Starting January 1, 2026, Indiana Medicare Supplement policyholders age 65 and older will have an annual 60-day guaranteed issue period beginning on their birthday.
The Birthday Rule allows Medicare Supplement members to change carriers while keeping their existing plan type, without medical underwriting. This means your clients can shop for better rates or service without worrying about health questions.
Coverage becomes effective on the first day of the month following the member's birthday, and clients have 60 days from their birthday to make the switch.
Your clients must keep the same Medicare Supplement plan letter (for example, Plan G to Plan G or Plan N to Plan N). They cannot change to a different plan type using this guaranteed issue right. This varies from state to state so please remember we are only talking about Indiana here.
If a client wants to switch to a different plan letter, they'll need to complete the health history section and pass medical underwriting.
While electronic enrollment systems are being updated, paper applications are required for now. We'll update this announcement as we recieve more communications from carriers.
But we do have some instructional information to share from both Humana and Anthem.
Humana:
Anthem Instructions: The Birthday Rule appears as GI Right #9 on updated paper applications available in enrollment kits on Storefront. Electronic enrollment applications will be updated November 15th.
Advise your clients to keep their previous policy active for 30 days after receiving their new policy to ensure they're satisfied with the change. They can return to their original carrier within this 30-day window if needed.
