⭐California Resident Benefit

The Medigap Birthday Rule.

California's Medigap Birthday Rule gives you 60 days every year — starting on your birthday — to switch from your current Medicare Supplement (Medigap) plan to any equal-or-lesser-benefit Medigap plan from any insurer in California, without medical underwriting. That means no health questions, no denials, and no rate-up for pre-existing conditions. As of 2026, you can also move between different plan letters (not just the same letter), as long as the new plan's benefits aren't richer than your current one. California is one of only six states that protects this annual switching right.

What it is, in plain English

California is one of only a handful of states that gives Medigap policyholders an annual guaranteed-issue window tied to your birthday. During this window, you can switch from your current Medigap plan to a different Medigap plan—from any carrier—and the new carrier cannot deny you, charge you more for pre-existing conditions, or run medical underwriting.

The 60-day timeline

Your window opens on your birthday and stays open for 60 days. Here's how it plays out:

Who qualifies?

• You must be a California resident
• You must currently have a Medigap (Medicare Supplement) plan—not a Medicare Advantage plan
• You're switching to a Medigap plan with equal or lesser benefits than your current plan
• You're inside your 60-day window (starts on your birthday)

A quick example

Hypothetical example. Actual savings depend on plan availability, age, and carrier rates in your area. Plan G covers the same benefits regardless of carrier—it's a federally standardized benefit set—but premiums vary widely between carriers.

What people get wrong

"I can switch to any plan during this window."

No. You can only switch to a plan with equal or lesser benefits. Going from Plan N to Plan G (more comprehensive) requires underwriting. Going from Plan G to Plan N (less comprehensive) is fine.

"It works the same in every state."

No. The Birthday Rule is a California-specific consumer protection. A few other states have versions (Oregon, Idaho, Washington, Nevada, Missouri, Illinois, Louisiana, Maryland, Kentucky, Oklahoma) but the rules differ. If you live elsewhere, talk to an agent licensed in your state.

"My carrier will tell me when my window opens."

Most won't. Why would they? The whole point is that you might leave them. Many people pay thousands more over their lifetime simply because no one reminded them.

Want a birthday reminder?

Add your birthday to our reminder list and we'll email you 30 days before your window opens with a fresh comparison of plans available in your area. No spam, one email a year.

Other guaranteed-issue rights you might have

The Birthday Rule isn't the only path to switch without underwriting. You may also have guaranteed-issue rights if:

• You're losing employer/retiree coverage
• Your Medicare Advantage plan is leaving the area or being terminated
• You moved out of your plan's service area
• You're inside your initial 6-month Medigap Open Enrollment period (first 6 months you have Part B at age 65+)
• Your "trial right" period ending (if you tried Medicare Advantage and want to go back to Original Medicare + Medigap within 12 months)



Each of these has different rules. Worth a 15-minute call to confirm which apply to you.

Talk to a licensed agent—no cost, no pressure.

30-minute call. We'll review your situation, compare plans available in your area, and answer your questions. No obligation, ever.