Washington's Medigap switching rule: change plans without medical questions

How Washington lets Medigap policyholders switch plans year-round without underwriting, which plans you can move between, and the 90-day requirement.

In most states, once your six-month Medigap open enrollment period ends, changing to a different Medigap plan means answering health questions. An insurer can decline you or charge more. Washington is different, and the difference is one of the most valuable consumer protections in the country.

The rule in plain English

Under Washington law, once you have had a Medigap policy for at least 90 days, you can switch to another Medigap policy at any time of year without medical underwriting, as long as you stay within your plan group:

• If you have Plan A, you can switch to any insurer's Plan A.
• If you have any of Plans B through N, you can switch to any of Plans B through N, from any insurer selling in Washington.

So someone with Plan G can move to a cheaper Plan G from another company, or down to Plan N, or across to Plan K, without health questions. Someone with Plan N can move up to Plan G.

Why this matters for your wallet

Medigap premiums rise over time. In states without switching rights, people with health conditions are stuck with whatever their insurer charges. In Washington you can shop every year. If your current company raises rates sharply, you can move to a competitor's identical plan.

Things to watch

• Keep the old policy until the new one is active. Never cancel first.
• The 90-day requirement applies to the policy you are leaving.
• Plan A is its own group. Moving from A into B–N is not covered by this rule.
• Insurer pricing differs. Washington requires community rating for people 65 and over (see how community rating works), so age alone does not raise your price, but premiums still differ between companies.
• Pre-existing condition waits. Washington limits pre-existing condition waiting periods to three months, and switching after continuous coverage generally should not restart one, but confirm with the new insurer.

How to use it

Once a year, around your policy anniversary or when a rate increase notice arrives, compare the same plan letter across insurers. Because Medigap benefits are standardized, the comparison is mostly price and rate history. Maru Insurance's Washington Medicare Supplement page explains how an independent agent compares carriers for you; Washington's SHIBA program also offers free, unbiased counselling, covered in our SHIBA guide.

Questions people ask

Can I switch Medigap plans anytime in Washington?

Yes, after 90 days of coverage, within your plan group (A to A, or among B through N), without medical underwriting.

Can I move from Plan N to Plan G in Washington?

Yes. Both are in the B through N group.

Does this apply to Medicare Advantage?

No. It applies to Medigap policies only.

Should I cancel my old policy first?

No. Keep it until the new policy is approved and active.

Independent educational site. Not affiliated with or endorsed by the U.S. government, the federal Medicare program, or any insurance company. Figures are 2026 amounts published by CMS unless noted; check Medicare.gov for your situation.