Final answer:
Medicare Supplement (Medigap) insurance plans follow specific enrollment periods which are unrelated to political election periods. The main enrollment window is a six-month period starting with the month when an individual first turns 65 and joins Medicare Part B. Unlike political elections, Medigap enrollment is regulated by healthcare laws, providing consumers protection and set periods for enrollment.
Step-by-step explanation:
The question “Are Med sup plans restricted by election periods?” refers to Medicare Supplement (Medigap) insurance plans and their enrollment periods. Medigap plans are indeed subject to enrollment periods, but these are not the same as political election periods. While political election regulations, such as those established by McCain-Feingold and the nuances brought forth in Citizens United v. Federal Election Commission, control political campaign financing and advertising, Medigap enrollment is governed by different sets of rules. The primary election period for enrolling in Medigap without medical underwriting is the initial six-month period starting the first month you are 65 and enrolled in Medicare Part B. After this period, enrolling or switching Medigap plans may require medical underwriting or may not be available at all, outside of certain special circumstances. This system is independent of political election seasons and is designed to protect both insurers and consumers.