Medicare Supplement Strategy
The Medicare Birthday Rule:
Your Annual Chance to Save
In several states, your birthday gives you a protected window to switch Medicare Supplement carriers — no health questions, no underwriting, no risk. Here's how to use it.
Compare Plans Free →Why the Birthday Rule Matters
Medicare Supplement premiums increase every year. Carriers raise rates, and as you age, your premium goes up. In most states, if you want to switch to a lower-cost carrier, you have to go through medical underwriting — meaning the new insurer can deny you or charge more based on your health.
The birthday rule changes that. In states that have adopted it, you get a protected window each year — starting on your birthday — to switch to a different carrier offering the same plan type, without any health questions. Because Medicare Supplement plans are standardized (Plan G from any carrier provides identical benefits), you can shop purely on price.
States with the Medicare Birthday Rule
| State | Birthday Rule Details |
|---|---|
| California | 30-day window each year starting on your birthday to switch to a plan with equal or lesser benefits without underwriting. |
| Oregon | 30-day window starting on your birthday to switch to any Medigap plan with equal or lesser benefits. |
| Missouri | 30-day window starting on your birthday to switch to a plan with equal or lesser benefits. |
| Illinois | 45-day window starting on your birthday to switch to a plan with equal or lesser benefits. |
| Nevada | 60-day window starting on your birthday to switch to a plan with equal or lesser benefits. |
| Idaho | 63-day window starting on your birthday to switch to a plan with equal or lesser benefits. |
| Louisiana | 30-day window starting on your birthday to switch to a plan with equal or lesser benefits. |
| Maryland | Birthday rule applies — contact a licensed agent for current details. |
* State laws change. Contact a licensed Patriot Plans agent to confirm current birthday rule status in your state.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Medicare birthday rule?
The Medicare birthday rule is a state law that gives Medicare Supplement policyholders an annual window around their birthday to switch to a different Medigap plan without medical underwriting. It's a consumer protection that lets you shop for lower rates each year.
Which states have the birthday rule?
As of 2025, states with birthday rules include California, Oregon, Missouri, Illinois, Nevada, Idaho, Louisiana, and Maryland. The exact window length and plan options vary by state.
Can I switch to a plan with more benefits under the birthday rule?
In most states, the birthday rule only allows you to switch to a plan with equal or lesser benefits without underwriting. Switching to a plan with more benefits (e.g., from Plan N to Plan G) typically requires medical underwriting.
How do I use the birthday rule to save money?
Each year during your birthday window, compare rates from multiple carriers for your current plan type. Because Medigap benefits are standardized, a Plan G from one carrier is identical to Plan G from another — only the price differs. Shopping annually can save hundreds of dollars per year.
What if I don't live in a birthday rule state?
If your state doesn't have a birthday rule, you can still switch Medigap plans but will need to go through medical underwriting in most cases. A Patriot Plans agent can help you evaluate whether switching makes sense given your health history.
Is Your Birthday Window Open?
A Patriot Plans agent will check your state's birthday rule, compare rates from top carriers, and help you switch to a lower premium — if one is available — at no cost to you.
Check My Birthday Window →