Medigap birthday rule: which states let you switch plans each year

How birthday rules work

Who can use them

People who already have a Medigap policy. Most rules require no break in coverage.

What you can switch to

In most states, a plan with equal or lesser benefits (for example, Plan G to Plan G or Plan N). In some, only the same plan letter.

Which insurer

Any insurer in most states; only your current insurer or an affiliate in Illinois, Louisiana, Utah and West Virginia; a different insurer in Kentucky and Indiana.

When

Usually a window starting on your birthday. Oregon, Delaware and Indiana start before it; Nevada, West Virginia and New Mexico start on the first of your birth month.

States with a birthday rule

California

For 60 days starting on your birthday, you can switch to a Medigap plan with equal or lesser benefits from any insurer, with no health questions.

Delaware

From 30 days before to at least 30 days after your birthday, you can switch to a plan with the same or lesser benefits, with your current insurer or a new one. (Since 2026.)

Idaho

For 63 days starting on your birthday, you can switch to equal or lesser coverage from any insurer selling Medigap in Idaho.

Illinois

If you're 65 to 75, for 45 days starting on your birthday you can switch to equal or lesser benefits, but only with your current insurer or an affiliated company.

Indiana

From one month before to one month after your birthday, if you're 65 or older, you can buy the same plan letter from a different insurer. (Since 2026.)

Kentucky

Within 60 days of your birthday, you can buy the same plan letter from a different insurer. (Since 2024.)

Louisiana

For 63 days starting on your birthday, you can switch to equal or lesser benefits with your same insurer or an affiliate, with no health questions.

Maryland

Once a year, on your birthday and for 30 days after, you can switch to equal or lesser benefits from any insurer. (Since 2023.)

Nevada

For at least 60 days starting the first day of your birth month, you can switch to the same or lesser benefits, with your current insurer or a new one.

New Mexico

Starting January 1, 2027: for at least 60 days from the first day of your birth month, if you're 65 or older, you can switch to a plan of equal or lesser value.

Oklahoma

For 60 days starting on your birthday, you can switch to the same or lesser benefits with any insurer, if you haven't had a gap in Medigap coverage of more than 90 days.

Oregon

From 30 days before to 30 days after your birthday, you can switch to equal or lesser benefits from any insurer.

Utah

On your birthday and for 60 days after, you can switch to a comparable or lower plan, but only with your same insurer. (Since 2025.)

Virginia

For at least 60 days starting on your birthday, you can switch to a policy with the same benefits from any insurer. (Since 2025.)

West Virginia

For 60 days starting the first day of your birth month, you can switch to the same or lesser benefits with your same insurer or an affiliate, once your current policy has been in force for 24 months. (Since 2026.)

Wyoming

For 63 days starting on your birthday, you can switch to the same or lesser benefits with no health questions. (Since 2025.) Confirm the details with the state insurance department.

Anniversary and yearly windows

Minnesota

People 65 to 70 buying Medigap for the first time can get a policy without health questions during the fall and January–March windows, with a premium surcharge. (Since August 2026.)

Missouri

Within 30 days before or after your policy's anniversary date (not your birthday), you can switch to the same plan letter from any insurer.

Rhode Island

Each year from October 15 to December 7, if you've had Medigap or Medicare Advantage with no gap of more than 90 days, you can buy any available Medigap plan with no health questions.

States with year-round rights

Connecticut

Insurers can't turn you down for Medigap because of your health at any time, and prices don't vary by health or age. A wait of up to 6 months for pre-existing conditions is allowed.

Maine

You can switch at any time to the same or lesser benefits if you haven't had a coverage gap of more than 90 days, and every insurer must offer Plan A to anyone for at least one month each year.

Massachusetts

Insurers can't turn you down for Medigap at any time. Massachusetts uses its own plans (Core, Supplement 1 and Supplement 1A) instead of letters.

New York

Insurers must accept Medigap applicants at any time of year, and can't charge more because of your health or age.

Washington

If you have Medigap, you can switch to Plan B, D, G, high-deductible G, K, L, M or N without health questions. Plan A can only be replaced with Plan A.

Vermont has no birthday rule or year-round right for people 65 and older. Bills have been proposed in several other states.

Using your window

1. Mark your window on the calendar a month ahead, and ask for quotes from several insurers, or an independent agent who represents several.
2. Compare the same plan letter across companies. In most states the basic benefits are the same by letter; prices aren't.
3. Don't cancel your current policy until the new one is approved and in force.
4. Rules change often. Confirm the details with your state insurance department or SHIP before you switch; each state's page under check a license has both numbers.

Common questions

Keep reading

• Medicare enrollment periods: when you can sign up or switchEvery Medicare enrollment window in one place: turning 65, the fall Annual Enrollment Period, the January–March change, Medigap open enrollment, special periods and late penalties.
• Medigap Plan G vs. Plan N (and the other letters), explainedWhat each Medigap letter covers, the real differences between Plan G, Plan N and high-deductible G, why Plans C and F are closed to people new to Medicare, and how pricing works.
• How to check an insurance agent's licenseLook up any agent with your state's insurance department, in about two minutes.