- Monday - Friday: 8 AM - 6 PM
- Saturdays: 8 AM - 1 PM
Medicare Enrollment periods are confusing for most people. Be informed and be aware, missing an enrollment in Medicare can cost you. Medicare should warn enrollees on steep late sign-up penalties.
In 2021, an estimated 779,400 Medicare beneficiaries were paying the Part B late enrollment penalty — still less than 2% of enrollees. But for those who do pay, the cost is significant. On average, the penalty increased monthly premiums by nearly 30%. And it doesn’t go away — for most people, the penalty is permanent for as long as they have Medicare coverage.
There are also Medicare beneficiaries also lacked creditable prescription drug coverage, making them potentially liable for a premium penalty when they later do enroll in a Part D Drug Plan. Millions of people could pay monthly penalties for as long as they have Medicare coverage.
Check the links below to get a look at the different Medicare enrollment periods and beyond that you should be aware. You don’t want to paying more than you should for the coverage you need.
Figuring out whether your current coverage qualifies — and what to do next — can be confusing. At Nevada Medicare, we help Nevadans navigate these decisions every day. Call us at 702-840-1111 and we’ll make sure you don’t pay a penny more than you have to.
Your Initial Enrollment Period (IEP) is the 7-month window when you can first sign up for Medicare Parts A, B, and D. It begins 3 months before your 65th birthday month, includes your birthday month, and ends 3 months after — giving you plenty of time to enroll on your own schedule.
We recommend signing up during the 3 months before your birthday month whenever possible. Enrolling early helps ensure your coverage starts on time and avoids any gaps in benefits.
It’s important to know that you do not need to be receiving retirement benefits to enroll in Medicare. You can apply for Medicare now and choose to delay your Social Security retirement benefits until a later date — the two do not have to happen at the same time.
Missing your Initial Enrollment Period without having other qualifying coverage can result in permanent late penalties added to your monthly premium for as long as you have Medicare. These are penalties most people never expect — and are easy to avoid with the right guidance.
Not sure when your enrollment window opens or which parts of Medicare are right for you? Call Nevada Medicare at 702-840-1111. We help Nevadans navigate Medicare every day — and we’re here to help you too.
| If You Join | Your Coverage Begins |
|---|---|
| During one of the 3 months before you turn 65 | The first day of the month you turn 65 |
| During the month you turn 65 | The first day of the month after you ask to join the plan |
| During one of the 3 months after you turn 65 | The first day of the month after you ask to join the plan |
Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit. Ut elit tellus, luctus nec ullamcorper mattis, pulvinar dapibus leo.
During the IEP, you can enroll in Original Medicare (Part A and Part B) or a Medicare Advantage plan (Medicare Part C). Enrolling during your IEP avoids any late enrollment penalty.
You can also avoid late penalties for Part D by enrolling drug coverage during this same window. That drug coverage can be a standalone plan or part of a Medicare Advantage plan that includes Part D.
There are unpleasant and costly consequences if you don’t sign up for coverage during your Initial Enrollment Period (IEP).
PART A: If you don’t meet the necessary qualifications and have to pay for Part A—the standard monthly 2026 premiums are $565 if you paid Medicare taxes for 29 quarters or less, and $311 if you paid Medicare taxes for 30 to 39 quarters—you may be assessed a 10% late enrollment penalty if you don’t sign up when you first become eligible.
As an example, if your premium is $565 and you waited a year to sign up, your new premium amount would be $621.50
PART B: If you don’t sign up for Part B when you’re first eligible, you will be assessed a late enrollment penalty “in most cases,” according to Medicare.gov. This penalty is 10% for each 12-month period you were eligible for Part B benefits but did not receive them because you never enrolled.
For example, the standard premium for Part B in 2026 will be $202.90. Therefore, if you were eligible for Part B in January 2025 but didn’t sign up until January 2026, you went full 12-month time period without this coverage. This means that your premiums would be increased by 10%—a total of $223.19 per month.
You can enroll in Medicare Part B at any time that you are still covered by a group plan based on current employment. After your employer health coverage ends or your employment ends (whichever comes first), you have an eight-month special enrollment period to sign up for Part B without a late penalty.
