Jack's Blog on Medicare Plan Choices

Let’s talk about the Medicare Supplement Birthday Rule.

The Birthday Rule only applies to a handful of States and only to people already enrolled into a Medicare Supplement Plan.

The Medicare Birthday Rule allows people in certain states to change their Medicare Supplement plan around their birthday each year without having to answer health questions or wait for coverage.

This rule is specific to eight states, and each state has its own details about when and how you can use this rule. The timeframe for using the birthday rule and the available insurance carriers can vary by state. Some states also have age limits for when you can take advantage of this rule.

Eight states that have a Medigap birthday rule: California, Idaho, Illinois, Louisiana, Maryland, Nevada, Oklahoma, and Oregon.

Each state has different rules for the Medigap birthday rule. Some states let you switch to a different plan or insurance company, while others only allow changes within the same insurer.

Here’s a simplified overview of the Medigap birthday rules for each state:

1. California:

    When: 30 days before to 60 days after your birthday.

    Switch to: Any plan of equal or lesser benefit from any carrier.

2. Oregon:

    When: On your birthday and for 31 days after.

    Switch to: Any plan of equal or lesser benefit from any carrier.

3. Idaho:

    When: 63 days starting on your birthday.

    Switch to: Any plan of equal or lesser benefit with any carrier.

4. Illinois:

    Who: Ages 6575 only.

    When: On your birthday and for 45 days after.

    Switch to: A plan of equal or lesser benefit from your current carrier.

5. Louisiana:

    When: 30 days before to 63 days after your birthday.

    Switch to: A plan of equal or lesser benefit with your current carrier.

6. Maryland:

    When: On your birthday and for 31 days after.

    Switch to: Any plan of equal or lesser benefit with any carrier, without health questions.

7. Nevada:

    When: 61 days starting on the first day of your birth month.

    Switch to: Any plan or carrier of equal or lesser benefit.

8. Oklahoma:

    When: 60 days starting on your birthday.

    Switch to: Any plan or carrier of equal or lesser benefit, without health questions.

Before choosing an Advantage or Supplement plan, ensure you have a thorough understanding of Medicare itself. When it’s time to explore your options, don’t fall for a sales pitch from a single company or an agent representing only one provider.

At “More Plans More Choices,” I can provide you with side-by-side comparisons from various insurance carriers. More carriers plus more plans equals more choices.

Call me toll free at (888) 883-6074