The California Medicare Supplement “Birthday Rule” is a special rule that applies to all medicare suppement policy holders in California . California law states; you have 30 days from the date of your birthday to change your Medicare Supplement plan to a company with the same plan or one with less benefits .
The change is guaranteed, meaning regardless of your current health status, the new California Medicare Supplement company cannot deny your application.
There is no benefit to stay with any company that charges you too much. All medicare supplement plans are standardized . If the benefits are the same regardless of the company you are with , you should take full advantage of this unique California law.
What is the Medicare Supplement ”Birthday Rule?”
If a person already has a Medicare Supplement plan, they have 30 days of “open enrollment” following their birthday each year when they may buy a new Medicare Supplement policy without a medical screening or a new waiting period.
The new policy must have the same or lesser benefits as the old policy. This rule is only for Medicare Supplement (Medigap) policies. Medicare Advantage plans (HMO & PPO) have different rules that apply to their open enrollment options.
The two best times to purchase a Medicare Supplement policy is during the “Initial Enrollment Period” which is the six month window when you are new to Medicare Part B, or when you leave your employer health insurance plan . The other time is during the Medicare Supplement ”Birthday Rule.” both are Guaranteed issue is situations. You can also opt not to wait for your birthday and apply for a new company at anytime during the year .
Not taking advantage of these open enrollment opportunities means you must answer the “Health Questions” on the application, and your approval is based on your current health status. Minor health concerns will not necessarily mean you will be denied covarage under a new company . If you have an ongoing health condition you can apply for coverage with a different company outside of the birthday rule, simply to see if the company will approve you. If you are accepted, you can make the change right away. But if not, you know you can still make the change 30 days following your birthday .
It is wise to compare plans every year as your birthday approaches. Take a few minutes to compare medicare plans and prices online and see if it is worth making a change. In most cases you can get a quote and complete the application is about five minutes or less .