The Medicare birthday rule is a state law that allows Medicare Supplement policyholders to switch to a plan with equal or lesser benefits during a window around their birthday each year without medical underwriting. Birthday rule states include California, Idaho, Illinois, Louisiana, Maryland, Nevada, Oklahoma, and Oregon.
Key Points
- Birthday rule: switch Medigap plans without underwriting during birthday window
- Birthday rule states: CA, ID, IL, LA, MD, NV, OK, OR
- Window: typically 30-60 days around your birthday
- Can switch to plan with equal or lesser benefits
- An independent agent can help you take advantage of the birthday rule in your state