If you’re wondering whether you can change Medigap plans, the answer is yes—but there are a few things to consider first.
Medigap plans aren’t set in stone. Your current plan might raise its rates, reduce benefits, or even shut down.
At the same time, new options with better pricing or added perks could become available in your area. When that happens, it’s worth exploring whether switching to a different Medigap plan makes sense for you.
This guide will walk you through the benefits of switching, when you can make a change, and how to find a plan that better fits your needs.
Benefits of Switching to a New MediGap Plan
Depending on your circumstances, switching MediGap plans may bring the following benefits:
- Lower premiums. Switching MediGap plans can help you find a plan with lower monthly premiums, saving you money.
- Change in healthcare needs. If your health condition has changed, switching to a different MediGap plan can ensure you have coverage that meets your current needs, such as prescription drugs or specialized services.
- Better customer service. If you’re unhappy with your current plan’s customer service, switching to a different MediGap plan can provide better support and responsiveness.
- Expanded provider network. Switching to a different plan can give you access to a broader network of healthcare professionals and hospitals.
- Additional benefits. Some MediGap carriers also offer extra benefits like vision, dental, or hearing coverage, which may be important to you.
- Better rate stability. Switching plans can provide more rate stability, protecting you from significant premium increases.
- Travel coverage. Some MediGap plans offer travel benefits that help you pay for care outside of the U.S. If yours doesn’t, and you plan to travel outside of the United States, you should consider switching to a MediGap plan that covers foreign travel. Among the standardized MediGap plans, Plan C, Plan D, Plan F, Plan G, Plan M, and Plan N may include foreign travel benefits.
However, plans F and C are no longer available to new enrollees.
Read more about Switching to a New MediGap Policy here.
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When Can I Change Medigap Plans?
You can apply to change Medigap plans at any time, but approval isn’t always guaranteed.
Insurance companies can deny coverage or charge higher premiums unless you qualify for guaranteed issue rights under specific conditions.
Medigap Open Enrollment Period (OEP)
- This six-month window starts when you turn 65 or older and enroll in Medicare Part B.
- During this period, insurers must accept you, regardless of your health. They also can’t charge higher premiums due to pre-existing conditions.
Special Enrollment Period (SEP)
- You qualify if you lose certain health coverage, such as an employer plan or a Medicare Advantage plan.
- You’re also eligible if your current Medigap plan ends or goes out of business.
- You must enroll in a new plan within 63 days of losing coverage.
- Keep all letters, notices, and claim denials to prove eligibility.
Birthday Enrollment Period (Available in Some States)
- Some states allow you to switch Medigap plans with equal or lesser benefits for a short period around your birthday.
- This rule applies in California, Maryland, Oregon, Illinois, Nevada, and Idaho. If you live in one of these states, consider reviewing your options near your birthday.
Special Circumstances
- If you were misled when you first enrolled, some states allow you to switch Medigap plans without medical underwriting.
- These rules vary by state, so check local regulations to see if you qualify.
States Allowing Medigap Plan Changes Without Medical Underwriting
Several states have enacted laws that allow you to change Medigap plans without undergoing medical underwriting every year around your birthday.
Below are the details for each state’s rules:
- MediGap Birthday Rule States: In California, Idaho, Illinois, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maryland, Nevada, Oklahoma, and Oregon, you can switch to a different MediGap plan around your birthday each year without medical questions. This state-specific rule ensures easier transitions between plans.
- Guaranteed Issue States: Connecticut, New York, Massachusetts, Rhode Island, and Washington* offer guaranteed issue rights year-round, allowing you to change MediGap plans anytime without underwriting.
*In Washington, you must switch to the same plan from another insurer to avoid medical underwriting.
- MediGap Anniversary Rule State: Missouri allows you to switch plans within 30 days of the policy’s anniversary date.
- Massachusetts Annual Open Enrollment: Massachusetts provides an annual open enrollment period for switching MediGap plans from February 1 to March 31.
- Maine’s Flexible Switching Rule: In Maine, you can switch to a MediGap plan with the same or fewer benefits at any time during the year.
These state-specific provisions make it easier for you to adjust your Medigap coverage to better meet your needs without the worry of medical underwriting.
For details specific to your state, and to enroll, contact a Personal Benefits Manager.
Can You Switch From Medigap to a Health Share Plan?
Yes, you can switch from Medigap to a health share plan at any time.
Unlike Medigap, health sharing plans don’t have enrollment periods, but they often require a waiting period for pre-existing conditions.
What is a Health Sharing Plan?
A health share plan is a non-insurance alternative where members share medical expenses.
It’s typically faith-based and offers a lower-cost option compared to Medigap.
Medi-Share 65+
Medi-Share 65+ provides cost-sharing for Medicare out-of-pocket expenses like deductibles and copays.
In 2025:
- Ages 65–74: $99/month
- Ages 75+: $150/month
- Members pay the first $500 per year before costs are shared.
If you are looking to reduce Medigap costs, Medi-Share 65+ could be worth considering. However, it works differently from traditional insurance, so be sure to compare options carefully.
Click here for full information on the Medi-Share 65+ healthsharing alternative to Medigap.
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Prescription Drug Coverage and Medigap
Neither Medigap nor Medi-Share 65+ covers prescription drugs. To manage medication costs, most people enroll in a Medicare Part D plan.
Ways to Save on Prescriptions:
- Medicare Part D: A standalone plan that helps cover the cost of prescription drugs.
