Medigap plans in California
We track the rules that matter when you compare or switch Medigap plans in California: how premiums are rated, whether the state adds switching protections on top of the federal baseline, and whether carriers must sell to people under 65.
California adds extra Medigap protections on top of the federal baseline. California's birthday rule lets you switch to another Medigap plan with equal or lesser benefits from any carrier, with no underwriting, during the 60 days starting on your birthday.
California Medigap rules at a glance
| Standardized plans | Federal Plan A-N (Plans C and F closed to those newly eligible on/after 2020-01-01) |
|---|---|
| Rating method | Attained-age rated |
| State switching rule | Birthday rule (60-day window) |
| Under-65 access | State mandates carrier access |
Source: NAIC Medicare Supplement Insurance Model Regulation (#651) and the California Department of Insurance. Always confirm current rules with your state DOI or SHIP before applying.
How pricing works in California
Most carriers in this state use attained-age rating, so premiums rise as you get older. Issue-age and community-rated policies may also be offered.
A community-rated plan charges the same monthly premium regardless of age. Issue-age plans lock your premium based on the age you bought in. Attained-age plans start lower in your 60s and rise as you get older. Over a 20-year horizon, the rating method usually matters more than the plan letter.
Switching Medigap plans in California
Federal law gives you a 6-month Medigap Open Enrollment Period that starts the month your Part B begins. During that window any Medigap carrier in California must sell to you with no medical underwriting. After it closes, federal guaranteed-issue rights only trigger in specific situations (for example, when your employer plan ends or a Medicare Advantage plan leaves your area).
California's birthday rule lets you switch to another Medigap plan with equal or lesser benefits from any carrier, with no underwriting, during the 60 days starting on your birthday.
We walk through the federal switching mechanics in our guide on leaving Medicare Advantage, and compare the most popular Medigap plan letters in Plan G vs Plan N.
People under 65 in California
California requires Medigap carriers to offer plans to enrollees under 65.
See our overview of Medicare on disability for how the 24-month waiting period and SSDI interact with state Medigap rules.
Frequently asked questions
- What Medigap plans are sold in California?
- California sells the standardized federal Medigap plans (Plan A through Plan N, with Plans C and F closed to people first eligible for Medicare on or after January 1, 2020).
- Can I switch Medigap plans in California without medical underwriting?
- California's birthday rule lets you switch to another Medigap plan with equal or lesser benefits from any carrier, with no underwriting, during the 60 days starting on your birthday.
- How are Medigap premiums priced in California?
- Most carriers in this state use attained-age rating, so premiums rise as you get older. Issue-age and community-rated policies may also be offered.
- Can people under 65 buy Medigap in California?
- California requires Medigap carriers to offer plans to enrollees under 65.
Compare other states
Related guides
Confirm your Medigap window in California
Your 6-month Medigap Open Enrollment Period is tied to your Part B effective date. We'll calculate it from your date of birth.
Educational resource. Not legal, tax, or insurance advice. Always confirm specifics with Medicare.gov, your State Health Insurance Assistance Program, or the California Department of Insurance.