How Oklahoma's birthday rule works
The Oklahoma Insurance Department (OID) adopted the rule in OAC 365:10-5-129(f), effective September 1, 2023, and explained it in Bulletin No. 10-2023 (Revised). Before then, OID noted, Oklahomans had no chance to move to another Medigap policy or company after their first enrollment without health questions, even as premiums rose. Under the rule:
- Your window is 60 days, starting on your birthday, every year.
- You can switch to a policy with the same or lesser benefits, from your current company or a different one.
- The new company can't use medical underwriting or exclude preexisting conditions.
- You must currently have a Medigap policy, with no gap in coverage longer than 90 days.
- Employer group plans and Medicare Advantage plans don't qualify.
Which plans you can switch to
OID publishes this chart of "equal or lesser" options:
| Your current plan | You can switch to |
|---|---|
| Plan A | A |
| Plan B | A, B |
| Plan C | A, B, C, D, K, L, M, N |
| Plan D | A, B, D, K, L, M, N |
| Plan F | Any plan |
| High-deductible Plan F | High-deductible F or G |
| Plan G | A, B, D, G, K, L, M, N, high-deductible F or G |
| High-deductible Plan G | High-deductible G |
| Plan K | K |
| Plan L | K, L |
| Plan M | M |
| Plan N | M, N |
Plans C and F can only be bought by people who were eligible for Medicare before January 1, 2020.
How to use your birthday window
- Mark your birthday on the calendar. Start comparing a few weeks before.
- Compare the same plan letter. A Plan G has the same standardized benefits from every company, so compare premiums, how the company sets prices and its rate history.
- Apply within 60 days of your birthday. Don't cancel your current policy yet.
- Cancel the old policy once the new one starts. Do it in writing and keep a copy.
If you drop your Medigap policy and go more than 90 days without one, you lose the birthday-rule protection and will face health questions.
To compare Medigap policies from the companies they work with, you can request a call from a licensed insurance agent. For complaints, contact OID's consumer assistance line at 800-522-0071. More in our guide to Medigap in Oklahoma.
Related questions
Can I change Medigap plans in Oklahoma?
Switching safely, any time of year.
When can I buy Medigap in Oklahoma?
Every window, in one place.
Can I get Medigap under 65 in Oklahoma?
Oklahoma's disability rule.
Sources
- Oklahoma Insurance Department — Bulletin No. 10-2023 (Revised), new Medicare supplement enrollment requirements
- Oklahoma Insurance Department — New Medicare Supplement Open Enrollment FAQs and plan options chart
- Medicare.gov — When can I buy a Medigap policy?
More questions in this guide
- Can I change my Medicare supplement plan in Oklahoma?
- Can I get a Medicare supplement under 65 in Oklahoma?
- Can I switch from Medicare Advantage to a Medicare supplement in Oklahoma?
- When can I buy a Medicare supplement in Oklahoma?
Part of the guide: Medigap (Medicare Supplement) in Oklahoma · All questions
Frequently asked questions
Does the birthday rule apply if I bought my policy in another state?
Yes. The Oklahoma Insurance Department says what matters is that you live in Oklahoma now, not where you bought your Medigap policy.
Does it apply if I'm under 65 and on Medicare because of a disability?
Yes. OID says the rule covers policyholders under 65, but you can only choose from plans the company offers to people on Medicare because of a disability.
Can I use the birthday rule to buy a plan with more benefits?
You can apply, but the company may ask health questions and can turn you down. The rule only guarantees a switch to equal or lesser benefits.
When does my new policy start?
OID says the window applies to when you submit your application. Coverage usually starts on the first day of the month after the company accepts it. Keep your old policy until the new one is in force.
Medicare in your Oklahoma county
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