Six-Month Window Opens for ‘Medigap’ Health Insurance

WASHINGTON — New Medicare enrollees age 65 and older will have six months in which to buy supplemental health insurance without fear of rejection under a federal law that takes effect today.

The supplemental insurance, also known as Medigap, is private health insurance intended to cover costs not paid by the government’s Medicare program for the elderly and disabled.

Insurance companies often reject applicants who have severe or persistent heart problems, the National Assn. of Insurance Commissioners and consumer groups noted at a briefing on the new law Monday.

The legislation was passed by Congress and signed by President Bush a year ago. It applies to people when they first become enrolled in Medicare Part B, which covers doctor bills. It provides that for the first six months after enrollment they cannot be denied, because of health problems, Medigap insurance for which they would otherwise be eligible.

“This is an important new protection and, through the years to come, will affect millions of Americans,” said Earl R. Pomeroy, North Dakota insurance commissioner and president of the national association.

However, James Firman, president of the United Seniors Health Cooperative, cautioned that “older persons must understand their new rights and, in some cases, they must act very quickly to get the coverage they want.”