What states are guaranteed issues for Medigap?


Editorial team Published on

A few states provide continuous or annual guaranteed issue (GI) protections for Medigap (Medicare Supplement) policies, meaning you can enroll or switch without passing health questions or facing medical underwriting.

✅ Continuous or Year-Round Guaranteed Issue States

  • Connecticut: Continuous year-round guaranteed issue for age 65+ with community-rated pricing.
  • New York: Continuous year-round guaranteed issue for age 65+ with community-rated pricing.
  • Washington: Year-round switching between same/lower plans without gaps over 90 days.
  • Vermont: Certain carriers offer guaranteed issue year-round under state framework.

🗓️ Annual Open Enrollment or Limited Window States

  • Massachusetts: Annual open enrollment window from February 1 to March 31.
  • Maine: Requires a one-month annual open enrollment for Plan A regardless of health, plus extended switching rules.
  • Minnesota: Annual guaranteed issue window for ages 65½ to 70 during Fall Open Enrollment (Oct 15–Dec 7).
  • Rhode Island: Annual open enrollment window (Oct 15–Dec 7) for continuous coverage holders.

📅 Birthday or Anniversary Rule States (Switching Existing Plans)

These states allow beneficiaries who already have a Medigap plan to switch to an equivalent or lesser plan letter without medical underwriting around their birthday or policy anniversary:

  • California: 30-day window following your birthday.
  • Oregon: 30-day window following your birthday.
  • Missouri: 30-day window around your policy anniversary date.
  • Illinois, Idaho, Nevada, and Louisiana: Feature limited birthday/anniversary rules or specific same-plan switching structures.