Keep in mind that retiree coverage and COBRA are not considered health coverage based on current employment and would not qualify you for a special enrollment period. If you have COBRA after your employer coverage ends, you should not wait until your COBRA coverage ends to sign up for Medicare Part B. Your eight-month Part B special enrollment period begins immediately after your current employment or group plan ends (whichever comes first). This is regardless of whether you get COBRA
Do you need help understanding Medicare coverage? The first step to setting Medicare the right way is knowledge. Let us help you answer your questions and guide you through the Medicare maze. Contact Us or message us.
What is Medicare Creditable Coverage?
If you are approaching age 65 and still have health or prescription drug coverage through an employer, union, or another source, you may be wondering whether you need to sign up for Medicare right away. The answer depends on whether your current coverage is considered “creditable” — and understanding this distinction could save you from paying permanent penalties down the road.
What Does Creditable Coverage Mean?
Creditable coverage is any health or prescription drug insurance that is at least as good as Medicare’s standard coverage. In other words, it is expected to pay, on average, as much as Medicare would pay for the same services or medications.
When your coverage is creditable, you are generally allowed to delay enrolling in Medicare without facing a late enrollment penalty — as long as you sign up within the allowed timeframe once that coverage ends.
What Counts as Creditable Coverage?
The following are common examples of coverage that typically qualifies as creditable:
Employer-sponsored health insurance based on active employment, union health plans, TRICARE (military coverage), Veterans Affairs (VA) coverage, Federal Employees Health Benefits (FEHB) program, individual health insurance plans that meet Medicare’s minimum standards, and certain State Pharmaceutical Assistance Programs (SPAPs).
It is important to note that COBRA and retiree health coverage do not count as creditable coverage for the purpose of delaying Medicare enrollment. If you are relying on either of these after leaving your job, you should enroll in Medicare during your Initial Enrollment Period to avoid penalties.
Creditable Coverage for Part D (Prescription Drugs)
This is where creditable coverage matters most for many people. If you have prescription drug coverage through an employer or another source that is at least as good as Medicare Part D, you are not required to enroll in a Part D plan right away.
However, if you go 63 days or more without creditable drug coverage after your Initial Enrollment Period ends, you may face a permanent Part D late enrollment penalty. This penalty is added to your monthly premium for as long as you have Medicare drug coverage — even if you switch plans.
Your employer or insurance provider is required by law to notify you each year whether your drug coverage is creditable. Look for this notice every fall, typically before October 15, and keep it for your records.
How Do You Know If Your Coverage is Creditable?
Your insurance provider is required to send you a written notice — called a Notice of Creditable Coverage — each year before Medicare’s Annual Enrollment Period, which runs from October 15 to December 7. This notice will clearly state whether your current drug coverage meets Medicare’s standard.
If you are unsure whether your coverage qualifies, contact your benefits administrator or HR department and ask directly. Do not assume — getting the wrong answer here can cost you for life.
What Happens If Your Coverage is Not Creditable?
If your current prescription drug or health coverage does not meet Medicare’s minimum standard, you should enroll in Medicare during your Initial Enrollment Period to avoid penalties. Waiting without creditable coverage — even for just a few months beyond your IEP — can trigger permanent penalties that increase your premiums for as long as you have Medicare.
When Should You Enroll After Losing Creditable Coverage?
If you lose creditable coverage — for example, when you retire or your employer stops offering the plan — you have a Special Enrollment Period to sign up for Medicare without a penalty. For Part B, you have 8 months from the date your coverage ends. For Part D, you have 63 days. Do not wait until the last day — processing delays can leave you with a gap in coverage.
Figuring out whether your current coverage qualifies — and what to do next — can be confusing. At Nevada Medicare, we help Nevadans navigate these decisions every day. Call us at 702-840-1111 and we’ll make sure you don’t pay a penny more than you have to.
f you missed your Initial Enrollment Period (IEP) and did not qualify for a Special Enrollment Period, the Medicare General Enrollment Period (GEP) is your opportunity to get covered. It is important to understand how it works, when it happens, and what it may cost you — because waiting comes with consequences.
When is the Medicare General Enrollment Period?
The Medicare General Enrollment Period runs every year from January 1 through March 31. If you enroll during this window, your coverage will begin on May 1 of that same year.
