The Oregon Advantage
An Annual “Price Check” for Life
If you are turning 65 in Oregon, you have access to one of the most powerful consumer protections in the country. In most states, once you pick a Medicare Supplement (Medigap) plan, you are effectively “married” to that insurance company. If they raise your rates three years down the road, you might be stuck, unless you can pass a new medical exam to switch to a different provider.
However, Oregon residents have a “Secret Weapon” known as the Birthday Rule. This rule ensures that you never have to be trapped by rising premiums. In this 2026 roadmap, we will explain how this annual window works, why it’s a game-changer for those new to Medicare, and how to use it to keep your healthcare costs low for decades.
What is the Oregon Medigap Birthday Rule?
The Birthday Rule is a state-specific regulation that gives you a 60-day window every year to “shop” your Medicare Supplement coverage. This window begins 30 days before your birthday and ends 30 days after your birthday.
During this 60-day period, Oregon law allows you to cancel your current Medigap policy and switch to a new one from any insurance company, provided the new plan has “equal or lesser benefits.” The best part? The insurance company cannot ask you a single health question. This is “Guaranteed Issue,” meaning your pre-existing conditions, height, weight, or prescription history cannot be used to deny you coverage or charge you a higher rate.
Why This is the Ultimate Tool for New Retirees
When you first turn 65, you are in your “Initial Enrollment Period,” where you can pick any plan regardless of health. Many people choose a plan based on a recognizable brand name or a low introductory rate.However, insurance companies often raise rates as you age.
In other states, a 75-year-old who has developed a heart condition might be “uninsurable” and forced to pay whatever price their current company demands. In Oregon, that same 75-year-old can use their birthday to switch to a competitor offering the exact same plan at a lower price. It essentially forces insurance companies to stay competitive if they want to keep your business
Key Takeaway!
The“EqualorLesser”Rule
Pro-Tip: You can always move “sideways” or “down,” but not “up.” For example, if you have a Plan G, you can switch to any other company’s Plan G or move to a Plan N (which has slightly fewer benefits). However, you cannot use the Birthday Rule to move from a Plan N to a Plan G without a health exam.
ThisiswhymanyOregoniansstartwithaPlanG,itgivesthemthehighest“startingpoint”forfuture
switches.
Does This Apply to Medicare Advantage?
It is critical to understand that the Birthday Rule only applies to Medigap-to-Medigap switches.If you choose a Medicare Advantage plan when you turn 65, you do not get an annual “Birthday Rule” to switch into a Medigap plan later without health questions.
This is a vital piece of the roadmap for Oregonians: If you want the lifelong protection of the Birthday Rule, you generally need to start with a Medigap plan during your initial enrollment at age 65. Choosing a Supplement plan on day one locks in your right to use the Birthday Rule every year for the rest of your life.
PeopleAlsoAsk:Oregon Birthday Rule FAQ
When does my new coverage start?
In Oregon, your new policy typically becomes effective on the first of the month following your birthday, or the first of the month after you apply within your 60-day window. Our team manages the timing to ensure you never have a coverage gap.
Can I switch to a different company or just a different plan?
You can switch to any insurance company licensed to sell Medigap in Oregon. You are not restricted to your current carrier. This allows you to hunt for the absolute best rate in the Beaver State every single year.
Secure Your Oregon Birthday Protection
At NW Senior Insurance Solutions, we monitor the Oregon market in real-time. We don’t just help you sign up at 65; we act as your long-term advocate, checking the market every year during your
birthday window to ensure you aren’t overpaying.
Contact Karen Therese Moore today for a detailed T65 consultation. Let’s make sure your Oregon “Secret Weapon” is working for you.
NWSeniorInsuranceSolutions
7700 NE Parkway Drive, Suite 207
Vancouver, WA 98662 Office: (360) 326-0850
Mobile:(360) 773-0512
Email: karen@nwsis.com
BookOnline:NWSIS Appointment Portal
CMS Disclaimer: “We do not offer every plan available in your area. Currently we represent 10
organizations which offer 78 products in your area. Please contact Medicare.gov or 1-800-MEDICARE, or your local State Health Insurance Program (SHIP) to get information on all of your options
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