Medigap rules in
Wisconsin
State does not use the federal 10-letter system
What the rule says
Per medicare.gov: "There's only 1 Medigap plan available if you live in Wisconsin." Wisconsin operates a single basic Medigap plan with mandatory state-mandated benefits. Plans known as the 50% and 25% Cost-sharing Plans are also available (analogous to federal K and L). A high-deductible plan is also available. Insurance companies can sell optional riders to add coverage to the Wisconsin basic plan. The federal 6-month OEP guaranteed-issue rules still apply.
Mechanics
Structural exception: single Wisconsin basic Medigap plan + 50% and 25% Cost-sharing Plans (analogous to federal K and L) + high-deductible plan + optional state-defined riders. The federal 10-letter A–N plans (in their federal form) are NOT sold in Wisconsin.
Wisconsin Medigap rule
Last verified:Source:medicare.gov — Compare Medigap plan benefits (Wisconsin)
Important: Wisconsin does not use the federal A–N letter system
If you read about “Plan G” or “Plan N” on a national Medigap site, those letters apply to the other 47 states (and DC). In Wisconsin, your Medigap policies are sold under a different state-specific structure. Talk to your Wisconsin SHIP counselor (below) to understand the Wisconsin plan layout.
Your federal 6-month Medigap window
Regardless of Wisconsin’s state-specific rules, the federal 6-month Medigap Open Enrollment Period (per 42 U.S.C. § 1395ss) applies to you. It begins the first month you are both 65+ and enrolled in Medicare Part B and runs six full calendar months. Find your specific window dates →
Wisconsin state contacts
SHIP counselor (free)
Federally-funded benefits counseling. No commission. Not a broker.
State insurance department
medicare.gov — Compare Medigap plan benefits (Wisconsin)
For complaints about a Medigap insurer, premium disputes, or coverage issues.
Federal “guaranteed-issue” protections may re-open a Medigap window for specific qualifying events
Even after your federal 6-month Medigap Open Enrollment Period closes, federal law (per 42 U.S.C. § 1395ss and CMS regulations) re-opens a guaranteed-issue Medigap window for several qualifying events. During a guaranteed-issue window, insurers cannot deny you a Medigap policy based on health, charge a higher premium based on health, or require medical underwriting.
Loss of group employer coverage
If your employer or union health plan ends or you involuntarily lose your group coverage (including coverage you had through your spouse), federal law re-opens a guaranteed-issue window for Medigap. The window typically begins no later than 63 days before the date your group coverage ends and runs for 63 days after the coverage ends.
Medicare Advantage trial right (first 12 months)
If you joined a Medicare Advantage plan when you first became eligible for Medicare at age 65, and you decide within the first 12 months of MA enrollment that you'd rather have Original Medicare with a Medigap policy, federal law gives you a guaranteed-issue right to buy any Medigap policy sold by any insurer in your state.
Medicare Advantage plan termination or service-area reduction
If your Medicare Advantage plan leaves the Medicare program, ends coverage in your area, or you move out of the plan's service area, federal law gives you a guaranteed-issue right to certain Medigap policies.
Loss of Medicaid (in certain configurations)
If you had a Medicare Supplement Select policy and you move out of its service area, OR if certain Medicaid-related coverage transitions occur, federal guaranteed-issue rights may apply. Verify your specific situation with your state SHIP counselor — eligibility is fact-specific.
Insurer bankruptcy or fraud-related coverage end
If your Medigap insurance company goes bankrupt and you lose coverage, or if you lose Medigap coverage through no fault of your own (including misrepresentation by the insurer), federal law re-opens a guaranteed-issue window.
If you think a guaranteed-issue protection may apply to you:
Federal qualifying events have specific timing requirements (some windows are 63 days, others are 60). Contact your state SHIP counselor for free, federally-funded benefits counseling — they can confirm whether your specific situation qualifies and help you act within the window.
Related state pages
Other states with the same category as Wisconsin, plus the full 50-state grid.