Illinois gives you a new Medigap window every birthday.
If you are 65 to 75 and already have a Medicare Supplement, Illinois lets you switch to a plan with equal or lesser benefits with no health questions, for 45 days starting on your birthday. Most people never hear about it.
When does your window open?
Enter your birthday. Nothing is saved or sent until you choose to request quotes.
Appointed with Mutual of Omaha, Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Illinois, Aetna, HealthSpring, Humana and many others.
How the Illinois birthday rule works
Outside your first six months on Medicare, most states let a Medigap insurer ask health questions and turn you down. Illinois carved out a yearly exception so people can shop their premium without being locked in by a diagnosis.
Source: 215 ILCS 5/363; Illinois Department on Aging, Medicare Choices guide. See every state’s rules in our Medigap rules by state tracker.
- WhoIllinois residents ages 65 to 75 who already have a Medicare Supplement policy.
- When45 days, starting on your birthday, every year.
- What you can switch toA plan with equal or lesser benefits. Plan G to another Plan G, or Plan G to Plan N, for example.
- From whomYour current insurer or one of its affiliates. Affiliates were added January 1, 2026.
- What it is forLowering your premium on the same coverage. It does not let you upgrade to richer benefits.
Your Medicare options in Illinois
Every Illinois county has a different mix of plans. We compare them side by side so you are not choosing from the one carrier who happened to call.
Not sure which fits? Read Medicare Advantage vs Medigap, or ask us to compare both for your ZIP code.
The Illinois Medicare year
Four windows decide what you can change and when. Miss one and you usually wait a year.
A six-month Medigap open enrollment starts once you are 65 and on Part B. Any plan, no health questions.
Ages 65 to 75: a 45-day Illinois window to switch Medigap plans to equal or lesser benefits.
Annual Enrollment: change Medicare Advantage or Part D plans for January 1.
Medicare Advantage Open Enrollment: one change if you are already in an Advantage plan.
Federal windows: Medicare.gov. Turning 65 soon? Use our enrollment checklist.
We fix Medicare problems, not just sell plans
Most agencies sell you a plan at 65 and disappear. Our licensed advisors specialize in what happens after.
Questions Illinois clients ask
Can I use the birthday rule to switch from Medicare Advantage to Medigap?
No. The Illinois birthday rule applies to people who already have a Medigap policy. Moving from Medicare Advantage to Medigap usually means answering health questions, unless you qualify for a federal guaranteed-issue right, such as the 12-month trial right after first joining an Advantage plan.
Can I change to a different insurance company during my birthday window?
Only to your current insurer or one of its affiliates authorized in Illinois. Illinois added affiliates on January 1, 2026. Switching to an unrelated carrier outside a guaranteed-issue window usually involves underwriting.
What happens after I turn 76?
The Illinois birthday rule stops applying after age 75. You can still change Medigap plans, but the insurer may ask health questions and can decline the application.
Does it cost anything to work with you?
No. Our advice is free to you. Insurance carriers pay agents a commission, and your premium is the same whether you enroll through us or directly.
Do I have to come to an office?
No. We work by phone and video, and you can text us at (773) 657-9140 during business hours.
Know your window. Then use it.
Send your details and a licensed advisor will compare Illinois plans for your ZIP code and your birthday window, at no cost.