Do You Really Need to Review Your Medicare Supplement Each Year?
Every fall, Medicare’s Annual Enrollment Period (October 15 – December 7) brings a flood of reminders, advertisements, and questions. Many people understandably assume this means they need to review all their Medicare coverage—including their Medicare Supplement (Medigap) plan.
The truth? If you have Original Medicare plus a Medicare Supplement, you don’t need to revisit your supplement coverage every year.
Here’s why:
Medicare Supplements Don’t Change Annually
Medicare Supplement (Medigap) plans are standardized. That means the benefits in your plan are fixed and don’t change from year to year. A Plan G is a Plan G—whether you bought it this year or five years ago.
Unlike Medicare Advantage (Part C) or Medicare drug plans (Part D), which can update their coverage, provider networks, or premiums each year, your Supplement coverage itself remains constant.
What Does Need Attention Each Fall?
The Annual Enrollment Period applies specifically to:
Medicare Advantage (Part C) plans – You can join, switch, or drop a plan.
Prescription Drug (Part D) plans – You can review and change your drug coverage to ensure it still fits your needs.
If you have a Supplement, the only reason to review coverage during this period is to confirm your Part D drug plan is still the best fit.
When Do Supplement Premiums Change?
Supplement premiums are not adjusted based on the Medicare calendar year. Instead, they typically change based on your policy anniversary date, or according to the insurer’s pricing method (such as age-based or community-rated). That’s why you may see increases at different times than your friends or neighbors.
Changing Supplements Isn’t Always Simple
If you’re thinking about switching your Supplement plan just to shop for a lower premium, it’s important to know:
In most states, switching requires a new application and medical underwriting.
Depending on your health history, approval may not be guaranteed.
A few states have exceptions, such as “birthday rules” or other guaranteed-issue protections that allow switching without underwriting.
So while there may be savings available, not everyone will qualify to move into a different plan.
Bottom Line
If you have Original Medicare with a Supplement, the Annual Enrollment Period is not a time you need to worry about your Supplement changing. Focus your attention on your Part D drug coverage, and only consider reviewing your Supplement if you’re exploring cost savings and understand the rules around underwriting or state-specific protections.
This clarity can help reduce some of the overwhelm during Medicare’s busiest season.
Have more Medicare questions? Reach out and we will happily connect you with our preferred Medicare partner.
