The Virginia Medigap Birthday Rule allows switching Medicare Supplement (Medigap) plans each year without medical underwriting. See who qualifies, when it starts, and how to take advantage of this special rule in VA.
What Is the Medigap Birthday Rule in Virginia?
The Medigap Birthday Rule in Virginia gives Medicare beneficiaries a special opportunity each year to change their Medigap plan without worrying about health questions. Starting in 2025, if you already have a Medigap policy in Virginia, you now get a 60-day open enrollment period that begins each year on your birthday.
Basically, this new rule creates an annual open enrollment period just for you. This window is designed to help you shop for lower premiums or better customer service—without being penalized for health issues that may have developed since you first enrolled. It’s a game-changer for seniors who want the freedom to compare options without going through medical underwriting.
When Can You Switch Medigap Plans in Virginia?
Under the new law, your chance to switch happens once a year, starting on your birthday. You then have 60 full days to make a change to a different Medigap policy that offers the same standardized benefits as your current plan. This means if your birthday is August 10, your special enrollment period runs until October 9.
This is separate from your six month initial Medigap enrollment window when you first join Medicare. It’s also different from the Annual Election Period (Oct 15–Dec 7), which applies to Medicare Advantage and Part D. Just to be clear: you cannot change your Medigap plans during AEP October 15-Dec 7th open enrollment period without answering health questions. If you need more info, you can check out our complete guide with the latest details on how Medigap works in Virginia.
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Who Is Eligible for the Medigap Birthday Rule in Virginia?
To qualify for the MedSupp Birthday Rule in Virginia, you must already be enrolled in a Medicare Supplement policy and live in the state. That includes individual policies purchased directly from an insurance company, or through group associations (as long as they’re not employer-based).
This rule does not apply if you don’t have a Medigap plan yet or if you’re enrolled in Medicare Advantage. It’s designed to help existing Medigap policyholders make changes once a year—without worrying about their health status.
Which Medigap Plans Can I Switch to in Virginia?
You can switch to any Medigap plan that offers THE SAME standardized benefits as your current plan. For example, if you currently have Plan G, you can move to another insurer’s Plan G, even if the new plan has a lower premium or different added perks.
The law specifies that “innovative benefits”—like gym memberships, dental, or vision—don’t count when comparing plans. So if one company adds extras to Plan G, and another doesn’t, they are still considered the same for switching purposes under the Birthday Rule. (Source: Virginia State Legislative Information System)
Can I Downgrade or Upgrade Medigap Coverage?
Unlike the Birthday rule in some states, the Virginia Birthday Rule does not let you downgrade to a plan with fewer benefits. You can only switch to a plan with the same core benefits. That means if you’re on Plan G you cannot move to Plan N using the Birthday Rule unless you go through full Medigap medical underwriting. (Source)
Additionally you cannot upgrade coverage using the VA Medigap B-day rule. So you couldn’t move from Plan G to Plan F using this rule.
Get a Medigap Quote Enroll in Medigap
Do I Need to Stay with the Same Insurance Company?
Nope! You don’t have to stick with your current insurance company. The Virginia Medigap Birthday Rule lets you switch to any insurer that offers the same plan in the state. If you find a better premium with another provider, you’re free to make the change. Click here and get an Instant Quote.
This creates a more competitive Medigap market in Virginia and gives you, the consumer, more power to choose. It’s a great chance to shop around—especially with help from Senior65.com that let you compare plans across multiple companies.
What If I Miss My Birthday Window?
Life happens, and sometimes you just miss a deadline! If you miss the 60-day window after your birthday, you can always switch again next year. You can use the birthday rule every year!
Virginia law requires your current Medigap insurance company to send you a reminder letter 15 to 30 days before your birthday window opens, so watch your mailbox.
If you want to switch BEFORE your next birthday, you’ll most likely need to go through Medigap medical underwriting. That means the insurer can ask health questions, review your medical history, and even deny coverage or charge more based on your health.
NOTE: If you miss the deadline and you’re not sure you’ll qualify for Medigap changes later on, consider using our Instant Medigap Underwriting Checker to understand your approval odds outside your birthday window.
Tips to Make the Most of Your Birthday Window
1. Time
First, don’t wait until the last minute. As soon as your birthday hits, that 60-day clock starts ticking. Get your quotes in early so you’re not scrambling at the last minute.
2. Check the coverage
Second, make sure you’re switching to a plan with identical base coverage. Remember plans that have the same letter (eg Plan G) but offer extra “innovative” benefits are still considered the same coverage and you can switch to them.
3. Expert Advice
Use our Medigap comparison tool or talk to an expert at Senior65.com to see if switching plans is right for you. Feel free to drop a comment/question in the section below or directly call our team at 800-930-7956. We’re here to assist you in every possible way. There is never a charge or hidden fee to work with us.
4. Switch
Apply online for your new Medigap plan. Don’t cancel your old plan until your new plan has been processed and approved.
Not currently living in Virginia: Just click this link and read our complete guide on the Medigap Birthday Rule in every state available.