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Indiana Birthday Rule for Medicare Supplement Plans: How It Works in 2027

Reviewed by Russell Noga, Licensed Medicare Insurance Broker (all 50 states) — Last updated October 29, 2026

Yes, Indiana has a Medicare Supplement birthday rule: since January 1, 2026, Medigap members age 65 or older can switch to the same plan letter at a different company each year without health questions. Under the state’s current guidance, the window runs from one month before your birthday through one month after it.

2027 by the Numbers

Jan. 1, 2026

date Indiana’s birthday rule took effect (HEA 1226)

2 months

yearly window, one month before to one month after your birthday (Indiana SHIP)

65+

minimum age to use the rule (Indiana SHIP)

For years, most Indiana Medigap members who wanted a cheaper policy had to pass medical underwriting to switch. That changed when House Enrolled Act 1226 created a yearly birthday window that began on January 1, 2026. A later law, HEA 1260, adjusted the rule for policies issued, delivered or renewed on or after March 15, 2026.

This guide explains who qualifies, how the window works, what the rule does not cover and how to use it well. For local plan and price options, see Medicare Supplement plans in Indiana.

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✔ Based on CMS 2027 data
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Key Highlights

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The rule applies to Indiana residents 65 and older who already have a Medigap policy.

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You can move to the same plan letter, such as G to G, at a new company with no health questions.

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Switching from high-deductible Plan G to regular Plan G is included.

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Changing letters, such as F to G, still requires medical underwriting.

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What the Indiana Birthday Rule Does

The birthday rule is a yearly guaranteed issue right. During your window, a Medigap insurer cannot turn you down or use your health history to decide whether to sell you a same-letter policy. That makes it much easier to shop for a lower premium after you have health problems.

Rule detail How it works in Indiana
Who qualifies People 65 or older who currently have a Medigap policy
How often Once each year
Window One month before your birthday through one month after it
Plans allowed The same plan letter at a different company
High-deductible Plan G May switch to regular Plan G
New coverage start First day of the month after you sign the application

Source: Indiana State Health Insurance Assistance Program fact sheet on HEA 1226 as amended by HEA 1260. Carrier procedures can vary, so confirm details before you apply.

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Who Can and Cannot Use the Rule

You can use it if

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You live in Indiana

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You are 65 or older

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You have a Medigap policy now

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You want the same plan letter from a new company

You cannot use it if

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You are under 65

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You have a Medicare Advantage plan instead of Medigap

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You have no Medigap policy today

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You want to change to a different plan letter

The rule is meant for current Medigap members. It does not give a new way to join Medigap for people coming from Medicare Advantage or from no supplement at all. Those buyers still depend on their open enrollment period or federal guaranteed issue rights.

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How the Birthday Window Works Step by Step

1

Mark your window Count back one month from your birthday and forward one month after it. For a June 15 birthday, the window runs roughly May 15 to July 15.

2

Gather proof of your plan Insurers may ask for your current ID card or policy page showing the company name and plan letter.

3

Get quotes for your exact letter Compare the same plan letter from several companies selling in Indiana.

4

Sign the application in the window Your new policy starts on the first of the month after you sign. A June 15 signature means a July 1 start.

5

Cancel the old policy last Only end your current plan after the new one is approved and the start date is set.

Timing matters: If you miss your window, you will have to wait for next year’s birthday or pass medical underwriting to switch.

Why Indiana's Rule Requires the Same Plan Letter

Some states let you move to a plan with equal or lesser benefits. Indiana’s rule is narrower: you keep the same letter. If you have Plan G, you can buy Plan G elsewhere. You cannot use the rule to move to Plan N, even though Plan N pays less.

G to G

Covered by the rule

N to N

Covered by the rule

High-deductible G to G

Covered by the rule

F to G

Not covered, underwriting required

Plan F is only sold to people eligible for Medicare before 2020. If you keep Plan F, you can use the rule to buy Plan F from another company. To weigh Plan G against Plan N for a future underwritten switch, see Medicare Plan G vs Plan N.

