Medicare Supplement Policies

Illinois Birthday Rule for Medicare Supplement Policies

If an individual is at least 65 years of age, but no more than 75 years of age, and has an existing Medicare supplement policy the individual is entitled to a New Medicare Supplement Annual Open enrollment period. This New Medicare Supplement Annual Open Enrollment period begins on the individual’s birthdate each year and lasts for 45 days. The individual may purchase any Medicare Supplement policy with the same company/issuer that offers benefits equal to or lesser than those provided by the previous coverage. During this open enrollment period, if an individual currently has a Medicare supplement policy then the carrier cannot deny or place conditions on the individual holding the policy or effectiveness of Medicare supplemental coverage, nor discriminate in the pricing of coverage, because of health status, claims experience, receipt of health care, or a medical condition of the individual.

Source: Illinois Department of Aging, 2024 Medicare Choices

Please note that this rule does not allow one to move to another insurance carrier without undergoing underwriting.