What do you want for your birthday this year? If the answer is to lower your Medicare policy premium, you might be in luck! Nevada state bill AB250, otherwise known as the Nevada Birthday Rule, allows existing Medicare Supplement policyholders to change to a different Medicare plan without underwriting. But as the name might suggest, you can only make the change on your birthday month.
All about the Medicare Supplement Birthday Rule
The Medicare Supplement Birthday Rule (officially AB250) was implemented on January 1, 2022 and is currently still active. The Nevada Birthday Rule is a bill that allows existing Medicare Supplement policyholders to purchase a new Medicare Supplement plan with the same or lesser benefits as their current plan without requiring underwriting.
For example, if you currently have a Medicare Supplement Plan F, you can enroll into a new Medicare Supplement Plan G without needing to wait for underwriting. Current Medicare Supplement Plan G holders can move to a different Medicare Supplement plan G because they have the same level of benefits.
When can you change Medicare Supplement plans?
As the name might suggest, the Medicare Supplement Birthday Rule is based around your birthday. The rule becomes effective on the first day of your birthday month and extends through the following 60 days.
For example, if your birthday is May 21st, you can take advantage of the Nevada Birthday Rule starting on May 1st through July 1st and change to a new Medicare Supplement plan without underwriting.
Why change your Medicare Supplement plan?
The most common reason that seniors change their Medicare Supplement plan is to reduce premium payments. Premiums can increase throughout the year, making it difficult to afford the coverage you need.
Changing to a different Medicare Supplement plan with equal or lesser benefits lets you shop around for a plan with a lower premium to help save you money throughout the year. Plus, with no underwriting, you can swap plans much more quickly and easily.
There are also seniors who are still enrolled in a Medicare Supplement Plan F. It’s typically much more expensive to stay on this plan because it was phased out in 2020. This is a great opportunity to change to a Medicare Supplement Plan G. If you’d like to learn more about the differences between Plan F and Plan G, read this resource on the Health Benefits Associates website: Medicare Plan F vs. Plan G.
Learn more about the Nevada Birthday Rule
If you feel that you’re paying too much for your Medicare Supplement plan premium, now might be the time to take advantage of the Nevada Birthday Rule and change to a different plan with lower premiums. Contact a Medicare Advisor at Health Benefits Associates by calling 775-828-1216 to see if you can reduce your monthly premiums or even receive extra benefits.
And for those who might want to enroll in a new Medicare plan that includes a prescription drug plan or even a standalone prescription drug plan, contact one of the advisors at Health Benefits Associates. We’d be happy to help you find a plan that works for your unique needs. Give us a call today!
