Oklahoma's rule for people under 65
Federal law doesn't require companies to sell Medigap to people under 65, so the answer depends on your state. Oklahoma has required an open enrollment period for people on Medicare because of a disability since July 1, 1994, according to the Oklahoma Insurance Department (OID). Today the rule, OAC 365:10-5-129(d), says:
- Each company must offer at least one of the standardized Medigap plans it sells to people who qualify because of a disability.
- If you apply during the six months starting with the month you first enroll in Part B, the company can't deny you or delay your coverage because of your health.
- Since September 15, 2017, your premium can't be higher than the company's lowest rate for people 65 and older for that plan.
If Social Security backdates your Medicare, the six months count from the date you're first notified that your coverage was approved.
What changes at 65
| Stage | What you can buy without health questions |
|---|---|
| Under 65, first six months of Part B | At least one plan from each company (the company chooses which) |
| Under 65, after that | Equal or lesser benefits each year under the birthday rule, from plans offered to people with a disability |
| Turning 65 | Any Medigap plan a company sells, during a new six-month open enrollment period |
Steps if you're under 65
- Note your Part B start date. It's on your Medicare card or your Social Security award letter.
- Ask each company which plan it offers. Offers differ, so compare more than one company.
- Apply within six months. Keep a copy of your application.
- Watch for your age-65 notice. When it comes, compare plans again, since every plan a company sells is open to you then.
Tip: If you have both Medicare and SoonerCare (Medicaid), Medicare.gov says Medigap companies generally can't sell you a policy, and SoonerCare can help with Medicare costs. See SoonerCare and Medicare.
To compare Medigap policies from the companies they work with, you can request a call from a licensed insurance agent. See Medigap in Oklahoma and who qualifies for Medicare.
Related questions
Does Oklahoma have a Medigap birthday rule?
Yes, and it covers you under 65.
When can I buy Medigap in Oklahoma?
Every window, in one place.
Can I change Medigap plans?
How to switch safely.
Sources
- Oklahoma Insurance Department — OAC 365 Chapter 10 rule text (365:10-5-129(d), (e))
- Oklahoma Insurance Department — Medicare Supplement Buyer's Guide (Medicare disability and open enrollment)
- Oklahoma Insurance Department — Bulletin No. 10-2023 (Revised), 365:10-5-129(g) notice at 65
- Oklahoma Insurance Department — New Medicare Supplement Open Enrollment FAQs
- Medicare.gov — When can I buy a Medigap policy? (under 65)
More questions in this guide
- Can I change my Medicare supplement plan in Oklahoma?
- Can I switch from Medicare Advantage to a Medicare supplement in Oklahoma?
- Does Oklahoma have a Medigap birthday rule?
- When can I buy a Medicare supplement in Oklahoma?
Part of the guide: Medigap (Medicare Supplement) in Oklahoma · All questions
Frequently asked questions
Do I have to buy Medigap before I turn 65?
No. You can wait. At 65 you get a new six-month Medigap open enrollment period, when every plan a company sells is available to you without health questions. Some people buy a plan under 65 and switch at 65.
Will the company tell me when my age-65 window opens?
Oklahoma requires it. Since September 1, 2023, a company must send people under 65 who are on Medicare because of a disability a notice of their open enrollment rights 60 to 90 days before the first day of the month they turn 65 (OAC 365:10-5-129(g)).
Does the birthday rule apply to me if I'm under 65?
Yes. The Oklahoma Insurance Department says the birthday rule covers policyholders under 65. You can only switch to plans the company offers to people on Medicare because of a disability.
Medicare in your Oklahoma county
Plans, local agents and help, county by county: Oklahoma · Tulsa · Cleveland · Canadian · Comanche · Rogers · Wagoner · Payne · Pottawatomie · Creek · Muskogee · Garfield · Grady · Washington · Logan · Bryan · Le Flore · Carter · Cherokee · McClain · All 77 counties →
