Health Insurance & Medical Costs · Surprise rank #304
Buying Medicare Supplement Insurance in NY? They Can’t Reject You for Your Health
New York Medigap Guaranteed-Issue / Enrollment Protections
Who
New Yorkers enrolled in Medicare who are shopping for a Medicare Supplement (Medigap) policy.
What to do
Start here: Compare current NY Medigap premiums and contact insurers or free HIICAP counseling before choosing a policy.
Eligibility: You must be a Medicare enrollee applying for Medigap; group policies can have membership requirements.
What you get
New York requires Medigap insurers to accept Medicare enrollees throughout the year and bars health-status-based denials or premium distinctions.
Benefit: The ability to apply for standardized Medigap coverage without being rejected or charged more because of age, health status, claims history, or receiving health care.
Possible value: Premiums still vary by company and geographic area, and not every company offers every standardized plan.
Good to know
Important: A policy may impose up to a six-month preexisting-condition waiting period, although creditable coverage can reduce or eliminate it.
Availability: Current New York consumer protection.
Why people miss it: People often assume the federal six-month Medigap window is the only time they can apply.
Sources reviewed: Aug 10, 2026