How does California’s Medicare Supplement Birthday Rule work?

California has a Medicare Supplement rule called the Birthday Rule.

If you already have a Medicare Supplement, it gives you 60 days following your birthday each year to switch to a plan with the same or fewer benefits, including a qualifying plan from a different company.

During that protected period, you can make the change without medical screening or a new waiting period.

Because companies can charge different premiums for the same standardized lettered-plan benefits, the rule may let you keep the same Plan G, Plan N or other qualifying coverage while paying a lower premium.

Depending on the available rates, that could potentially save more than $1,000 a year—making the Birthday Rule one of the rarest of creatures: a truly beneficial California regulation.

Source: California Department of Insurance: Medigap Birthday Rule

This general educational information is not individual plan advice. Plan availability and benefits vary by location and contract year.