This means that if you missed your IEP and have been without Medicare coverage, you may have to wait until the next GEP to enroll — and you will likely face late enrollment penalties on top of that.
Who is the General Enrollment Period For?
The GEP is for people who:
Did not sign up for Medicare Part A and/or Part B during their Initial Enrollment Period, did not qualify for a Special Enrollment Period, and are not automatically enrolled in Medicare through Social Security or Railroad Retirement Board benefits.
If any of these apply to you, the General Enrollment Period may be your only option to get Original Medicare coverage outside of a Special Enrollment Period.
Will I Pay a Penalty for Enrolling During the GEP?
In most cases, yes. If you did not have creditable coverage during the time you were eligible for Medicare but did not enroll, you will be assessed a late enrollment penalty.
For Part B, the penalty is an additional 10% of the standard monthly premium for each full 12-month period you were eligible but did not enroll. This penalty is permanent — it stays with you for as long as you have Part B coverage.
For example, if the standard Part B premium is $202.90 and you went two full years without enrolling, your penalty would be 20%, adding $40.58 to your monthly premium — every month, for life.
Standard Premium ($202.90) x 20% (.20) = Late Enrollment Penalty ($40.58)
Standard Premium ($202.90) + Late Enrollment Penalty ($40.58) = Your Monthly Premium ($243.48)
The longer you wait, the higher your penalty. This is why enrolling during your Initial Enrollment Period — or as soon as you lose creditable coverage — is so important.
Can I Sign Up for Medicare Advantage or Part D During the GEP?
Once you enroll in Original Medicare (Parts A and B) during the General Enrollment Period, you become eligible to sign up for a Medicare Advantage plan (Part C) or a standalone Part D prescription drug plan. You will have a window from April 1 through June 30 to choose a Medicare Advantage or Part D plan, with coverage beginning July 1.
Keep in mind that if you went without creditable drug coverage during the time you were eligible, you may also face a permanent Part D late enrollment penalty in addition to your Part B penalty.
What if I Qualify for a Special Enrollment Period?
If you missed your IEP because you had creditable coverage through an employer or another qualifying source, you may qualify for a Special Enrollment Period instead of having to wait for the GEP. A Special Enrollment Period allows you to sign up outside of the standard enrollment windows without facing a late penalty.
If you think you may qualify, it is important to act quickly. For Part B, you have 8 months from the date your employer coverage ends to enroll without a penalty. For Part D, you have 63 days. Do not wait — these windows are strict.
Key Dates to Remember
The General Enrollment Period opens January 1 and closes March 31 every year. Coverage begins May 1 for those who enroll. The Medicare Advantage and Part D enrollment window following the GEP runs April 1 through June 30, with coverage starting July 1.
Don’t Wait Until January — Call Us Now
If you have missed your Initial Enrollment Period and are unsure of your options, do not wait until January to figure it out. The sooner you get guidance, the better your options will be. Call Nevada Medicare at 702-840-1111 for a free consultation — we’ll review your situation, explain your options, and make sure you get covered without paying more than you have to.
Missing your Initial Enrollment Period (IEP) does not mean you are permanently locked out of Medicare Advantage or Part D coverage. However, your options become more limited, the windows are stricter, and in most cases you will pay a penalty. Here is everything you need to know about getting covered after missing your IEP.
First — Did You Actually Miss Your IEP?
Before assuming you missed your window, it is worth confirming. Your Initial Enrollment Period is a 7-month window that begins 3 months before your 65th birthday month, includes your birthday month, and ends 3 months after. If you are still within this window, you can enroll now without any penalty.
If you had coverage through an employer or another qualifying source during this time, you may not have missed anything at all — you may simply qualify for a Special Enrollment Period instead.
Option 1 — Special Enrollment Period (SEP)
If you missed your IEP because you were covered under a qualifying employer or union health plan based on active employment, you are entitled to a Special Enrollment Period. This is the best-case scenario because it allows you to enroll in Medicare Advantage and Part D without facing a late enrollment penalty.
For Medicare Advantage and Part D, your SEP gives you 2 months from the date your employer coverage ends to enroll in a new plan. It is critical that you act within this window — once it closes, you will have to wait for the next available enrollment period and will likely face penalties.
