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California Medicare Options - Blue Shield Medicare Underwriting Holiday


Blue shield Medigap underwriting holiday if losing advantage plan


Blue Shield Medicare Supplement Underwriting Holiday

Blue Shield vs United vs Anthem Medicare Supplements - Watch on YouTube

"What if I can't qualify for a medigap plan based on health?"

We get this question almost daily and we went through one of our tools called the Birthday Rule if you already have a Medigap plan.

What if you're on an Advantage plan and have health issues that might prevent you from qualifying?

Blue Shield will occasionally announce an "underwriting holiday".

This means that if we're new to Blue Shield, they may not look at health if we submit an app from Oct 1st to Dec 31st for a Jan 1st effective date!

Outside of open enrollment windows, this allows people with health issues that might prevent them from qualifying to enroll in select plans during this window.

Run your quote below or email us for details and guidance (Quote the G Extra or G Inspire if avaiable in your area).

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Frequently Asked Questions
▸ What is a Medigap underwriting holiday?
A Medigap underwriting holiday is a limited-time period when a carrier allows applicants to enroll in a Medicare Supplement plan without answering health questions or going through medical underwriting. This can be valuable for people who might otherwise be declined due to pre-existing conditions.
▸ What is California's Birthday Rule for Medicare Supplement plans?
California's Birthday Rule gives Medicare Supplement enrollees a 60-day window around their birthday each year to switch to an equal or lesser-benefit Medigap plan from any carrier-without medical underwriting. This is a California-specific protection not available in most other states, and you can learn more at when you can switch Medigap plans.
▸ Are Medigap plan benefits the same across carriers like Blue Shield, United, and Anthem?
Yes-Medicare Supplement plan benefits are federally standardized, so a Plan G from Blue Shield has the same core benefits as a Plan G from any other carrier. The main differences between carriers are premium pricing and customer service quality.
▸ Can I switch Medigap plans if I have health issues?
Switching Medigap plans typically requires passing medical underwriting, which can be difficult with pre-existing conditions. However, California's Birthday Rule and underwriting holiday opportunities (when available) may allow you to switch without health questions-speaking with a licensed agent can help you identify your options.
▸ Does working with CalHealth.net cost extra compared to going directly to a Medicare carrier?
No-assistance from CalHealth.net is at no cost to you; you pay the same premium as if you went directly to the carrier. CalHealth.net (Goodacre Insurance Services, licensed since 1994) serves Medicare beneficiaries across all of California, and you can get a Medicare quote here.
The answers above are general information about California health insurance and may change as rates, plans, and rules are updated each year. They are not a substitute for personalized advice. For current, personalized guidance, please contact us, email help@calhealth.net, or call 800-320-6269. Serving California since 1994.
Free California Medicare Quote
Google ★★★★★ 5.0
⚡ Free & Instant

Compare Medicare Advantage, Medigap & Part D from all major California carriers. Enter your doctors & medications for exact pricing - instantly.

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Serving California since 1994 · Certified Medicare agents · Zero cost