- Discount Programs: Some Medigap enrollees qualify for Pharmaceutical Assistance Programs, which offer savings on both generic and brand-name medications.
- Medi-Share 65+ Discounts: Members can save up to 80% on generic prescriptions through select pharmacy programs.
To find the best coverage, compare Medicare Part D plans and prescription discount options based on your specific medication needs.
What To Consider When Switching MediGap Plans
Here are some of the different factors you should consider before you drop your current MediGap coverage in favor of something else:
- Benefits and coverages in the plan
- Monthly premiums
- Projected premium increases
- Customer reviews
- Financial strength and stability of the insurance company
- Foreign travel benefits
- Care networks (if switching out of MediGap)
- Deductibles
- Coinsurance and copays
- Medicare excess charge
- Additional benefits
Your Personal Benefits Manager can save you hours of hassle by helping you research many different plans and narrow down your options. They will ensure you are enrolled in the best possible plan to suit your individual circumstances.
How To Switch MediGap Plans
Switching MediGap plans or transitioning from MediGap to the Medi-Share 65+ health-sharing alternative is straightforward with the right guidance.
Here’s how to make the switch:
- Consult a Personal Benefits Manager: These experts are highly trained and experienced in both traditional health insurance and healthsharing plans. They will help you understand your options and find the best plan for your needs.
- Evaluate your options: Your Benefits Manager will help you compare MediGap plans and the Medi-Share 65+ alternative. They will explain factors such as premiums, coverage, and additional benefits to ensure you make an informed decision.
- Apply for the new plan: Once you’ve chosen a new plan, your Benefits Manager will guide you through the application process. This includes completing necessary paperwork and providing any required documentation.
- Wait for approval: After submitting your application, wait for approval from the new plan. This step is crucial to ensure you have continuous coverage and avoid any gaps.
- Cancel your existing policy: Once your new plan is approved and enrollment is complete, your Benefits Manager will help you cancel your existing MediGap policy. They will ensure the transition is seamless and you do not experience a break in coverage.
- Review your new coverage: After the switch, take the time to review your new coverage details. Make sure you understand the benefits and any new procedures or requirements.
Is It Time to Change Your Medigap Plan?
Your healthcare needs and budget aren’t static and neither should your Medigap plan.
If your premiums have increased, your coverage no longer fits, or a better option is available, it may be time to explore your options.
Switching Medigap plans can help you save money, improve coverage, and access better benefits. However, navigating enrollment rules and underwriting requirements can be tricky.
A Personal Benefits Manager can simplify the process by comparing plans, ensuring you qualify for the best coverage, and helping you switch without gaps in care.
Don’t settle for a plan that no longer meets your needs. Contact a Personal Benefits Manager today to explore your Medigap options and find the right fit for you.
For Further Reading:
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FAQs on Switching MediGap Plans
Can I switch MediGap plans at any time?
Yes, you can switch MediGap plans at any time throughout the year. Unlike Medicare Advantage plans, MediGap plans do not have specific enrollment periods.
Will I be subject to medical underwriting when switching MediGap plans?
Unless you qualify for a guaranteed issue right or are within your MediGap Open Enrollment Period (OEP), you may be subject to medical underwriting when switching MediGap plans. This means the insurance company can consider your health history and may charge higher premiums or deny coverage based on pre-existing conditions.
When is the MediGap Open Enrollment Period (OEP)?
The MediGap Open Enrollment Period is a six-month period that starts when you are 65 years old or older and you are enrolled in Medicare Part B.
What are guaranteed issue rights and when do they apply?
Guaranteed issue rights protect you from medical underwriting. They apply in specific situations, such as losing certain types of health coverage, your current MediGap plan ending its coverage, or your MediGap plan going out of business. These rights provide a limited timeframe to switch to a new MediGap plan without being subject to medical underwriting.
Can I switch to any MediGap plan I want?
You can switch to any available MediGap plan, but your ability to get coverage at the desired plan and rate may depend on your health history and the underwriting practices of the insurance company.
Are there any waiting periods when switching MediGap plans?
If you had prior creditable coverage, there generally should not be any waiting periods for pre-existing conditions when switching MediGap plans. However, if you have a significant gap in coverage, the new MediGap plan may impose a waiting period before covering pre-existing conditions.
Should I cancel my old MediGap policy before applying for a new one?
It is recommended to wait until your new MediGap policy is approved before canceling your old one to avoid a gap in coverage. Make sure you have the new policy in place before terminating the existing one.
Can I keep my same insurance company when switching MediGap plans?
In most cases, you can switch MediGap plans within the same insurance company. However, you should confirm with your Personal Benefits Manager or your current carrier if they allow switching between their different MediGap plans.
The current plan may not be the best match for you. Sometimes you can get a much better value by switching carriers altogether.
Will I have to start over with a new deductible when switching MediGap plans?
If you switch between MediGap plans with different deductibles, you may have to meet the new plan’s deductible before it provides coverage. However, any deductibles you’ve already met under your previous MediGap plan should be credited towards the new plan.
Can I switch MediGap plans if I have a pre-existing condition?
If you are outside your MediGap Open Enrollment Period or do not have a guaranteed issue right, the new MediGap plan may review your health history and could charge higher premiums or deny coverage based on pre-existing conditions.
However, if you have guaranteed issue rights, you cannot be turned down for a MediGap plan.
Christine Corsini is one of your Personal Benefits Managers at MediGap Advisors. She loves working for Medigap Advisors especially helping clients choose the right Medicare plan.