Medicare Supplement Birthday Rule by State
Some states have a “birthday rule” that gives you a guaranteed-issue window to switch Medigap plans without medical underwriting.
What Is the Medigap Birthday Rule?
The Medigap birthday rule is a state-level consumer protection that gives Medicare Supplement policyholders a guaranteed-issue period, typically around their birthday, to switch to a different Medigap plan without answering health questions or facing medical underwriting.
This means you can change to a plan with equal or lesser benefits (and potentially lower premiums) regardless of any health conditions you may have developed since you first enrolled.
Not all states have a birthday rule. Currently, 12 states offer this protection. Use the interactive map below to check your state.
Medicare Underwriting by State
Some states have additional Medigap Open Enrollment periods that allow beneficiaries to enroll in a Medigap plan without underwriting. Click on your state to learn more.
States With a Medigap Birthday Rule
| State | Window Period | Details |
|---|---|---|
| California | 60 days after birthday | Learn more |
| Delaware | 30 days before + 30 days after birthday | Learn more |
| Idaho | 63 days from birthday | Learn more |
| Illinois | 45 days after birthday | Learn more |
| Kentucky | 45 days after birthday | Learn more |
| Louisiana | 30 days before + 63 days after birthday | Learn more |
| Maryland | 30 days before + 30 days after birthday | Learn more |
| Nevada | 60 days after birthday | Learn more |
| Oklahoma | 60 days after birthday | Learn more |
| Oregon | 30 days before + 30 days after birthday | Learn more |
| Utah | 60 days from birthday | Learn more |
| Virginia | 60 days after birthday | Learn more |
States With Continuous Open Enrollment
These states go even further than the birthday rule. They offer continuous guaranteed issue, meaning you can switch Medigap plans at any time of year without medical underwriting:
Connecticut
Massachusetts
Minnesota
New York
Vermont
Washington
How the Birthday Rule Works
Your Birthday Approaches
Your guaranteed-issue window opens around your birthday (exact timing varies by state; some start 30 days before, others on the day of).
Apply for a New Plan
You can apply for any Medigap plan with equal or lesser benefits than your current plan. No health questions or medical underwriting required.
Save on Premiums
Many people use the birthday rule to switch to a carrier with lower premiums for the same plan letter, potentially saving hundreds per year.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I switch to a higher-benefit plan during the birthday rule window?
Generally, no. The birthday rule allows you to switch to a plan with equal or lesser benefits. For example, if you have Plan G, you could switch to another carrier's Plan G or to Plan N, but not to Plan F (which has more benefits). The specific rules vary by state.
Do I need to notify my current insurance company?
You don't need permission from your current carrier, but you should cancel your old plan once the new one is in effect to avoid paying double premiums. Work with your new carrier to coordinate the effective date.
What if my state doesn't have a birthday rule?
If your state doesn't have a birthday rule, you can still switch Medigap plans, but you may need to pass medical underwriting. Some carriers are more lenient than others. You can also switch during your initial Medigap Open Enrollment Period (the 6-month window when you first enroll in Medicare Part B).
Can I use the birthday rule every year?
Yes! The birthday rule window recurs every year around your birthday. You can take advantage of it annually to shop for better rates. This is especially useful as Medigap premiums tend to increase with age.
Ready to Compare Medigap Rates?
Whether your state has a birthday rule or not, we can help you find the best Medigap plan at the lowest premium.
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