Last updated: February 19, 2026. This is educational content, not legal or individualized insurance advice.
Short Answer
No - Alabama does not currently publish a state Medigap "birthday rule" that gives an automatic annual no-underwriting switch window.
Why this answer
Alabama Department of Insurance consumer Medigap materials focus on federal Medigap open enrollment and guaranteed-issue situations, and they do not list a recurring birthday-rule right.
What Alabama Actually Allows Instead
If you are in Alabama, Medigap switching generally falls into these buckets:
- Federal Medigap Open Enrollment (one-time, 6 months after Part B starts).
- Federal Guaranteed-Issue (GI) rights in specific loss-of-coverage events.
- Medical underwriting outside those protections.
Core 2026 Timeline Rules You Should Use
| Situation | Typical Protection Window |
|---|---|
| Medigap Open Enrollment | 6-month one-time window tied to Part B enrollment |
| Many federal GI events | Usually no more than 63 days after coverage loss (event-specific) |
| Outside OEP and GI | Carrier may underwrite or decline |
Under-65 Disability Nuance in Alabama
Alabama DOI specifically notes that for Medicare disability beneficiaries under 65:
- Medigap is not guaranteed issue in general
- applicants are generally subject to underwriting by company rules
- there is a guaranteed Medigap period beginning when the person turns 65 (including ESRD language in DOI guidance)
This is the point most often missed in online summaries.
Switching Carriers in Alabama: Practical Rule
If you are outside federal OEP and outside a GI trigger event, expect underwriting questions and possible rate/class outcomes by carrier policy.
That is why "birthday-rule strategies" from states like CA/OR/ID usually do not transfer to Alabama.
Guaranteed-Issue Events to Watch
Federal GI protections can apply in events such as:
- Medicare Advantage plan termination/non-renewal in your area
- moving out of plan service area
- certain trial-right return scenarios from MA to Original Medicare
- other protected loss-of-coverage events defined by Medicare guidance
Window timing and plan choices vary by event. Document dates carefully.
Regulator and Help Resources
- Alabama Department of Insurance consumer Medigap resources
- Alabama SHIP support via Senior Services/Ageline
- Medicare.gov Medigap timing tools for federal rights scenarios
If you are denied and believe you had GI rights, escalate quickly with documentation.
Common Mistakes Alabama Shoppers Make
- Assuming all states have a birthday rule.
- Dropping current coverage before receiving written acceptance.
- Missing GI windows by waiting for verbal answers.
- Not saving plan termination letters and effective-date notices.
- Confusing annual Medicare Advantage enrollment windows with Medigap underwriting rights.
Exam-Prep Bridge (For Agents)
If you are studying Life & Health and want to master Medigap/Medicare rules: