By Tyler Haskell, CFP®

If you already have a Medicare Supplement (Medigap) plan, you may be wondering if you can switch to a different company without answering health questions.

The answer is sometimes—but not always.

Utah has unique rules that can make changing Medicare Supplement plans easier than in many other states. Understanding when you can switch without medical underwriting could save you hundreds of dollars each year while keeping the same Medicare benefits.

The Short Answer

Most of the time, changing Medicare Supplement plans requires you to answer health questions and qualify medically.

However, there are several important exceptions where you can change plans without medical underwriting, including certain guaranteed issue situations and Utah’s Medicare Birthday Rule.

Knowing the difference can save you time, money, and frustration.

---

When Do Health Questions Apply?

If you’re simply changing from one Medicare Supplement company to another outside of a guaranteed issue period, you’ll typically complete a health questionnaire.

The insurance company may review:

• Recent hospitalizations
• Heart conditions
• Cancer history
• Diabetes complications
• COPD or oxygen use
• Kidney disease
• Upcoming surgeries
• Certain prescription medications

Depending on your health, you could be approved, given a higher rate, or declined.

---

What Is the Utah Medicare Birthday Rule?

One of the biggest advantages Utah residents have is the Utah Medicare Birthday Rule.

Each year, beginning on your birthday, you have a 60-day window to switch to another Medicare Supplement plan with the same or fewer benefits from a YOUR EXISTING INSURANCE COMPANY without answering health questions, as long as you meet the state’s eligibility requirements.

For example:

• Plan G → Plan G ✅ (some companies will open a new block of business  and the new plan G could be cheaper than your existing plan G)
• Plan G → Plan N ✅
• Plan N → Plan N ✅
• Plan G → High Deductible Plan G ✅
• Plan N → High Deductible Plan G ✅

However:

• Plan N → Plan G ❌ (because you’re increasing benefits you cannot do this)

This rule allows many Utah Medicare beneficiaries to shop for lower premiums every year within their same company without worrying about medical underwriting.

What if your company doesn’t offer new policies???  There are some companies in Utah that simply don’t offer any new policies and that can get very tricky.  I would recommend giving me a call and we can discuss your options.

---

Other Times You May Not Have to Answer Health Questions

Federal law also provides Guaranteed Issue Rights in certain situations.

Examples include:

• Your Medicare Advantage plan leaves your area.
• Your Medicare Advantage plan terminates.
• If your’e on an Advantage plan and you move outside your plan’s service area .
• Your employer retiree coverage ends.
• You lose other qualifying health coverage through no fault of your own.
• You lose Medicaid benefits

In these situations, insurance companies generally must accept your application regardless of your health.

---

Why Do People Switch Medicare Supplement Plans?

Many Utah residents change plans because:

• Their premiums have gone through the roof.
• Another company offers the same coverage for less.
• They want better customer service.
• They qualify for lower rates.
• Their current plan is no longer competitively priced.

Remember that Medicare Supplement benefits are standardized.

A Plan G from one insurance company provides the same medical benefits as a Plan G from another company. The differences are generally the premium, customer service, rate history, and company reputation.

---

Should You Shop Every Year?

Many people assume that once they choose a Medicare Supplement, they’re locked into it forever.

That’s not true.

Premiums vary significantly between companies, and those differences can grow over time. Reviewing your options annually—especially around your birthday if you qualify under Utah’s Birthday Rule—may help you reduce your monthly premium while keeping the same Medicare benefits.

---

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I switch from Plan G to another Plan G in Utah?

Yes. If you qualify under the Utah Birthday Rule (same company) or another guaranteed issue right, you may be able to switch without answering health questions.

Can I switch from Plan G to Plan N?

Yes. Since Plan N generally provides fewer benefits than Plan G, this is often allowed during Utah’s Birthday Rule period.

Can I switch from Plan N to Plan G without underwriting?

Usually no. Because Plan G provides greater benefits, medical underwriting is generally required unless you qualify for another guaranteed issue right.

Does my deductible change if I switch companies?

No. Medicare deductibles are set by Medicare, not by the insurance company. A Plan G works the same regardless of which carrier you choose.

---

Let Professional Insurance Solutions Help

Choosing the right Medicare Supplement isn’t just about finding the lowest premium—it’s about understanding when you can switch, whether health questions apply, and which companies offer the best value in Utah.

At Professional Insurance Solutions, we compare Medicare Supplement plans from multiple top-rated insurance companies and help Utah residents determine whether they qualify to change plans without medical underwriting.

If you’re wondering whether you can lower your Medicare Supplement premium while keeping the coverage you need, we’re here to help.  With over 15 years of experience in the industry, we have gained Utah’s trust when it comes to Medicare.

Schedule your free Medicare Supplement review today and find out whether you can switch plans without answering health questions.

Tyler Haskell, CFP®