The California Department of Insurance: "You have a right to transfer to an equal or lesser Medicare Supplement plan during the 60 day open enrollment period commencing with your birthday." Insurance companies must tell you about it at least 30 and no more than 60 days before your birthday.
Why it matters
Outside your one-time Medigap open enrollment period and a few special situations, there's no federal guarantee an insurer will sell you a Medigap policy, and it can turn you down for health reasons. The birthday window is California's yearly exception for switching to a plan with equal or fewer benefits.
Snowbirds from Illinois
Illinois has its own version: if you're 65 to 75 and already have a Medicare supplement, you get 45 days starting on your birthday to buy an equal or lesser plan from the same insurer or an affiliate (current law since January 1, 2026). Free help: Illinois SHIP, 1-800-252-8966. Medicare for snowbirds.
Before you switch
Compare plans with HICAP, California's free, unbiased Medicare counseling: 1-800-434-0222. Watch for sales calls: the Medicare scam red flags.
Do it with PJ
The calls, the forms, the logins and the errands in between: PJ does the legwork with your family in Solana Beach, Encinitas, Cardiff and Del Mar. He doesn't give medical, legal or benefits advice; the programs decide. Plans start as low as $25.
More: the care ladder · every senior waitlist · senior benefits checkup.
Sources: California Department of Insurance, seniors' rights · Medicare.gov, when to buy Medigap · 215 ILCS 5/363 (Illinois) · Illinois SHIP · CA Department of Aging, HICAP. Checked October 6, 2026.
Need a human?
This page is built every morning from public data by SideGuy, run by PJ, a local in Solana Beach. If something looks off, or you want a hand with your plans, text PJ at 858-461-8054. A real person answers.
Local help, free to read: make your fix plan · senior benefits checkup · lower your SDG&E bill · Medicare Extra Help · every 2027 Medicare plan · is my medication recalled? · the next 90 days. Plans start as low as $25. Your parent lives here and you don't? The Parent Check-In Plan, $25 a month.
Questions people ask
What is the California birthday rule for Medicare supplements?
A 60-day window starting on your birthday each year to transfer to an equal or lesser Medicare Supplement plan; insurers must notify you 30 to 60 days before your birthday (California Department of Insurance).
Does Illinois have a Medigap birthday rule?
Yes. If you're 65 to 75 with an existing Medicare supplement, Illinois gives 45 days starting on your birthday to buy an equal or lesser plan from the same insurer or an affiliate.
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