The Indiana Medigap Birthday Rule gives seniors from the Hoosier State a new opportunity to change their Medicare Supplement plan each year—without worrying about health questions or underwriting. Here is how the new rule works—and how to make sure you get the best rate available in your area.

💡Note: Want to understand all the Medigap rules that apply in your state? Check out our full guide: Indiana Medicare Supplements Overview.

What Is the Indiana Medigap Birthday Rule?

The Indiana Medigap Birthday Rule gives you a guaranteed moment every year to review your Medicare Supplement plan without worrying about medical underwriting. If you live in Indiana and already have a Medigap policy, this new rule means that—starting January 1, 2026—you’ll have 30-days after your birthday to switch to another Medigap plan, regardless of any changes to your health.

During this birthday window, you can switch to another Medigap plan with equal or fewer benefits. The rule only lets you move sideways or down—not up. So if you have Plan G, you can switch to G, N, or High-Deductible G but not a Plan F.

Insurers can’t ask health questions, deny you for pre-existing conditions, or add waiting periods during this enrollment period. It’s your once-a-year opportunity to shop for the best rate without any health barriers or surprises. Source: Indiana House Bill 1226.

👉Looking to see how other states handle their switching rights? Read our Ultimate Guide to Medigap Birthday Rules in Every State.

Who Qualifies for the Indiana Medigap Birthday Rule?

If you live in Indiana and already have a Medigap plan, you qualify—simple as that. This isn’t a program you need to sign up for or request. Starting in 2026, your eligibility kicks in automatically every year, giving you the chance to compare plans and switch if you find a better fit or a better price. There’s no upper age limit and no health restrictions—your eligibility is automatic.

💡If you’re on a Medicare Advantage plan, this rule doesn’t apply to you; switching from Advantage to Medigap usually requires medical underwriting unless you qualify for a different Guaranteed Issue right. If you’re thinking about leaving Medicare Advantage, our guide below shows you the safest way to do it: “AEP Medicare Open Enrollment: Switch from Medicare Advantage to Medigap (Step-by-Step)“.

When Can You Switch Plans? The Enrollment Window Explained

Your chance to switch Medigap policies without underwriting is tied directly to your date of birth. Your enrollment window starts 30 days before your birthday and ENDS 30 days after your actual birthday. You must submit your application during this window. Your new plan will begin the first of the month following your application submit date and birth date. This means your new plan cannot begin before your actual birthday.

💡Just remember: once the window closes, you go back to the normal rules, which usually means you’d face full medical underwriting to switch plans. Mark your birthday on your calendar—it’s also your annual chance to reduce your Medigap costs.

Get a Medigap Quote Enroll in Medigap

How Pricing Works When You Switch

Medigap plans are standardized across the country, but prices can vary a lot from one insurer to another. If you see a lower Medigap priced Indiana plan by another insurance provider in Indiana, you can switch using the birthday rule, no questions asked.

Note: During the Indiana birthday rule, insurance providers can:

  • Set personalized pricing based on your age, gender, or ZIP code
  • Apply standard rate classes (e.g., tobacco use)

Insurance providers cannot:

  • deny coverage or
  • delay benefits due to pre-existing conditions.

When comparing plans during your birthday window, make sure to ask about any available discounts. Some companies offer household or roommate discounts, and autopay savings for people who are new to Medicare. You can see Medigap discounts on our quote results page after entering your demographic info. Call 800-930-7956 if you need help.

👉Curious about 2026 Medigap pricing before switching? Check out current cost trends here.

Cost Risk: Why You Must Shop Annually

Medigap premiums often rise by 5% to 15%+ every year. This is often called “rate creep.” Over time, those increases add up, and you end up paying significantly more than someone who bought the exact same coverage recently.

The Indiana Medigap Birthday Rule is the perfect solution to this problem. It forces insurance companies to compete for your business every single year, ensuring you always get a fair price for your coverage. It’s the easiest way to keep your costs predictable as you age.

👉Wondering why your rate jumped outside your birthday? Read Can Medicare Supplement Rates Increase Mid-Year? The Hidden Reasons Your Premium Jumps to dig deeper.

Get a Medigap Quote Enroll in Medigap

Step-by-Step: How to Use the Indiana Medigap Birthday Rule

Ready to save money? Follow these steps to take advantage of your annual protection:

Step 1: Find Your Window

Determine when 30-days is after your birthday. Write it down or set a reminder because this is the last day you can switch using this rule.

Step 2: Review this year’s premium increase

A few weeks before your birthday, take a look at your latest premium notice. If your rate went up, even slightly, it’s worth checking whether another insurer in Indiana offers a better price for the same plan. Rate creep is subtle, and the Birthday Rule gives you a chance to reset.

Step 3: Compare Medigap prices

Once you know your current premium, run a fresh comparison using your ZIP code. Because Medigap plans are standardized, you’re truly comparing apples to apples.
👉 Get an Instant Medigap Quote here.

Step 4: Confirm your “equal or lesser” plan options

Indiana’s Birthday Rule only lets you move sideways or down—not up. So if you have Plan G, you can switch to G, N, or High-Deductible G. If you have Plan N, you can move to N or HD-G. If you’re already in HD-G, you can stay within HD-G. This keeps the process simple and avoids surprises.

👉 If you’re considering Plan G, here´s How to Compare Companies and Find the Best Fit.

Step 5: Submit your application during the Indiana Birthday Rule window

Select the carrier that offers the lowest premium for a plan with equal or lesser benefits. Once you pick a plan, submit your application during the 30 days before or the 30 days after your birthday. The carrier must process it as Guaranteed Issue and cannot deny you or charge extra based on your health. You can apply online for Medigap using the b-day rule here. Prefer help from a person? We are real people here at Senior65.com!!!! Call 800-930-7956. Our guidance is free.

👉Want to switch safely? Check out our article Top 8 Mistakes to Avoid When Switching Medigap Plans so you don’t overlook a key step.

Get a Medigap Quote Enroll in Medigap

Step 6: Don’t cancel your current plan until the new one is active

Do not cancel your old policy until you receive confirmation that your new policy is active and includes an effective date (usually the first day of the month). Remember ONLY you can cancel your plan once approved. Senior65 or your new insurance provider cannot cancel your coverage for you. Make sure you call your previous Medigap plan once your new policy has been approved.

FAQ Indiana Medigap Birthday Rule

Q: Does the rule apply to Medicare Advantage (MA) plans?
A: No. This rule applies only to Medicare Supplement (Medigap) plans. If you have an MA plan, you must return to Original Medicare during the AEP or MAOEP. If you want help comparing options, call 800-930-7956.

Q: What if I miss my birthday window?
A: You can still apply later, but underwriting will apply. Use our Instant Underwriting Checker or call 800-930-7956 for guidance. Remember you can try again when your next birthday arrives.

Q: When does the Indiana Medigap Birthday Rule start?
A: It becomes effective January 1, 2026. If you’d like help planning ahead, call 800-930-7956.

Q: Will my new coverage start immediately?
A: Most insurers will start the new policy the first day of the month after they receive your application, but never before your birthday. Confirm the exact effective date with the team at Senior65.com when you enroll.

Q: Is there any cost to switch?
A: There is no penalty for switching when you work with Senior65, but you’ll pay the new plan’s premium once it goes into effect. We compare prices for free—800-930-7956.

Q: Can insurers charge more during the birthday window?
A: They can use standard pricing, but they cannot adjust based on your health. To find the lowest rate in your ZIP code, get an Instant Medigap Quote.

Q: Can Senior65.com help me switch plans?
A: Yes! We want your business. We specialize in Medigap and help for free. Call 800-930-7956.