Last updated: February 19, 2026. Educational only - not legal advice or carrier-specific underwriting advice.
What This Guide Solves
Alabama does not publish an annual Medigap birthday-rule switch window. So the key question becomes:
"Do I have a federal guaranteed-issue event right now?"
This page breaks down how to answer that with timelines and documentation.
Guaranteed-Issue (GI) Rights: Core Concept
GI rights are situations where an insurer generally cannot deny you a Medigap policy because of health status, if you apply in the allowed window and meet event conditions.
Outside those windows, normal underwriting often applies.
High-Value GI Trigger Events to Know
| Trigger Event Type | Why It Matters |
|---|---|
| Medicare Advantage plan leaves Medicare or your service area | Can create GI rights when moving back to Original Medicare |
| You move and your MA coverage is no longer available where you live | Can trigger protected Medigap purchase rights |
| Certain first-year MA trial-right scenarios | May allow return to Original Medicare + Medigap purchase rights |
| Other qualified loss-of-coverage events recognized by Medicare | Can create limited-time GI windows |
GI Timing Windows (Most Common)
| Window Concept | Practical Rule |
|---|---|
| Early planning | Some GI situations allow action before current coverage ends |
| Post-loss filing | Many GI rights use short windows, commonly no more than 63 days after prior coverage ends |
| Missed window | Rights can expire quickly; underwriting may then apply |
Always verify the exact clock for your specific event on Medicare.gov guidance and with carriers in writing.
Required Evidence: What to Save Before You Apply
- Coverage termination/non-renewal notice
- Effective date letters (old and new coverage)
- MA plan movement or service-area notices
- Any employer/union plan termination documentation
- Proof of Medicare Part B and effective dates
Without documentation, even valid GI requests can be delayed or miscoded.
Plan Availability Limits Under GI
Medicare guidance often references rights to specific standardized Medigap plans (for example A, B, C, D, F, G, K, L depending on eligibility timing and current law).
Important detail:
- Plans C and F are generally limited to people eligible for Medicare before 2020.
So your GI options are event-dependent and eligibility-date dependent, not one-size-fits-all.
Alabama-Specific Under-65 Disability Context
Alabama DOI notes under-65 Medicare disability applicants are generally not guaranteed issue and may be subject to underwriting. DOI also notes a guaranteed Medigap period beginning at age 65.
This is critical in no-birthday-rule states, where many consumers assume annual switching rights that are not actually available.
If a Carrier Denies Your GI Request
Use this escalation sequence:
- Request denial reason in writing, including GI rationale.
- Confirm your event type and timeline against Medicare guidance.
- Resubmit with complete supporting evidence.
- Contact Alabama SHIP for neutral counseling.
- File complaint with Alabama Department of Insurance if you believe rights were mishandled.
Practical Switching Checklist (No-Birthday-Rule States)
- Verify you are in a GI event category.
- Document the exact start/end dates of your GI window.
- Collect all notices before application.
- Get carrier responses in writing.
- Do not cancel existing coverage until replacement is confirmed and effective.
FAQ: No-Birthday-Rule Scenarios
Can I switch Medigap plans in Alabama every year without underwriting?
Generally no. Alabama does not publish an annual birthday-rule model for unrestricted Medigap switching.
What if my MA plan exits my area?
You may have GI rights to buy certain Medigap plans if you move back to Original Medicare and apply within the allowed window.
How strict are GI deadlines?
They are often short and event-based. Missing deadlines can move you into underwritten applications.
What if I am under 65 and on Medicare due to disability?
Alabama DOI states these applicants are generally not guaranteed issue in Alabama and can be underwritten, with guaranteed period language tied to turning age 65.
Legal/Regulatory References and Help
- Medicare.gov: When can I buy a Medigap policy?
- Medicare.gov: Get ready to buy Medigap
- Alabama DOI: Senior Health Insurance resources
- Alabama DOI: Medicare Disability Supplement Information
- Alabama DOI: File a Consumer Complaint
Next-Step CTA
For agents preparing for Life & Health licensing and Medigap questions: