Can you switch Medicare Supplement plans (Medigap) without penalties? While it depends on your situation and timing. We’ll guide you through the rules, explain what’s allowed under Medicare, and show you how to avoid surprises when changing plans.
What are Medigap Switching Penalties?
There are three potential penalties associated with switching Medigap plans:
- You get charged a higher rate on your new Medigap plan because of a pre-existing conditions.
- You get turned down from your new Medigap plan due to a pre-existing condition.
- You are subject to waiting periods before your new Medigap plan will cover certain treatments.
Insurance companies can require medical underwriting if you switch outside certain protected periods. That means they can review your health history and potentially deny coverage or charge higher premiums. If you have had a Medigap plan for less than 6 months, they can also impose waiting periods for certain treatments.
💡If you’re not trying to switch plans, but just want to know the penalties for skipping Medicare/Medigap enrollment, take a peek at our guide: ‘Medicare Late Enrollment Penalties‘.
So, Can I Switch Medigap Plans Without Penalties?
Yes, but the process can be tricky. In most cases, your ability to switch Medigap plans without financial or waiting period penalties depends on timing of enrollment and your health status. If you switch at the “wrong time” and have certain preexisting conditions, you could be subject to higher premiums or declined.
The good news? There are federal rules that will allow you to change plans without being subject to waiting periods or higher premiums. Also certain states offer extra flexibility through rules like the Birthday Rule or Anniversary Rule, letting you switch plans with no penalty
Can I Change Plans During Open Enrollment?
Yes! Your initial Medigap Open Enrollment Period is your safest window to switch plans. This period starts the month you turn 65 and enroll in Medicare Part B, lasting for six months. During this time:
- Insurance companies cannot deny you coverage due to pre-existing conditions
- You can enroll in any Medigap plan offered in your state
- You pay standard premiums for the plan (aka no increase rate penalties)
Switching during open enrollment is the easiest way to change Medigap plans without penalties, because you’re guaranteed issue. So if you start with one plan and change your mind within the first 6 months of your Part B effective date, you can switch to another Medigap plan with no underwriting, waiting periods, or higher costs penalties. (Source: Medicare.gov) You are guaranteed to be approved at the best rate on the new plan even if you have already processed claims on your old plan.
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Special Enrollment Periods for Switching Without Penalties
Besides the initial open enrollment period, certain Special Enrollment Periods (SEPs) allow you to switch plans without penalties. Examples include:
- Losing other health insurance coverage (like employer or retiree coverage)
- Moving to a new state where your current plan isn’t offered
- Medicare Advantage plan changes that require switching to Medigap
During SEPs, insurers often cannot charge higher premiums based on your health. This is why it’s important to track life events and deadlines carefully—acting within the SEP can save you money and stress. Check out “Everything you need to know about SEPs“.
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State Exceptions: Switch Medigap Without Underwriting
Some states give you extra flexibility. If you live in Maine, Connecticut, or New York, for example, local rules allow you to switch your Medigap plan at any time of the year—as long as you meet a few simple requirements. There is no medical underwriting like in other states. These laws are designed to protect seniors, giving you peace of mind if your health needs or finances change.
Another example is Missouri’s Anniversary Rule or the Medigap Birthday Rule, which is now approved in over a dozen states. These rules let you review your plan each year around your birthday (or the plan’s anniversary) and make a switch without worrying about penalties. If you switching during one of these state rules you cannot be turned down, charged more, or subject to waiting periods if you have certain pre-existing conditions.
👉Curious about all the special switching rules? Check out our article: “Medicare Insurance Switching: Ultimate Guide” for a full breakdown.
What are the Guaranteed Issue Rights?
Even if you’ve missed your initial Medigap open enrollment or a Special Enrollment Period, some life events give you special protections called Guaranteed Issue Rights. These protections are designed to make sure seniors aren’t left without coverage or penalized for life changes. They complement Special Enrollment Periods and state-specific rules, giving you multiple ways to switch plans without financial risk or gaps in coverage.
Guaranteed Issue Rights usually apply for a 63-day window starting from your qualifying event. Common situations include:
- Ending your Medicare Advantage plan – If your MA plan is terminated or you leave it voluntarily, you can enroll in a Medigap plan without medical underwriting.
- Moving out of your Medicare Advantage service area – Relocation opens a window to get the Medigap coverage you need in your new location.
- Trial Period – Switching from an MA plan under a trial period? Guaranteed Issue Rights protect you, so you can enroll in Medigap without extra restrictions.
👉 Learn more about this in our article: Medigap: 7 Ways to Qualify for Guaranteed Issuance.
What Happens if I Switch Outside a Protected Period?
If you switch without being in Open Enrollment, a Special Enrollment Period, or a state special rule, insurers may:
- Deny coverage due to health history
- Charge higher premiums
- Apply waiting periods for coverage of pre-existing conditions (if you have had your plan for less than 6 months)
What is medical underwriting?
Medical underwriting is what insurance companies do to check your health history when you apply for a Medigap plan outside of your Initial Enrollment Period or any special state exceptions. Basically, it’s a way for them to understand your medical background—they may review your records and ask questions about your health conditions to decide if they can approve your coverage and set your premium. For many seniors, this can feel a bit daunting, but knowing what to expect makes the process much less stressful.
For example, if you’re looking to switch plans on your own, outside the regular enrollment windows or special state rules, medical underwriting may come into play. That’s where our Instant Underwriting Checker can make life easier—it quickly shows whether you qualify for a plan right now, giving you peace of mind and helping you make confident decisions about your coverage.
FAQs: Switching Medigap Plans Without Penalties
Q: Can I switch from Plan N to Plan G without penalties?
A: Yes, if you’re within Open Enrollment, a Special Enrollment Period, or eligible for guaranteed-issue rights. Outside these periods, underwriting may apply.
Q: I’m outside of a protected period—what can I do to improve my chances of getting approved?
Even if you’re outside a protected period, some strategies help: shop early and compare multiple carriers, keep documentation of life events (like losing employer coverage), ask about guaranteed-issue options in your state (check out our state-specific Medigap guides) and check our Instant Medigap Underwriting Checker before making a decision.
Q: Is switching always worth it?
A: Not necessarily. Compare premiums, benefits, and expected medical needs. Sometimes staying put is cheaper, sometimes switching gives better coverage. Tip: Explore our Medigap Comparison Wizard and get an Instant Free Quote here.
Feeling a bit overwhelmed with all this Medigap info? That’s totally normal! Our team has spent years helping seniors figure out the best plan for them, and we’d love to do the same for you. No fees, no catch—our guidance is free because the insurance companies provide the commissions directly to us at no charge to you. Call us at 800-930-7956 or drop a comment below, and we’ll help you choose with confidence.