Important: COBRA and retiree health coverage do not qualify you for a Special Enrollment Period. If you are relying on either of these after leaving your job, your SEP clock started when your active employer coverage ended — not when your COBRA or retiree coverage ends.
Option 2 — Medicare General Enrollment Period (GEP)
If you did not have qualifying employer coverage and truly missed your IEP, you will need to wait for the Medicare General Enrollment Period, which runs from January 1 through March 31 each year.
During the GEP you can enroll in Original Medicare (Parts A and B). Once enrolled, you will then have a separate window from April 1 through June 30 to sign up for a Medicare Advantage plan or a standalone Part D prescription drug plan, with coverage beginning July 1.
Keep in mind that enrolling through the GEP rather than your IEP will likely result in late enrollment penalties for both Part B and Part D if you went without creditable coverage during the gap.
Option 3 — Annual Enrollment Period (AEP)
The Medicare Annual Enrollment Period runs every year from October 15 through December 7. During this window, anyone already enrolled in Medicare can switch, drop, or add Medicare Advantage and Part D coverage, with changes taking effect January 1 of the following year.
However, the AEP is not designed for people enrolling in Medicare for the first time. To use the AEP for Medicare Advantage or Part D, you must already be enrolled in Original Medicare (Parts A and B). If you have not yet enrolled in Original Medicare, you will need to do that first through the GEP before you can use the AEP.
Option 4 — Medicare Advantage Open Enrollment Period (OEP)
If you are already enrolled in a Medicare Advantage plan and want to make a change, the Medicare Advantage Open Enrollment Period runs from January 1 through March 31 each year. During this window you can switch to a different Medicare Advantage plan or return to Original Medicare and add a standalone Part D plan.
This period is specifically for people already enrolled in Medicare Advantage — it is not an option for first-time enrollees.
What Penalties Can I Expect?
If you missed your IEP without having creditable coverage, you should expect the following permanent penalties:
For Part B, the penalty is 10% of the standard monthly premium for each full 12-month period you were eligible but did not enroll. This is added to your premium for life.
For Part D, the penalty is 1% of the national base beneficiary premium for each full month you went without creditable drug coverage. For 2026, the national base beneficiary premium is $38.99. This penalty is also permanent and recalculated each year.
The longer you wait to enroll, the higher both penalties become — and neither one ever goes away.
How Do I Know Which Option Applies to Me?
The right enrollment path depends on your specific situation — when you turned 65, what coverage you had, when it ended, and how long you have been without Medicare. Getting this wrong can mean paying penalties you did not have to pay, or missing a window that could have saved you money.
Get Free Help From Nevada Medicare
Navigating late enrollment on your own is stressful and easy to get wrong. At Nevada Medicare we review your situation for free, identify which enrollment window applies to you, and make sure you get into the right plan without overpaying.
Call us today at 702-840-1111 — our advisors are available Monday through Friday 8 AM to 6 PM and Saturdays 8 AM to 1 PM. There is no pressure just answers.
If you are already enrolled in a Medicare Advantage plan and something is not working for you — whether it is the cost, the network, or the coverage — the Medicare Advantage Open Enrollment Period gives you a second chance to make a change. Here is everything you need to know about how it works and what you can do during this window.
When is the Medicare Advantage Open Enrollment Period?
The Medicare Advantage Open Enrollment Period (MA OEP) runs every year from January 1 through March 31. Any changes you make during this period take effect on the first day of the following month after your enrollment is processed.
For example, if you switch plans on February 10, your new coverage begins March 1.
Who is the Medicare Advantage Open Enrollment Period For?
The MA OEP is exclusively for people who are already enrolled in a Medicare Advantage plan. It is not available to people enrolling in Medicare for the first time, and it cannot be used to join a Medicare Advantage plan if you are currently on Original Medicare.
You qualify to use the MA OEP if you are currently enrolled in any Medicare Advantage plan, whether it includes drug coverage (MAPD) or not (MA-only).
What Can I Do During the Medicare Advantage Open Enrollment Period?
During the MA OEP you have two options:
You can switch from your current Medicare Advantage plan to a different Medicare Advantage plan in your area. If your current plan is not meeting your needs — your doctor left the network, premiums went up, or you found a better plan — this is your opportunity to make a move.
