​Maryland law allows for an additional open enrollment period for Medicare supplement policies.

Starting on July 1, 2023, Medicare Supplement policyholders with policies issued in Maryland will be granted a once-yearly Open Enrollment Period that includes the policyholder’s birthday and the 30-day period following the policyholder’s birthday. A Medicare Supplement carrier may extend the length of this Open Enrollment Period at their own discretion, but the period must always include the policyholder’s birthday and the following 30-days. While the application for a new policy must be submitted during this Open Enrollment Period, there is no legal requirement that the submitted application must be fully processed within this timeframe.

Previously, Marylanders had access to an Open Enrollment Period for Medicare Supplement plans only for a six-month period starting on their Medicare Part B Effective Date. The Maryland General Assembly has passed a law establishing a guaranteed issue period each year to allow a policyholder to change, without underwriting, to a Medicare Supplement policy of equal or lesser benefits. You do not have to stay with your current Medicare Supplement carrier.​​​

Medicare Supplement policyholders who have been underwritten and received less than the preferred rate are entitled to the preferred rate during the guaranteed issue period. Medicare Supplement policies are considered to have equal or lesser value unless:

• the policy contains one or more significant benefits not included in the Medicare Supplement policy being replaced; or 
• the policy contains the same significant benefits included in the Medicare Supplement policy being replaced but it reduces the cost–sharing responsibilities^​1 of the enrollee for the benefits.​​
  

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¹ Cost-sharing responsibilities do not include the policy premium.​

Insurers will be required to send each Medicare Supplement policyholder an annual notice of their right to switch policies at least 30 days, but not more than 60 days, before the policyholder’s birthday. 

Please see the chart for details regarding Existing Plans and the corresponding plans that have lesser or equal value:

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​For additional details, visit the proposed regulation​.​

Watch video here​.

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The Maryland Insurance Administration has a Health Coverage Assistance Team (H-CAT) to assist consumers. If you have questions or conce​rns about health coverage for you or your loved ones, the H-CAT staff is here for you.