Reviewed by Scott Lewis, licensed insurance agent · Last reviewed September 27, 2026
Oregon's Medicare Supplement birthday rule gives eligible Medigap policyholders an annual opportunity to move to another Medicare Supplement policy without being declined because of health. The application window opens 30 days before your birthday and closes 30 days after it.
The Oregon birthday-rule timeline
Step 1
Review early
Start comparing premiums, household discounts, rate history, and company service before the 30-day pre-birthday period begins.
Step 2
Choose equal or lesser benefits
The replacement Medigap policy must have the same benefits as your current policy or fewer benefits under Oregon's rule.
Step 3
Apply during the window
Submit the application no earlier than 30 days before and no later than 30 days after your birthday.
Step 4
Wait for issuance
Keep your current policy active until the new carrier confirms approval, issue date, premium, and effective date in writing.
What “same or lesser benefits” means
The birthday rule is not an unrestricted move to any richer Medigap policy. Your new plan must provide benefits equal to or less than the policy you already have. Because standardized plan letters and older policy types can create specific comparison questions, verify the permitted replacement with the carrier or Oregon SHIBA before applying.
What the birthday rule does not do
- It does not automatically lower your premium.
- It does not create a right to move into a policy with greater benefits.
- It does not replace Medicare's enrollment rules for Medicare Advantage or Part D.
- It does not mean you should cancel your existing Medigap policy before the replacement is issued.
- Oregon SHIBA says self-funded employer-sponsored group Medigap plans are not eligible for this birthday rule.
What to compare besides premium
- The exact standardized plan letter and benefit level.
- Current premium, household discounts, payment discounts, and rate-change history.
- How the company calculates rates and whether the quote reflects all information.
- Customer service, application timing, and the confirmed effective date.
- Your separate Part D coverage, which is not included in modern Medigap policies.
For a broader comparison, read Medicare Advantage vs. Medicare Supplement in Bend and our main Medicare Supplement guide.
Sources and verification
We use primary sources and link to the current page so you can verify details before making a coverage decision.
- Oregon Medicare Supplement Birthday Rule — Oregon SHIBA
- Senior Health Insurance Benefits Assistance — Oregon Department of Human Services
- Medicare Supplement Insurance (Medigap) — Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services