​Starting July 1, 2026, a new Maryland law makes it easier for some people with Medicare to buy a Medicare Supplement (Medigap) plan.

House Bill 275 / Senate Bill 134 creates two new times when eligible Medicare beneficiaries can enroll in certain Medicare Supplement policies without answering health questions or going through medical underwriting. This means that insurance companies cannot deny coverage or charge more because of a person’s health condition, medical history, or claims history.

1. The first new guaranteed issue period is for individuals who lose Medicaid coverage* after enrolling in Medicare Part B. To qualify, you must have been enrolled in Medicaid and Medicare Part B at the same time, and remained enrolled in Medicaid for at least six months after enrolling in Part B. You must apply for a Medicare Supplement policy within 63 days following the Medicaid termination or notice of Medicaid termination (whichever is later).
2. The second new guaranteed issue period is for individuals who became eligible for Medicare before January 1, 2020, and have a qualifying federal Special Enrollment Period. Eligible individuals may apply for any Medicare Supplement policy currently open to new members by submitting an application within 63-days following the qualifying event.

A federal law passed in 2015 created new Medicare Supplement plans. However, Maryland residents eligible for Medicare before 2020 generally could not enroll in these plans without going through medical underwriting. The new guaranteed issue period gives these Medicare beneficiaries a chance to enroll in these plans without medical underwriting, helping more Marylanders access coverage.

*This includes Fee-for-Service, Qualified Medicare Beneficiary (QMB), or Specified Low-Income Medicare Beneficiary (SLMB) programs.

Consumers with questions about Medicare Supplement coverage can contact the Health Coverage Assistance Team (H-CAT)