When should I apply for a Medicare supplement plan?

Who is this for?

If you're interested in applying for a Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan Medicare Supplement plan, this explains how when you apply affects your eligibility and how much you'll pay.

Knowing when you're eligible for Medicare is important. The same is true for Medicare supplement plans, which are also known as Medigap plans.

You can apply for these plans if you:

  • Are enrolled in both Medicare Part A hospital and Part B medical insurance.
  • Live in Michigan for at least six months of the year.

Unlike the Medicare Advantage plans, you are able to apply for these plans anytime throughout the year once you meet the requirements.

But the best time is when you have a guaranteed issue right.  Learn more about the exact dates, your eligibility and your plan choices by reading: What's a Medicare Supplement Guaranteed Issue Right?

Are you eligible for Medicare Supplement Plan A, C, or D?

Enrolling in Plans A, C, and D is a bit different. Find out if you qualify to enroll in one of these plans by reading: Am I eligible for Medicare Supplement Plan A, C, or D?

Important information about your plan

The Medicare deductibles, coinsurance and copays listed are based on the 2023 numbers approved by the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services. You can go to any hospital, doctor or other health care provider in the U.S. or its territories that accepts medicare. You don't have to use our network. Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan administers Blue Cross medicare Supplement plans. Where you live, your age, gender and whether you use nicotine products (including e-cigarettes, vaping, and nicotine patches or gum) may affect what you pay for your plan. Your health status may also affect what you pay. This is a solicitation of insurance. We may contact you about buying insurance. Blue Cross Medicare Supplement plans aren't connected with or endorsed by the U.S. government or the federal Medicare program. 

If you're currently enrolled in Plan A or Plan C, you can stay with your plan as long as you pay your premium. You may enroll in Plan C if you've lost coverage under a group policy after becoming eligible for Medicare. You're also eligible if you had Plan C, then enrolled in a Medicare Advantage plan, and now would like to return to Plan C. You can do this as long as it's within the first 12 months of your Medicare Advantage plan. You're automatically eligible for Plan A if you're 65 or older. If you're under age 65, you are eligible for Plan A if you've lost coverage under a group policy after becoming eligible for Medicare. You can also enroll if you had Plan A, then enrolled in a Medicare Advantage plan, and now would like to return to Plan A. You can do this as long as it's within the first 12 months of your Medicare Advantage plan. You'll need to meet these requirements to apply for these plans.