You can also drop your Medicare Advantage plan entirely and return to Original Medicare (Parts A and B). If you make this switch, you can also add a standalone Part D prescription drug plan to cover your medications.
What Can I NOT Do During the MA OEP?
It is equally important to know what this period does not allow. You cannot use the MA OEP to switch from Original Medicare to a Medicare Advantage plan — that can only be done during the Annual Enrollment Period (October 15 to December 7) or a Special Enrollment Period. You also cannot use this period to switch standalone Part D plans unless you are also making a change to your Medicare Advantage enrollment.
Can I Sign Up for a Medicare Supplement (Medigap) Plan During the MA OEP?
This is one of the most common questions we hear. If you drop your Medicare Advantage plan during the MA OEP and return to Original Medicare, you may want to add a Medicare Supplement plan to help cover out-of-pocket costs. However, outside of your initial Medicare Supplement Open Enrollment Period, insurance companies in most states are not required to accept you without medical underwriting. This means you could be denied or charged a higher premium based on your health history.
If you are considering dropping Medicare Advantage and moving to a Medigap plan, it is strongly recommended that you speak with an advisor before making that switch. Getting the sequence wrong can leave you without the Medigap protection you were counting on.
How Does This Differ From the Annual Enrollment Period?
The Annual Enrollment Period (AEP) runs from October 15 through December 7 each year and is open to all Medicare beneficiaries. During the AEP, anyone on Medicare can join, switch, or drop a Medicare Advantage or Part D plan.
The MA OEP is more limited — it is only for people already in a Medicare Advantage plan who want to make one change. You also only get one change during the MA OEP, so it is important to choose carefully.
Key Dates at a Glance
The Medicare Advantage Open Enrollment Period opens January 1 and closes March 31 every year. Changes made during this period take effect the first day of the month following your enrollment. You are allowed one plan change during this window.
Not Sure If You Should Switch?
Making the wrong move during the MA OEP can affect your coverage, your doctors, and your costs for the rest of the year. Before you make any changes, it pays to have someone review your options with you.
Call Nevada Medicare at 702-840-1111 for a plan review. We compare the plans available in your area, check whether your doctors and medications are covered, and make sure any switch you make actually saves you money. We are available Monday through Friday 8 AM to 6 PM and Saturdays 8 AM to 1 PM
Most people enroll in Medicare during their Initial Enrollment Period when they turn 65. But life does not always follow a predictable schedule. If you delayed Medicare because you had coverage through a job, lost your coverage unexpectedly, moved, or experienced another qualifying life event, a Special Enrollment Period may allow you to sign up for Medicare or change your coverage outside of the standard enrollment windows — without facing a late penalty.
What is a Special Enrollment Period?
A Special Enrollment Period (SEP) is a limited window of time that allows eligible Medicare beneficiaries to enroll in, switch, or drop Medicare coverage outside of the regular enrollment periods. SEPs exist because certain life events — like losing employer coverage or moving out of your plan’s service area — can affect your healthcare needs in ways that cannot wait until the next open enrollment window.
The type of SEP you qualify for, how long it lasts, and what changes you can make all depend on the specific qualifying event that triggered it.
What Qualifies You for a Special Enrollment Period?
There are several life events that can trigger a Special Enrollment Period. The most common include the following.
Losing employer or union coverage based on active employment is the most frequently used SEP trigger. If you or your spouse were covered under a group health plan tied to current employment and that coverage ends — due to retirement, job loss, or the employer ending the plan — you qualify for an SEP. For Part B you have 8 months from the date coverage ends to enroll without a penalty. For Medicare Advantage and Part D you have 2 months.
Moving out of your plan’s service area qualifies you for an SEP to switch to a plan available in your new location. This applies whether you move to a new county, a new state, or return to the United States after living abroad.
Losing other qualifying coverage such as Medicaid, a Medicare Savings Program, or Extra Help can also trigger an SEP, giving you time to find replacement coverage without a gap.
Moving into or out of a skilled nursing facility, assisted living, or other institutional care setting qualifies you for an SEP to adjust your coverage to fit your new situation.
Your plan leaving the Medicare program or stopping coverage in your area gives you an SEP to choose a new plan so you are not left without coverage.
