Maryland Medigap Birthday Rule: Switch Medicare Supplement Plans Without Underwriting
Maryland Medicare Supplement policyholders have an annual guaranteed window to switch Medigap plans without Underwriting. The Maryland Medigap Birthday Rule gives you 31 days after your birthday each year: no health questions, no denial risk, no medical exam required.
What Is the Maryland Medigap Birthday Rule?
Maryland’s window: 31 days starting on your birthday. Carriers must accept your application at standard rates regardless of your health status or medical history.
Who Qualifies?
- Must be a Maryland resident
- Must currently be enrolled in a Medigap plan
- Must apply within 31 days of your birthday
Which Plans Can You Switch To?
Maryland follows the equal-or-lesser rule: switch to a plan with equal or fewer benefits than your current plan.
| From | To | Allowed? |
|---|---|---|
| Plan G | Plan G (new carrier) | Yes — same coverage, potentially lower rate |
| Plan G | Plan N | Yes — fewer benefits, lower Premium |
| Plan N | Plan N (new carrier) | Yes |
| Plan N | Plan G | No — Plan G has more benefits |
| Plan F | Plan G, N, or others | Yes |
How to Use Maryland’s Birthday Rule
Step 1: Mark your 31-day window starting on your birthday.
Step 2: Get rate quotes from multiple Maryland Medigap carriers for your current plan letter.
Step 3: Apply during the window. No health underwriting applies.
Step 4: Confirm your new coverage is in place before canceling your old plan.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does this cover Medicare Advantage? No. Medigap only.
Can carriers reject me due to health conditions? No. Guaranteed issue applies during the 31-day window.
Can I upgrade to a better plan? No. Equal or lesser benefits only.
What if I miss the 31-day window? Wait until your next birthday window, or explore other guaranteed issue rights if a qualifying life event applies.
The Bottom Line
Maryland’s 31-day birthday window is a guaranteed annual opportunity to lower your Medigap premium without health risk. Moving to the same plan at a lower-cost carrier is one of the simplest ways to reduce your Medicare expenses.
Free Medigap rate comparisons in Maryland: no cost, no pressure. Get a quote from REMEDIGAP today.
Official resource: Maryland Department of Insurance
See also: What Is the Medigap Birthday Rule? Overview of all states with birthday rule protections, how windows work, and how to use them.
Written by Michael Quinn
Licensed Broker, REMEDIGAP Founder
Fact Checked by Joann Quinn
Chief Compliance Officer
As a licensed insurance broker, REMEDIGAP upholds the principles of integrity in our editorial standards and ensures transparency in how we receive compensation from our insurance partners.