Is Medicare Different in Each State?

Although Medicare is a federal program, states can implement various rules if they meet the basic Medicare regulations. Most states implement rules to ease the requirements for seniors to make changes to their Medigap plans. Below, we will highlight unique Medicare rules and their applicable states.

What Makes Medicare Different State-to-State?

State-specific rules allow Medicare to differ in each state. These rules include annual birthday rules, guaranteed issue rights, disability plan requirements, excess charges, and more.

Established by state governments, these regulations give seniors more options when it comes to Medicare Supplement policies outside of initial enrollment.

Guaranteed Issue Rights and Open Enrollment Periods

Guaranteed issue rights are protections for Medicare enrollees in certain situations. These rights prevent insurance companies from denying enrollment in certain Medigap policies when beneficiaries meet specific criteria.

To utilize guaranteed issue rights, beneficiaries must abide by MACRA when selecting their plan. At this time, only those who got Medicare Part A before January 1, 2020, can sign up for Medicare Supplement Plan F or Medicare Supplement Plan C.

Like Open Enrollment Periods, guaranteed issue rights, let you enroll in a Medigap plan with no underwriting health questions. Those who receive Medicare after January 1, 2020, must abide by MACRA when in an open enrollment period. Thus, individuals with Medicare since before January 1, 2020, may enroll in any Medigap plan they wish.

State-Specific Medicare Supplement Rules

The following states have rules allowing policyholders to change their Medigap plans with no health underwriting questions.

Birthday Rule

• California – The California birthday rule lets you change Medigap plans during a 91-day open enrollment window.
• Idaho – The Idaho birthday rule is a 63-day guaranteed issue period beginning on your birthday.
• Illinois – The Illinois birthday rule extends an open enrollment period to Medigap policyholders in a specific age range during a 45-day window.
• Louisiana – The Louisiana birthday rule allows a 93-day open enrollment period around your birthday.
• Oregon –The Oregon birthday rule offers policyholders a 31-day open enrollment period beginning on their date of birth.
• Nevada – The Nevada birthday rule is a 61-day open enrollment period for Medigap beneficiaries residing in the state.

Each state’s birthday rule is unique. For example, California allows you to switch to any carrier regardless of the carrier your current plan is through. On the other hand, Louisiana requires you to you stay with the same carrier.

No Health Underwriting Year-Round

The following states never require you to undergo the underwriting process. Thus, you cannot face denial form a policy due to pre-existing conditions.

• Connecticut
• New York
• *Vermont – Mutual of Omaha and UnitedHealthcare only
• Washington

Annual Guaranteed Issue

Maine – Open Enrollment only in the month of June

Missouri – Policyholders may change from like-to-like benefits during a 62-day period beginning 30 days before the annual policy anniversary and ending 30 days after.

State-Specific Medigap Plans

Medigap plans are standardized nationwide. However, three states offer distinct types of Medigap plans. These states are Wisconsin, Massachusetts, and Minnesota. Rather than the traditional letter plans, these states provide more variety in coverage.

Wisconsin offers three customizable Medigap plans. The three plans available in Wisconsin are:

• Basic Plan
• 25% Cost-Sharing Plan
• 50% Cost-Sharing Plan

In addition to these plans, the state also offers riders to provide policyholders extra individualized coverage as well as the High Deductible F plan.

Massachusetts offers three Medigap plans. These are:

• Core Plan
• Supplement 1
• Supplement 1A

These plans offer the basic Medicare benefits and additional coverage, with Supplement 1 being the most comprehensive.

Minnesota offers two unique options to beneficiaries. These are:

• Basic Plan
• Extended Basic Plan

Both plans provide basic coverage, foreign travel, and additional benefits to policyholders. The plans are similar. However, the Extended Basic Plan offers more benefits.

States That Do Not Allow Medicare Excess Charges

When enrolling in a Medigap plan, you will notice that some cover excess charges and others do not. For some, this can make or break their decision to enroll in a policy.

In the following states, policyholders will not need to worry about excess charges as they are not permitted.

• Connecticut
• Massachusetts
• Minnesota
• New York
• Pennsylvania
• Ohio
• Rhode Island
• Vermont

State-Specific Employer Coverage Rules

When combining employer coverage and Medicare, each state has different rules regarding who pays first and how you can utilize the coverage.

Voluntary Group Termination

Voluntary group termination means you choose to drop your group insurance plan. Sometimes, people pay more for their group coverage than for Medicare. If this is your current situation, group termination may benefit your wallet.

Generally, choosing to leave your health care coverage will not land you in a guaranteed issue situation. However, your location may provide an exception to this rule. You CAN use guaranteed issue rights to change from employer coverage to Medigap in the following states.

• Alaska
• Arkansas
• California
• Colorado
• Florida
• Idaho
• Illinois
• Indiana
• Iowa
• Kansas
• Louisiana
• Maine
• Missouri
• Montana
• Nevada
• New Jersey
• New Mexico
• Ohio
• Oklahoma
• Pennsylvania
• South Dakota
• Texas
• Virginia
• West Virginia
• Wisconsin

Medigap Plans for Those Under 65 on Disability

If you have Medicare coverage before 65 due to a disability, ESRD, or ALS, you may be unable to enroll in a Medigap policy until you turn 65.

Federal law does not require carriers to sell Medigap to people under 65. Still, some states require companies to sell Medigap, even if the beneficiary has not had their 65^th birthday yet.

Those living in states that do not require carriers to provide a Medigap plan option to those under 65 may still have some options. The following states DO NOT require Medigap options for those under 65:

• Alabama
• Alaska
• Arizona
• Arkansas
• Idaho
• Indiana
• Iowa
• Nebraska
• Nevada
• New Mexico
• North Dakota
• Ohio
• Rhode Island
• South Carolina
• Utah
• Virginia
• Washington
• West Virginia
• Wyoming

How to Get Help with State-Specific Medicare Rules

If you're moving or considering dual residency, it's beneficial to understand the rights you'll have in your new state. Medicare is different in each state, so familiarizing yourself with the rules can save you a headache.

Remember, Medigap costs vary from state to state as well. Our agents can teach you everything you need to know and help you find the best options in your state.

Can't call? Fill out our online rate form and discover your rates now!

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