Key Takeaways
- Alaska requires a 6-month open enrollment period for Medicare Supplement starting at age 65
- Alaska does NOT have a Birthday Rule like California
- Guaranteed issue rights apply when losing other coverage or during open enrollment
- Medicare Supplement plans must be standardized (Plans A through N)
- Pre-existing condition waiting periods are limited during open enrollment
Alaska Medicare Supplement (Medigap) Regulations
Alaska follows federal Medicare Supplement standards with state-specific consumer protections.
Open Enrollment Period
Alaska provides a 6-month open enrollment period for Medicare Supplement:
When It Begins
The 6-month period starts:
- First day of the month you are 65 or older AND
- Enrolled in Medicare Part B
Protections During Open Enrollment
- Guaranteed issue - Must be accepted regardless of health
- No pre-existing condition exclusions during this period
- Standard rates - Cannot be charged more for health conditions
- Any plan available - Can choose any Medigap plan A through N
No Birthday Rule
Important: Unlike California and a few other states, Alaska does NOT have a Birthday Rule. Outside of open enrollment or guaranteed issue situations, insurers may use health underwriting.
What This Means
| Situation | Alaska Rule |
|---|---|
| Initial Enrollment (65 + Part B) | Guaranteed issue |
| Annual changes | Subject to underwriting |
| Losing coverage | Guaranteed issue rights |
| Switching plans | May require medical underwriting |
Guaranteed Issue Rights
Beyond open enrollment, Alaska provides guaranteed issue rights in specific situations:
Triggering Events
| Event | Guaranteed Issue Right |
|---|---|
| Losing employer coverage | Can purchase Medigap within 63 days |
| Leaving Medicare Advantage | Can return to Medigap within 63 days |
| Medicare Advantage plan leaves area | Can purchase Medigap |
| Medigap insurer becomes insolvent | Can switch to comparable plan |
| Losing Medicaid | Can purchase Medigap |
Trial Right
If you leave Medigap for Medicare Advantage:
- Have 12 months to decide
- Can return to previous Medigap plan
- Or any plan from same insurer with equal or lesser benefits
- Guaranteed issue, no health questions
Standardized Plans
Alaska requires Medigap plans to be standardized per federal requirements:
Available Plans
| Plan | Benefits |
|---|---|
| Plan A | Basic benefits only |
| Plan B | Basic + Part A deductible |
| Plan C | Comprehensive (pre-2020 only) |
| Plan D | Similar to C, no Part B excess |
| Plan F | Most comprehensive (pre-2020 only) |
| Plan G | Like F without Part B deductible |
| Plan K | 50% cost sharing, out-of-pocket max |
| Plan L | 75% cost sharing, out-of-pocket max |
| Plan M | 50% Part A deductible |
| Plan N | Cost sharing, copays for visits |
Note: Plans C and F are only available to those eligible for Medicare before January 1, 2020.
Rate Regulation
Alaska allows various rating methods:
- Attained age rating permitted (premiums increase with age)
- Issue age rating also permitted
- Community rating - some insurers offer this
- Rate increases must be filed with the Division of Insurance
Pre-Existing Conditions
During Open Enrollment
- No pre-existing condition waiting periods
- Must accept all applicants
- Standard rates apply
Outside Open Enrollment
- May impose up to 6-month waiting period
- Only for conditions treated within 6 months before effective date
- Credit given for prior creditable coverage
Does Alaska have a Birthday Rule for Medicare Supplement like California?
How long is the open enrollment period for Medicare Supplement in Alaska?