Virginia Passes Medicare Birthday Rule Bill: What it Means for You

A Win for Virginia's Medicare Community

There’s welcome news for seniors in Virginia: the state legislature has passed the Medicare Birthday Rule Bill, giving Medicare beneficiaries a fresh opportunity each year to review and adjust their Supplement (Medigap) coverage.

At Hecht Insurance Advisors, we’re always paying attention to changes that impact our clients. This update gives you more control over your healthcare—and I’m here to help you take full advantage of it. As someone who’s worked closely with Virginia families for years, I believe this rule is a smart move that puts patients first.

What Is the Birthday Rule?

The new law creates a 30-day window around your birthday each year where you can switch your Medicare Supplement plan without having to answer health questions or undergo medical underwriting.

Here’s what you need to know:

• The 30-day window starts on your birthday

• You can move to a plan with equal or lesser benefits

• Pre-existing conditions won’t stop you from switching

This kind of flexibility is already in place in states like California and Oregon. With this bill, Virginia is giving seniors more freedom to find the plan that fits their lives—without the stress of being penalized for health history.

When Can You Use It?

The Medicare Birthday Rule takes effect in Why It’s Important

Before this change, making a switch often meant going through underwriting, which could be a dealbreaker if you had health issues. That left many people stuck in plans that weren’t ideal for their current needs—or their budget.

Now, every birthday becomes a built-in opportunity to:

• Look for better pricing

• Explore other carriers

• Adjust coverage to match your needs

This could lead to more competition among insurers, which might help bring down costs for everyone.

Virginia on July 1, 2025. If your birthday falls after that date, you’ll be able to take advantage of your special enrollment window starting next year.

Need Help Navigating the Change?

Medicare rules and plan options can get complicated, which is why I’ve built Hecht Insurance Advisors around clear, friendly, local service. Whether you’re new to Medicare or looking to review your current plan, we’re here to make it easy.

Here’s how we can help:

• Annual Medicare plan reviews around your birthday

• Plan comparisons that fit your health needs and your budget

• Help switching plans during your 30-day window

• Straightforward answers and honest advice

👉 Reach out today to schedule a no-obligation Medicare consultation. We’ll help you prepare ahead of your birthday window so you can feel confident about your options.

More Information

Want to dig deeper into the law or learn about how this works in other states?

Virginia General Assembly - HB 336

Medicare.gov – Medigap Basics

Let’s Make the Most of This New Opportunity

Healthcare needs change. Now your Medicare Supplement plan can change with them—on your terms. This new rule makes it easier to get the right plan at the right time, and we’re here to guide you every step of the way.

📞 Call me, Patrick Hecht, directly at (540) 712-2199 or ****book a time on my calendar. I’d be happy to walk you through your options and help you plan for your upcoming birthday window.