a New Opportunity to Change Your Medicare Supplement Plan Without Health Questions

By D. Kenton Henry – editor, agent, broker

Dear Hoosier Clients and Friends,

Beginning January 1 of this year, Indiana implemented a new consumer protection commonly called the Medicare Supplement Birthday Rule. This new law provides Medicare beneficiaries with an important opportunity each year to change their Medicare Supplement (Medigap) plan without medical underwriting.

For many people, this means you may now be able to replace your current Medicare Supplement policy with a similar or lower-benefit plan and be guaranteed acceptance, regardless of health conditions.

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What the Indiana Birthday Rule Allows

Under the new rule, eligible Indiana residents may apply for a replacement Medicare Supplement policy each year around their birthday, and the insurance company must approve the application if the required conditions are met.

This protection is intended to give policyholders a way to review and potentially reduce premiums while maintaining Medicare Supplement coverage.

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Key Requirements to Qualify

To take advantage of Indiana’s Birthday Rule, the following conditions must be met:

1. You Must Currently Have a Medicare Supplement Policy

The rule applies only to individuals who are already enrolled in a Medicare Supplement (Medigap) plan.

2. You Must Be Replacing Your Plan With the Same or Lower Benefits

You may switch to another Medicare Supplement plan that offers equal or lesser benefits than your current policy.
For example:

• Plan G → another company’s Plan G
• Plan G → Plan N
• Plan F → Plan G

However, you cannot move to a plan with richer benefits under the Birthday Rule.

3. You Must Apply at Least 60 Days Before Your Birthday

Under Indiana’s new rule, the application signed and received date must be within 60 days from the applicant’s birthday. And the effective date must be on the first day of the month that is at least thirty (30) days after the signature date.

The replacement policy will become effective on the first day of your birthday month.

Medical Underwriting Is Waived

If the above conditions are met, the insurance company cannot deny your application due to health conditions.

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Why This Rule Matters

Before this rule took effect, Medicare Supplement policyholders often had to undergo medical underwriting to change plans. That meant individuals with health conditions could be:

• Declined for coverage
• Charged higher premiums
• Unable to change carriers

The Birthday Rule now provides an annual opportunity to review your coverage and potentially reduce premiums without having to answer health questions.

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Should You Review Your Plan?

Even if you are satisfied with your current Medicare Supplement coverage, it may still be worthwhile to review your options. Insurance companies frequently adjust their pricing, and another carrier may offer the same plan benefits at a lower monthly premium.

The Birthday Rule allows you to explore those options without risking your coverage.

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I Am Here to Help

If your current agent has not informed you of this opportunity, ask yourself, “Why?”

If your birthday is approaching and you would like to review your Medicare Supplement options under Indiana’s new Birthday Rule, please contact our office. I can help determine whether changing plans could benefit you.

Thank you for allowing me to continue assisting you with your Medicare coverage.

Sincerely,

D. Kenton Henry
Office: 281.367.6565
Text my cell 24/7 @ 713.907.7984
Email: Allplanhealthinsurance.com@gmail.com
Https://HealthandMedicareInsurance.com