Qualifying for Extra Help — the federal program that helps low-income beneficiaries pay for Part D costs — triggers an SEP that allows you to enroll in or switch Part D plans at any time.
How Long Does a Special Enrollment Period Last?
The length of your SEP depends on the qualifying event. For losing employer-based coverage, Part B gives you 8 months from the date your coverage or employment ends, whichever comes first. For Medicare Advantage and Part D the window is typically 2 months from the qualifying event. For moving, you generally have 2 months before or after your move to make a plan change.
It is critical to act within these windows. Once your SEP closes, you will have to wait for the next available enrollment period — and if you go without coverage in the meantime, you may face permanent late enrollment penalties.
Important Rules About Employer Coverage and SEPs
This is one of the most misunderstood areas of Medicare enrollment, and getting it wrong can be costly.
COBRA coverage does not qualify you for a Special Enrollment Period. If you retire and elect COBRA instead of enrolling in Medicare, your 8-month SEP clock for Part B starts from the date your active employer coverage ended — not when your COBRA coverage ends. If you wait until your COBRA runs out to enroll in Medicare, you may find that your SEP has already expired and you are now subject to late enrollment penalties.
Retiree health coverage from a former employer also does not trigger or extend an SEP. Like COBRA, it is not considered coverage based on current active employment and does not protect you from late penalties.
If you are approaching retirement and have either of these situations, it is important to plan your Medicare enrollment carefully before your active employer coverage ends.
Can a Special Enrollment Period Help Me Avoid Late Penalties?
Yes — this is one of the primary purposes of an SEP. If you qualify for a Special Enrollment Period and enroll within the allowed timeframe, you will not be assessed a late enrollment penalty for the period during which you had qualifying creditable coverage. The key is acting within your window. Missing your SEP deadline eliminates this protection.
What if I Am Not Sure Whether I Qualify?
Determining whether you qualify for a Special Enrollment Period — and which one applies to your situation — can be confusing. The rules around employer coverage, COBRA, retiree plans, and other qualifying events have specific details that are easy to misinterpret. A wrong assumption can result in a missed window, a coverage gap, or a permanent penalty that follows you for life.
Get Help From Nevada Medicare
If you think you may qualify for a Special Enrollment Period, do not try to figure it out alone. At Nevada Medicare we review your specific situation for free, identify whether you qualify for an SEP, and walk you through exactly what steps to take and when.
Call us at 702-840-1111 — we are available Monday through Friday 8 AM to 6 PM and Saturdays 8 AM to 1 PM. There is no pressure, and no obligation. Just clear answers from people who help Nevadans with Medicare every day.
When you first enroll in Medicare Part B, you have a one-time window to sign up for a Medicare Supplement plan — also known as Medigap — with full federal protections. This window is called the Medicare Supplement Open Enrollment Period, and it is one of the most valuable and time-sensitive opportunities in all of Medicare. Missing it can make it significantly harder and more expensive to get the same coverage later.
When is the Medicare Supplement Open Enrollment Period?
The Medicare Supplement Open Enrollment Period begins on the first day of the month that you are both age 65 or older and enrolled in Medicare Part B. It lasts for 6 months and does not repeat. This is a one-time window — once it closes, it is gone.
For example, if your Part B coverage begins on October 1, your Medicare Supplement Open Enrollment Period runs from October 1 through March 31.
What Makes This Period So Important?
During your Medicare Supplement Open Enrollment Period, federal law gives you guaranteed issue rights. This means that every insurance company offering Medigap plans in Nevada is required to sell you any plan they offer — regardless of your health history, pre-existing conditions, or current medications.
Specifically, during this window an insurance company cannot refuse to sell you a Medigap plan, cannot charge you a higher premium because of your health status or medical history, and cannot make you wait for coverage of a pre-existing condition.
These protections are extremely powerful and they only apply during this 6-month window. Outside of it, insurance companies in most states — including Nevada — have the right to use medical underwriting, which means they can charge you more, limit your coverage, or deny your application altogether based on your health.
What Plans Are Available During the Medicare Supplement Open Enrollment Period?
During your open enrollment window you can choose from any standardized Medigap plan available in Nevada. The most popular plans are Plan G and Plan N, though the right choice depends on your budget, how often you use healthcare, and whether you travel frequently.