Other Ways to Switch Medigap Plans in Indiana

The birthday rule adds to, but does not replace, the protections every Medicare beneficiary has.

Other switching paths

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Your six-month Medigap Open Enrollment Period, which starts when you are 65 or older and enrolled in Part B

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Federal guaranteed issue rights, such as when your Medigap company goes bankrupt or a Medicare Advantage plan leaves your area

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Trial rights if you tried Medicare Advantage for the first time and return within the allowed time

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Medical underwriting at any time of year, where the insurer reviews your health

Read more about timing in when you can switch Medicare Supplement plans.

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Which Other States Have a Medigap Birthday Rule?

Indiana joined a growing group of states with yearly switching rights. Terms differ a lot, including the window length, whether you must stay with the same insurer and whether age limits apply.

State Notable terms
California 60 days starting on your birthday; equal or lesser benefits
Idaho 63-day window; equal or lesser benefits
Illinois 45 days from your birthday; same insurer or affiliate; up to age 75
Louisiana 63 days from your birthday; same insurer or affiliate
Nevada 60 days starting on your birthday; equal or lesser benefits
Oregon Window starts 30 days before your birthday; equal or lesser benefits
Other states with yearly rules Delaware, Kentucky, Maryland, Oklahoma, Utah, Virginia, West Virginia and Wyoming

Based on 2026 reporting. New Mexico is expected to add a rule in 2027. Check each state’s insurance department for current terms.

Connecticut, New York, Vermont and Washington take a different approach with year-round Medigap enrollment rights under their own rules. For one example of how another state handles it, see the Oregon Medicare Supplement birthday rule.

Tips to Get the Most From Indiana's Birthday Rule

Smart habits

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Set a reminder a few weeks before your window opens each year

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Compare at least three quotes for your current plan letter

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Ask each insurer about its pricing method and recent rate increases

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Remember that premiums still vary by age, sex, ZIP code and tobacco use

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Get free help from Indiana SHIP if you have questions about your rights

Key point: Guaranteed acceptance means you cannot be denied for health reasons during your window. It does not mean every company charges the same price.

Bottom Line

The Bottom Line

Indiana’s birthday rule gives Medigap members 65 and older a yearly chance to buy the same plan letter from a new company without health questions. The window runs from one month before to one month after your birthday. Use it each year to check whether a lower premium is available for the same coverage.

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Frequently Asked Questions

➤ Does Indiana have a birthday rule for Medicare Supplement plans?

Yes. Indiana’s birthday rule took effect January 1, 2026, under House Enrolled Act 1226. It lets Medigap members 65 and older switch to the same plan letter at a new company once a year without health questions.

➤ How long is the Indiana birthday rule window?

Under current state guidance, it runs from one month before your birthday through one month after it. Early carrier guidance described other windows, so confirm timing with the insurer.

➤ Can I switch from Plan F to Plan G under Indiana’s birthday rule?

No. The rule only covers the same plan letter. Moving from Plan F to Plan G requires medical underwriting.

➤ Can I switch from high-deductible Plan G to regular Plan G?

Yes. The Indiana SHIP fact sheet says moving from high-deductible Plan G to Plan G is included.

➤ Does the Indiana birthday rule apply to Medicare Advantage?

No. It only applies to people who already have a Medigap policy. Medicare Advantage members cannot use it to join Medigap.

➤ Can I use the rule if I am under 65?

No. Indiana’s birthday rule is for Medigap policyholders age 65 and older.

➤ When does my new Medigap policy start?

Coverage begins on the first day of the month after you sign the application. For example, an application signed June 15 starts July 1.

➤ Will the new insurer charge more because of my health?

During your birthday window, the insurer cannot deny you based on health. Premiums can still vary based on age, sex, ZIP code and tobacco use.

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TTY users 711  |  Mon–Fri: 5am–7pm, Sat–Sun: 7am–4pm CT

No obligation to enroll

Find & Compare Plans Online

Speak with a licensed insurance agent

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Mon-Fri: 8am-9pm ET

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