• Home
  • /
  • Blog
  • /
  • Can a Medicare Supplement Plan Be Canceled by the Insurer?
December 29, 2024

Quick Answer:
Yes, but only in rare cases.
In most cases, Medigap (Medicare Supplement) policies are guaranteed renewable — meaning your insurance company can’t cancel your coverage as long as you continue to pay your premium.

However, there are rare but specific scenarios where a policy may be terminated. According to Medicare.gov, insurers can only cancel a Medigap policy under specific circumstances — such as failure to pay premiums, misrepresentation on your application, or if the insurance company goes bankrupt.

When Can a Medicare Supplement Be Canceled?

Non-Payment of Premium

If you miss payments, even by accident, your policy can be terminated.  Always contact your insurer or agent if you fall behind.

📝 *Example:*  

Harold from Bangor missed his premium during a hospital stay. We helped him reinstate it quickly — but others haven’t been as lucky.

Material Misrepresentation or Fraud

This applies only to serious, deliberate falsehoods on your application.  Minor mistakes won’t get you canceled.


Insurance Company Exits the Market

You’ll get advance notice.  You may qualify for a Guaranteed Issue Right to pick another plan.

💡 *Tip:* Work with an independent broker who can act fast on your behalf.


What to Do If Your Plan Is Being Canceled

You may qualify for a Guaranteed Issue Right if:

  • Your insurer discontinues your plan through no fault of your own
  • You lose union/employer retiree coverage
  • You act within the 63-day window

This allows you to buy a new Medigap plan without medical underwriting.

⚠️ Warning: Missed Premiums May Limit Your Options

If your cancellation is due to non-payment, you might not qualify for a new Medicare Supplement without going through health underwriting.

Guaranteed Medigap coverage is only available when:

  • You're in your Initial Enrollment Period, OR
  • You lose coverage through no fault of your own

Outside those times:

  • You must answer health questions
  • You can be denied
  • You may be charged more

📌 Example:

A client in Nazareth missed three payments. Due to health issues, she was declined or overpriced by all carriers. She had to wait for Medicare Advantage AEP and had no drug coverage in the meantime.

What Happens If You’re Denied Medigap?

If your application is denied:

  • You’ll still have Original Medicare (Parts A & B) — but no cap on out-of-pocket costs
  • You can apply for a Medicare Advantage plan, but only:
    • During Annual Enrollment (Oct 15–Dec 7), or
    • If you qualify for a Special Enrollment Period.

Should You Switch to Medicare Advantage Instead?

A Medicare Advantage plan may be your next-best option, but be aware:

  • Provider networks are restricted
  • Copays and out-of-pocket limits vary
  • Some include extras like dental, OTC cards, or gym membership.

We’ll walk you through Medigap vs. Advantage so you can choose with confidence.

👉 If you're considering staying with Medigap and want to understand the most popular option, read our Medicare Plan G Explained Simply (2025 Update).

Losing Your Medicare Supplement?

Don’t wait until it’s too late. Find out if you qualify for a new plan — with or without health questions.

  • ✓ Guaranteed Issue options
  • ✓ Compare Plan G and N rates
  • ✓ Avoid costly gaps in coverage
Schedule My Free Review

Frequently Asked Questions About Canceled Medigap Policies

Can my Medicare Supplement be canceled because of my health?

No. As long as you pay your premiums, your health has no effect on your coverage. Medigap plans are guaranteed renewable — even if your health gets worse.

What happens if I miss a payment?

If you miss a payment, your plan can be terminated. Some companies offer a short grace period, but if your plan lapses and you're outside your guaranteed enrollment window, you may have to reapply and go through health underwriting — and you can be denied.

Can I get another Medigap plan if mine is canceled?

Maybe — it depends on the reason.
If your plan is canceled through no fault of your own (like the insurer leaving the market), you likely qualify for a Guaranteed Issue Right. But if it was canceled due to non-payment, you may be subject to health questions and could be declined.

What is a Guaranteed Issue Right, and do I qualify?

A Guaranteed Issue Right means you can buy certain Medigap plans without answering health questions. You may qualify if:

  • Your insurer stops offering coverage in your state

  • You lose group coverage that supplemented Medicare

  • You apply within 63 days of losing that coverage

Can I switch to Medicare Advantage instead?

Yes, but only during the Annual Enrollment Period (Oct 15 – Dec 7), or if you qualify for a Special Enrollment Period. Medicare Advantage has different rules, doctor networks, and out-of-pocket costs, so it’s important to compare carefully.

How can I avoid losing my Medigap plan?

– Always pay your premium on time  
– Set up auto-pay if possible  
– Stay in contact with your agent or insurer if your financial situation changes.

Can I talk to someone about my options?

Absolutely. We're happy to walk you through your situation and help you:

  • Check if you're eligible for Guaranteed Issue

  • Compare Medigap and Advantage plans

  • Avoid losing coverage unexpectedly

Schedule Your Free Medicare Review Here: https://calendly.com/dscallion-ds/60min 

Get Help

Compare Medicare coverage options with the help of one of our agents:

Talk to us: (833) 265-9655 

Medicare brokers such as Lehigh Partners get paid by the insurance companies they represent. And you pay exactly the same rate for your insurance if you use a Medicare consultant (broker). There is no extra fee or cost for enrolling through a broker. You will never pay a fee for our help.


Find a Plan

Shop for coverage online. Safe, Secure, & Confidential

Call us

Call Lehigh Partners at 1-833-265-9655

Licensed insurance agents are available to help you through enrollment and beyond.

Need Help?

Get in touch with a licensed sales agent now by filling out the form - no obligations!

Medicare Checklist

Get Our FREE Medicare Checklist.

Download our complimentary Medicare checklist and conveniently access all the necessary information in one place, ensuring you never miss a crucial number, deadline, or date again.

Tags


Medicare Advantage, Medicare Supplement

The Medicare Decision That Matters More Than You ThinkIf you’re turning 65 soon, I don’t need

Medicare Supplement

✅ TL;DR: Medigap Plan G offers the most comprehensive Medicare Supplement coverage available in 2025. It’s

Medicare Supplement

Secure My Medicare Coverage: Book My Appointment Today!Let our experts find your ideal Medicare plan for

Medicare Supplement

Secure My Medicare Supplement Coverage: Book My Appointment Today!Let our experts find your ideal Medicare supplement

Medicare Supplement

Discover peace of mind without breaking the bank - explore the most affordable Medicare supplement plan

Medicare Supplement

Medicare Supplement Plan G Insurance CoverageMedicare Supplement Plan G is one of the most sought-after Medicare

Ready to talk to an agent about your Medicare coverage?

>