Medicare Supplement plans (Medigap) are sold by private insurers, and unlike Medicare Advantage, there is no annual enrollment period that restricts when you can apply. You can submit a new application any month of the year. The critical question is not when you can apply, but whether the insurer is required to accept you. Outside of specific protected windows, insurers in most states can review your health history and deny coverage or charge higher premiums based on pre-existing conditions.
The Short Answer
You can apply to change your Medigap plan anytime. But guaranteed approval (without underwriting) only applies during specific protected windows. Outside those windows, you may be denied or charged more based on your health.
When You Have Guaranteed Issue Rights
Guaranteed issue rights require an insurer to sell you a Medigap policy at the standard premium, regardless of your health status. These rights are triggered by specific life events, not by calendar dates. The most important guaranteed issue windows are:
| Window | Trigger | Time Limit | Plans Available |
|---|---|---|---|
Medigap Open Enrollment Period | First enrolled in Part B at age 65 or older | 6 months from Part B effective date | All plans sold in your state |
Medicare Advantage plan leaves your area | Your MA plan stops operating in your county | 63 days from loss of coverage | Plans A, B, C, F, K, L (and D, G in some states) |
You move out of MA service area | Relocation outside plan network | 63 days from move | Plans A, B, C, F, K, L |
12-month trial right | First time switching from Medigap to MA within 12 months | 63 days from MA disenrollment | Same plan you had before (or comparable) |
Employer or union coverage ends | Employer group health plan terminates | 63 days from coverage loss | Plans A, B, C, F, K, L |
Medicare SELECT plan leaves area | Your Medicare SELECT plan stops operating | 63 days from notice | Plans A, B, C, F, K, L |
Plans C and F are only available to people who became eligible for Medicare before January 1, 2020.
Changing Plans Outside a Guaranteed Issue Window
If none of the above windows apply, you can still apply for a new Medigap plan, but the insurer can use medical underwriting. This means the company reviews your health history and may decline your application, offer coverage with a waiting period for pre-existing conditions, or charge a higher premium than the standard rate. Common conditions that frequently trigger denial or surcharges include heart disease, diabetes with complications, COPD, cancer within the past few years, and recent hospitalizations.
Do Not Cancel Your Current Plan First
Always get approved for your new Medigap plan before canceling your existing one. If your application is denied, you will still have your current coverage. Canceling first can leave you without any supplement coverage.
State Protections That Expand Your Rights
Several states have enacted laws that give beneficiaries additional rights to change Medigap plans beyond the federal minimums. These protections vary significantly by state.
| State | Protection | How It Works |
|---|---|---|
California | Birthday Rule | During the 60 days following your birthday each year, you can switch to a plan with equal or lesser benefits without underwriting |
Illinois | Birthday Rule | 45-day window after your birthday to switch to a plan with equal or lesser benefits |
Louisiana | Birthday Rule | 30-day window after your birthday to switch to an equal or lesser plan |
Maryland | Birthday Rule | 31-day window after your birthday; also has continuous open enrollment for certain plans |
Nevada | Birthday Rule | 60-day window after your birthday to switch to an equal or lesser plan |
Oklahoma | Birthday Rule | 60-day window after your birthday to switch to an equal or lesser plan |
Oregon | Birthday Rule | 30-day window after your birthday to switch to an equal or lesser plan |
Missouri, Idaho, Louisiana | Anniversary Rule | Annual window around your policy anniversary date to switch without underwriting |
Connecticut, Massachusetts, Maine, New York | Continuous Open Enrollment | Insurers must accept all applicants year-round regardless of health status |
State laws change. Confirm current protections with your state insurance department or a licensed agent before applying.
How to Switch Your Medigap Plan: Step by Step
Identify your window: Determine whether you are in a guaranteed issue window or will need to go through underwriting.
Compare plans and carriers: Decide which plan letter you want (Plan G and Plan N are the most popular for new enrollees in 2026). Get quotes from multiple carriers, as premiums for the same plan letter can vary significantly.
Apply for the new plan first: Submit your application and wait for approval before taking any action on your current plan.
Confirm your new coverage start date: Make sure there is no gap between your old plan ending and your new plan beginning.
Cancel your old plan in writing: Once your new plan is active, send a written cancellation to your current insurer. Keep a copy.
Verify your new plan with your providers: Confirm your new Medigap carrier with your doctors and pharmacy to avoid billing issues.
Common Reasons People Switch Medigap Plans
| Reason | What to Consider |
|---|---|
Premium increased significantly | Compare rates from other carriers for the same plan letter; benefits are identical by law |
Switching from Plan F to Plan G | Plan F is no longer available to new enrollees; Plan G covers everything except the Part B deductible ($257 in 2026) |
Switching from Plan G to Plan N | Plan N has lower premiums but adds copays up to $20 for office visits and $50 for ER visits |
Moving to a new state | Medigap plans are accepted nationwide, but you may want to compare rates in your new state |
Switching from Medicare Advantage to Medigap | Timing matters; the 12-month trial right is your best opportunity for guaranteed issue |
Same Letter, Different Price
All Plan G policies cover exactly the same benefits regardless of which insurer sells them. If your premium has increased, you can shop for a lower-priced Plan G from a different carrier without losing any benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
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