Enrollment Rules by State, Med Supplement

Oregon Medicare Supplement Birthday Rule

Jackson Edwards
January 28, 2026

Oregon residents approaching the age of 65 have a unique advantage in managing their Medicare Supplement plans – the Oregon Medicare Birthday Rule. This state-specific regulation allows individuals to make changes to their Medicare Supplement (Medigap) plans during a specific window around their birthday each year, offering increased flexibility and choice. In this article, we will explore the details of the Oregon Medicare Birthday Rule, its functionality, and the benefits it brings to Medicare beneficiaries in the Beaver State.

Table of Contents

State Based Medicare Supplement Enrollment Period Calculator

Use this easy-to-navigate tool to determine your Medigap enrollment options by state. Find out if you qualify for guaranteed issue rights, birthday rule switching, or other state-specific enrollment periods.

Understanding the Oregon Birthday Rule

The Oregon Medicare Supplement Birthday Rule is designed to provide beneficiaries with the opportunity to adjust their Medigap plans during a specific time frame surrounding their birthday each year. This rule allows individuals to reassess their healthcare needs and make changes without being subjected to the usual underwriting process, offering a valuable chance to tailor coverage to evolving circumstances.

Birthday Window: Lasting 60 days, beginning 30 days before and ending 30 days after the individual’s birthday, during which time a person may replace any standardized Medicare Supplement policy with a policy of equal or lesser benefits.
No Medical Underwriting: A significant advantage of this rule is that individuals can change plans without undergoing medical underwriting. In standard circumstances, insurers may assess health conditions and charge higher premiums or deny coverage based on pre-existing conditions. The Oregon Medicare Birthday Rule bypasses these concerns.
Same or Lesser Benefit Level: While beneficiaries can switch plans, they are required to choose a plan with an equal or lesser benefit level than their current plan. This ensures that individuals maintain a level of coverage consistent with their healthcare needs.
Coverage Continuity: During the transition period, beneficiaries will not experience a lapse in coverage.

Implications for Beneficiaries

The Oregon Medicare Birthday Rule presents several advantages for beneficiaries:

Flexibility: Beneficiaries can reassess their healthcare needs annually and adjust their Medigap plans accordingly. This flexibility is particularly valuable as health conditions and financial situations may change over time.
Cost Savings: By having the option to switch plans without medical underwriting, beneficiaries may find opportunities to save on premiums or secure better coverage based on their current health status.
Tailored Coverage: The rule allows individuals to tailor their coverage to their evolving healthcare requirements, ensuring they have the most appropriate plan for their circumstances.
No Penalties or Restrictions: Unlike some states where switching Medigap plans may be subject to penalties or limitations, the Oregon Medicare Birthday Rule provides a relatively unrestricted environment for beneficiaries to make changes.

Conclusion

The Oregon Medicare Birthday Rule is a valuable resource for Medicare beneficiaries in the state, offering increased flexibility in choosing and adjusting their Medigap Plans. By allowing individuals to reassess their coverage annually without facing the usual underwriting restrictions, Oregon residents can ensure that their healthcare coverage aligns with their evolving needs. It’s crucial for beneficiaries to be aware of this rule and take advantage of the opportunity it presents during the designated birthday window each year.