Plan G covers nearly all out-of-pocket costs under Original Medicare except the Part B deductible, making it one of the most comprehensive options available. Plan N offers lower premiums in exchange for some cost-sharing at doctor and emergency room visits. There are several other plan options as well, each covering a different combination of costs.
Because you have guaranteed issue rights during this period, this is the ideal time to compare plans and choose the one that best fits your needs — knowing you cannot be turned down.
What Happens if I Miss the Medicare Supplement Open Enrollment Period?
Outside of your open enrollment window, applying for a Medigap plan becomes more difficult. In most states including Nevada, insurance companies can require you to go through medical underwriting if you apply outside of a guaranteed issue period. This means they can review your health history and decide to charge you a higher premium, exclude coverage for certain conditions, or deny your application entirely.
There are some limited situations that may give you guaranteed issue rights outside of your open enrollment period — such as losing other coverage involuntarily or moving out of a Medicare Advantage plan’s service area. However, these situations are specific and time-limited. They are not a substitute for enrolling during your original open enrollment window.
Can I Apply for Medigap If I Am Under 65?
Federal law only requires guaranteed issue rights for people who are 65 or older. If you are under 65 and enrolled in Medicare due to a disability, insurance companies in some states are not required to sell you a Medigap plan at all. Nevada does have some protections for disabled Medicare beneficiaries under 65, but the available plans and pricing may differ. Contact us directly to understand your options if this applies to you.
Should I Choose Medicare Supplement or Medicare Advantage?
This is one of the most common questions people face when first enrolling in Medicare, and the answer is different for everyone. Medicare Supplement plans work alongside Original Medicare, giving you broad nationwide coverage with predictable out-of-pocket costs and no network restrictions. Medicare Advantage plans replace Original Medicare and often include extra benefits like dental, vision, and hearing, typically with lower premiums but more network restrictions and variable out-of-pocket costs.
The right choice depends on your health, your budget, your doctors, and how you prefer to manage your healthcare. Making the wrong choice during this window — and then trying to switch later — can be difficult and expensive. This is exactly where having a trusted advisor makes all the difference.
Get Free Help Choosing the Right Medigap Plan
With so many plans available and guaranteed issue rights on the line, this is not a decision to make alone or to rush. At Nevada Medicare we compare every Medigap plan available in your area, explain the differences in plain language, and help you choose the plan that gives you the best coverage for your budget.
Call us at 702-840-1111 before your 6-month window closes.
Medicare enrollment has a lot of moving parts — multiple periods, strict deadlines, permanent penalties, and decisions that can affect your coverage and your budget for the rest of your life. At Nevada Medicare we understand that most people only go through this process once, and we are here to make sure you get it right the first time.
We Help You Avoid Costly Mistakes
The most expensive Medicare mistakes are almost always the result of missing a deadline, misunderstanding a rule, or assuming that one type of coverage protects you when it does not. Our advisors have helped thousands of Nevadans navigate every enrollment scenario — from straightforward first-time enrollments to complex situations involving employer coverage, COBRA, disability, and late penalties.
Whether you are turning 65, recently retired, losing employer coverage, or trying to fix a mistake from a previous enrollment, we can review your situation and give you a clear, honest picture of your options.
We Know Nevada
Medicare plans vary significantly from one county to the next. The plans available in Las Vegas are different from those in Reno, Henderson, Carson City, and rural Nevada communities. We specialize in Nevada Medicare plans and know exactly which carriers, networks, and plan options are available in your area — so you are never comparing plans that do not actually apply to you.
Reach Us When It Is Convenient for You
We know that people researching Medicare are often juggling retirement planning, family responsibilities, and big life transitions all at once. That is why we make it easy to reach us on your schedule.
Call Nevada Medicare at 702-840-1111 Monday through Friday 8 AM to 6 PM or Saturday 8 AM to 1 PM. You can also visit us at 2412 Stewart Ave, Las Vegas, NV 89101 or reach us through text message or the contact form on our website at NevadaMedicare.com.
Do not leave your Medicare enrollment to chance. One call could save you from permanent penalties, coverage gaps, and years of overpaying for the wrong plan. We are here to help.
