Medicare supplemental insurance, also known as Medigap, is a type of insurance that helps cover the gaps in Medicare coverage. While Medicare itself is a federal program that provides health insurance for people aged 65 and older, as well as certain younger individuals with disabilities, Medigap policies are sold by private insurance companies. In general, insurance companies cannot deny you a Medigap policy if you apply during your Medigap Open Enrollment Period. This period lasts for 6 months and begins on the first day of the month in which you are both 65 or older and enrolled in Medicare Part B. During this time, insurance companies are required to sell you a Medigap policy, regardless of any pre-existing conditions you may have. However, outside of the Medigap Open Enrollment Period, insurance companies may be able to deny you coverage or charge you higher premiums based on your health status. This is known as medical underwriting. Medical underwriting is not allowed in some states, and even in states where it is allowed, there are certain situations where you may still have guaranteed issue rights, which means that insurance companies cannot deny you coverage or charge you higher premiums. These situations include, but are not limited to, losing your current coverage involuntarily, moving out of your current coverage area, or if your current coverage is ending. It's important to note that if you have a pre-existing condition and you are able to get a Medigap policy, the insurance company cannot exclude coverage for that condition or charge you a higher premium because of it. In summary, while there are circumstances where someone might be denied coverage for Medicare supplemental insurance, such as applying outside of the Medigap Open Enrollment Period, there are also protections in place to ensure that individuals have access to coverage.