How to buy a Medigap policy in Washington

Before you start

You'll need:

• your Medicare card (Medicare number and Part A and Part B start dates),
• your current coverage details, if you're replacing something,
• your county, which decides which insurers you can buy from,
• a list of your regular doctors, to check that they accept Medicare assignment if you're considering Plan N.

The steps

1. Confirm your window. Are you in your six-month open enrollment, a guaranteed-issue period, or replacing an existing Medigap Plan B through N? If none apply, expect health questions. See open enrollment and guaranteed issue.
2. Choose a plan letter. Most people compare Plan G and Plan N. See the best plan for you.
3. See who sells it in your county. Find your county or your town.
4. Get quotes. Ask for the premium, household and payment discounts, and recent rate history. An independent agent can quote several insurers at once; there's no fee to you, because insurers pay agent commissions, and the premium is the same whether you buy through an agent or directly.
5. Read the outline of coverage. Every insurer must give you one before you apply. It lists the policy form, benefits, exclusions and renewal terms.
6. Apply. Applications take 15 to 30 minutes, by phone, online or on paper. Outside protected windows you'll answer health questions.
7. Wait for approval and a policy start date. Choose a start date that avoids a gap, such as the first day of your Part B, or the day after your old coverage ends.
8. Set up payment. Bank draft is often discounted.
9. Cancel old coverage only after the new policy is in force. Washington gives you a 30-day free look to return a new policy for a full refund.
10. Add Part D if you don't already have drug coverage.

After you're covered

• Medigap claims usually process automatically: Medicare pays first and forwards the claim to your insurer.
• Keep rate notices. With Plan B through N, Washington lets you switch insurers at any time, so compare when your premium goes up.
• Your policy is guaranteed renewable as long as you pay the premium.