If someone dropped their Medigap more than 12 months ago, can they return using the 12G option?

The correct answer is that an individual who dropped their Medigap policy more than 12 months ago is not eligible to return using the 12G option. Medigap policies are designed to help cover some of the healthcare costs that Original Medicare does not, and there are specific enrollment periods and rules governing these plans.

The 12G option pertains to a guaranteed issue right, which offers individuals a chance to purchase a Medigap policy without medical underwriting under certain circumstances. However, this right typically applies when a person is within a specific timeframe after losing prior coverage or when comparable circumstances occur, such as moving out of a plan’s service area. Once that window has closed—specifically, after 12 months from dropping a Medigap policy—individuals generally lose that right and the opportunity to re-enroll without facing underwriting requirements. This makes it challenging for individuals to regain that coverage later on, hence the reason for the eligibility restriction after 12 months.

Individuals in this situation would typically have to wait for an open enrollment period or secure other qualifying circumstances to gain access to a Medigap policy again. This structured approach helps maintain the integrity of the insurance market while ensuring that consumers are protected during specific transitions.