In states where Medicare Supplement underwriting applies, which statement is true about underwriting?

• A. Underwriting is never required.
• B. Underwriting is required during the Open Enrollment period only.
• C. Underwriting is required if the consumer is not in their Medicare Supplements Open Enrollment period or does not meet Guaranteed Issue criteria.
• D. Underwriting is the same as medical underwriting for all plans.

Answer: (C)

In states that allow Medicare Supplement underwriting, health status is evaluated after you miss the protections of Open Enrollment or Guaranteed Issue. During the Medicare Supplement Open Enrollment period, you’re guaranteed issue and no medical underwriting is required. If you’re outside that period and you don’t meet Guaranteed Issue criteria, the insurer may review your health and require underwriting to determine eligibility and premium. That’s why the true statement is that underwriting is required when you’re not in the Open Enrollment period and don’t meet Guaranteed Issue protections. The other options don’t fit because underwriting isn’t required during Open Enrollment due to guaranteed acceptance, and it isn’t the same as medical underwriting for all plans (GI protections can still apply).