 months.
- Your letter says you're being moved to another plan from the same company. Ask 1-800-MEDICARE (1-800-633-4227) or Ohio Department of Insurance Consumer Services (1-800-686-1526) whether you have a right in that case.
To compare Medigap policies from the companies they work with, you can request a call from a licensed insurance agent. More on Medigap in Ohio.
Related questions
My plan is ending. What do I do?
Deadlines and steps.
Which companies are leaving Ohio?
Where to find the list.
Can I go back to Original Medicare?
When and how.
Sources
- Ohio Administrative Code 3901-8-08, Medicare supplement (guaranteed issue, free look)
- Medicare.gov — When can I buy a Medigap policy?
- Medicare.gov — Choosing a Medigap Policy (guaranteed issue rights)
- Social Security Act §1882(s)(3), guaranteed issue for eligible persons
More questions in this guide
- Can I change my Medicare plan after open enrollment ends?
- Can I switch from Medicare Advantage back to Original Medicare in Ohio?
- My Medicare Advantage plan is ending in 2027 in Ohio. What do I do?
- What is the Medicare Advantage Open Enrollment Period?
- What is the Medicare Annual Notice of Change?
- When is Medicare open enrollment in Ohio?
- Which Medicare companies are leaving Ohio in 2027?
Part of the guide: Medicare Open Enrollment in Ohio (2027 Plans) · All questions
Frequently asked questions
Can the Medigap company charge me more because of my health?
Not when you use a guaranteed-issue right. The company must sell you the policy, can't add a waiting period for pre-existing conditions, and can't charge more because of past or present health problems.
What if I joined Medicare Advantage for the first time less than a year ago?
You may have a broader right. Under the 12-month trial right, if you joined Medicare Advantage when first eligible at 65, you can buy any Medigap policy sold in Ohio. If your plan ends during that first year, Ohio's rule can extend the trial right.
I missed the 63 days. Can I still get Medigap?
You can apply, but the company can ask health questions and turn you down. Ohio has no birthday rule. Your next guaranteed chance would come only from another qualifying event.
Medicare in your Ohio county
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