Most of us don’t think about paperwork when we think about birthdays — but if you are on Medicare, your birthday might be a good time to review your health coverage.

In some states, your birthday gives you a unique opportunity to change your Medicare Supplement plan without going through a lot of health questions or approval steps. This option is called the “Birthday Rule,” and this Supplemental Medicare agency in La Porte, Indiana is going to explain everything you should know about it below.

The Birthday Rule makes it easier to update your Medicare coverage each year.

When you first sign up for Medicare Part B, there is a six-month window called the Medigap Open Enrollment Period. You can buy any Medigap plan during this time, and the insurance company can’t ask about your health. They also can’t charge you more because of your health.

But once this window closes, changing plans usually gets harder. To switch, you must go through medical underwriting, where the insurance company will review your health history. And if you have certain pre-existing conditions, they can turn you down or increase your price.

The Birthday Rule gives you a way around this. It is a provision in some states that lets you change your Medicare Supplement plan without going through that health assessment, but only during a short period around your birthday. This rule is not federally mandated and only exists in some states that choose to offer it.

Indiana has decided to adopt the Birthday Rule starting January 1, 2026. If you are an Indiana resident, this rule will let you switch to a different insurance company for the same type of Medigap plan. You will have 60 days from your birthday to do it and will not need to answer health questions. The only requirement is that you stay with the same lettered plan (for example, if you have Plan G, you can move to another Plan G).

An experienced Supplemental Medicare agency in La Porte, Indiana can help you understand if you qualify to use the Birthday Rule, then walk you through the steps of switching plans. With professional help, you can easily find a plan that meets your healthcare needs and budget.

The Birthday Rule can help you find better value in your Medicare coverage.

Health insurance is always changing. Insurance companies can adjust rates and change how they service their customers, or new companies can enter the market with better options. All of this means that a plan that was suitable for you last year might not be the best match this year.

The Birthday Rule gives you a chance to evaluate your health coverage each year. It is a small window, but it lets you change your coverage without worrying that a past health condition will keep you from switching.

That is why talking to an experienced Supplemental Medicare agency in La Porte, Indiana before your birthday can be helpful. They can review your current plan and show you what else is available in the market.

Medigap plans can offer different experiences, even with the same coverage.

Every Medigap plan with the same letter offers the same basic benefits, no matter which insurance company you buy it from. Plan G is Plan G, whether it is from Company A or Company B.

But that does not mean every experience is the same. Different companies charge different prices. They also handle customer service and claims differently. And these differences can mean a lot.

Talking to someone who knows the market can help. A good Supplemental Medicare agency can explain how different insurance companies compare in pricing, customer service, and claims handling.

They can help you weigh all these factors when deciding whether to switch plans during your birthday window. That way, you can choose a plan that meets your financial needs and gives you good service when you need it.

Looking for a Supplemental Medicare Agency in La Porte, Indiana?

Are you looking for a Supplemental Medicare agency in La Porte, Indiana that can help you make sense of your Medigap options and find the perfect plan for you? If so, Senior Care Insurance Services is the best choice. Contact us today to schedule an appointment with our agents.