Does Michigan have a birthday rule?

No, Michigan does not currently have a Medigap birthday rule. The state introduced legislation to create a birthday rule in 2025, but the provision is still under consideration. If you want to change your carrier or plan type outside of your initial six-month Open Enrollment Period — or a guaranteed issue event — in Michigan, you must undergo medical underwriting. During the underwriting process, insurance companies can examine your medical history and raise your premiums or deny you coverage based on pre-existing conditions. That's why it's important to make an informed decision about your Medigap coverage from the start.

How old do you have to be to sign up for Medicare in Michigan?

The standard age to sign up for Medicare in Michigan is 65 years old. Turning 65 triggers an Open Enrollment Period that lasts for three months before your birthday month and three months after. During this window, you can sign up for Original Medicare (Parts A and B), choose a Medicare Advantage plan (Part C), enroll in a prescription drug plan (Part D), or secure a Medigap policy without going through underwriting. You may also qualify for Medicare in Michigan at any age if you have certain medical conditions, like permanent kidney failure (ESRD) or ALS (Lou Gehrig’s disease), or if you've received Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) benefits for at least 24 months.

Do I need prescription drug coverage in Michigan?

While prescription drug coverage is not mandatory in Michigan, it's highly recommended for all Medicare beneficiaries. Keep in mind, Medigap plans don't cover prescription drugs. If you don't have creditable drug coverage from another source (like an employer, union, or VA), you can get drug coverage by enrolling in a Part D plan or a Medicare Advantage plan that specifically includes drug coverage. If you don't sign up for drug coverage or have creditable coverage when you become eligible for Medicare, you'll likely have to pay a lifelong enrollment penalty. The cost of the penalty increases for each month that you don't have prescription drug coverage.

Do I need Medicare Part A and Part B to get a Medicare Supplement plan in Michigan?

Yes. In order to get Medigap coverage in Michigan, you must also have active enrollment in both Medicare Part A and Part B. This requirement typically works in your benefit, as Medicare Supplement plans were designed to fill in the out-of-pocket gaps left by Original Medicare, like deductibles, copays, and certain excess charges. Keep in mind that Medigap only covers things Original Medicare covers, which means you'll likely need additional coverage (like Part D) for prescription drugs.

Can I sign up for a Medigap plan anytime in Michigan?

Since there's no specific enrollment window for Medigap outside of your Initial Enrollment Period, you can apply for Medigap at any time in Michigan. This differs from Medicare Advantage and Part D, which both have enrollment seasons every fall. While applying for Medigap plans is more flexible, the timing of your application can significantly impact the approval. If you sign up during your initial six-month enrollment window or qualify for a specific life event, you're guaranteed coverage with no health questions asked. Outside of those protected windows, you'll have to go through medical underwriting, which means private insurers can review your health history and deny you coverage or charge higher premiums.

2026 Medigap Plans in Michigan | Costs, Carriers, FAQs

Age	Avg. Monthly Rate
65	$218/mo
70	$241/mo
75	$279/mo
80	$315/mo

CARRIERS

Medicare Supplement Insurance Providers in Michigan