Delaware Adopts Medigap Birthday Rule in 2026
Published: 01.26.2026
What is the Medigap Birthday Rule?
Switching Medicare Supplement (Medigap) plans can be difficult, especially outside your client’s initial enrollment period. In many states, switching plans requires underwriting and health questionnaires, which could lead to increased rates or even denial of coverage.To help policyholders switch medigap policies without the fear of higher premiums or losing coverage, select states are choosing to adopt a once-yearly enrollment period tied to the member’s birthday. These enrollment periods are more commonly known as Medicare Supplement, or Medigap, Birthday Rules.
Delaware Medigap Birthday Rule | New in 2026
We are excited to announce that Delaware has become one of the latest Medigap Birthday Rule states. This provides more protection and flexibility for your clients, allowing them to more easily adjust coverage should their health or financial needs change.Delaware Medigap Birthday Rule – Key Highlights
- Who Qualifies: Current Medigap policyholders in Delaware.
- When: A 60-day window—30 days before and 30 days after the client’s birthday.
- Effective Date: January 1, 2026
- What Policyholders Can Do: Switch to a plan with equal or lesser benefits (e.g., Plan G to Plan G, but not Plan G to Plan F) with any carrier offering Medigap plans in Delaware.
- Key Benefit: Guaranteed issue—no underwriting, no health questions, and no denial due to pre-existing conditions.
What States Have the Medigap Birthday Rule?
Medigap Birthday Rules vary by state. Please see below for an outline of each state that participates.| State | Window | Switch Allowed | Carrier | Resource |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| California Effective 2020 |
60 days | Equal or lesser benefits | Any carrier | California Department of Insurance |
| Delaware Effective 2026 |
60 days | Equal or lesser benefits | Any carrier | Delaware Department of Insurance |
| Idaho Effective 2022 |
63 days | Equal or lesser benefits | Any carrier | Idaho Department of Insurance |
| Illinois Effective 2022 |
45 days (between ages 65 and 76) |
Equal or lesser benefits | Same carrier/affiliate | Illinois Department on Aging |
| Indiana Effective 2026 |
60 days | Same plan only | Any carrier | Indiana House Enrolled Act 1226 |
| Kentucky Effective 2024 |
60 days | Same plan only | Any carrier | Kentucky Department of Insurance |
| Louisiana Effective 2022 |
63 days | Equal or lesser benefits | Same carrier/affiliate | Louisiana State Legislature |
| Maryland Effective 2023 |
30 days | Equal or lesser benefits | Any carrier | Maryland Insurance Administration |
| Nevada Effective 2022 |
60 days | Equal or lesser benefits | Any carrier | Nevada Department of Insurance |
| Oklahoma Effective 2023 |
60 days | Equal or lesser benefits | Any carrier | Oklahoma Insurance Department |
| Oregon Effective 2020 |
60 days | Equal or lesser benefits | Any carrier | Oregon Division of Financial Regulation |
| Utah Effective 2025 |
60 days | Similar or lesser benefits | Same carrier | Utah State Legislature H.B. 258 |
| Virginia Effective 2025 |
60 days | Same plan only | Any carrier | Virginia Bureau of Insurance |
| Wyoming Effective 2025 |
63 days | Equal or lesser benefits | Any carrier | Wyoming Department of Insurance |
When Might a Client Want to Utilize a Medicare Birthday Rule?
- Switch insurance carriers; for example, if they are unhappy with their current insurance carrier’s service or care model.
- Lower their premiums by switching to a lower-cost plan
- Change plans without medical underwriting
My Savoy Benefits Is Here to Help
We hope that these enrollment periods help empower your clients to shop their Medigap policies each year with confidence—and provide them with better overall protection.It is important you communicate these updates with your clients while helping them review and compare their options for the best rates and plans for their needs.
For more information on plan availability and quoting resources, contact the My Savoy Benefits team today.
