Blue to Blue Rule Explained
Blue Cross NC's Blue to Blue rule lets current Medicare Supplement members switch plans twice a year without health questions during the May or October-December enrollment periods.
Health Plans of NC staff
Blue Cross NC's Blue to Blue rule lets current Medicare Supplement members switch plans twice a year without health questions during the May or October-December enrollment periods.
Health Plans of NC staff
Understanding the Blue to Blue rule can help you get the best health insurance in NC for your needs. Blue to Blue allows current Blue Cross and Blue Shield of North Carolina (Blue Cross NC) Medicare Supplement members to switch between plans without medical underwriting, making it easier to adjust your coverage as your needs change.
As a member, you can switch plans at specific times throughout the year without having to answer health questions. This means you can find the best Medicare Supplement plan in NC to suit your budget and health needs. Switching is easy, so it's a good idea to review your options to ensure you're completely satisfied with your coverage.
When You Can Switch:
May 1 - May 31 for a June 1st effective date
October 15 - December 31 for a January 1st effective date
Anytime if you have Guaranteed Issue rights (such as losing other coverage)
Available Plans: Blue Cross NC currently offers Medicare Supplement Plans A, G, High Deductible G, K, and N. Members can switch between these plans during the designated periods.
Special Advantages:
Entry-age members with prescription drug coverage can switch to drugless equivalent plans while retaining their original entry-age rate
Current members don't need to re-answer tobacco usage questions when making plan changes
Members move to their current age rating when switching plans (except entry-age members moving to drugless equivalents)
The Blue to Blue rule applies to these Blue Cross NC products:
Blue Medicare Supplement
Blue Medicare Advantage HMO
Experience Health HMO
Blue Medicare Advantage PPO
Important: The Blue-to-Blue rule applies only to core Blue Cross NC medical products. It does not apply to partnership plans with Blue Cross NC.
No Medical Underwriting: You have the freedom to change plans during designated periods without answering health questions or going through underwriting.
Twice-Yearly Flexibility: Members can switch supplement plans two times per year at designated periods, so you're not locked into a plan that no longer meets your needs.
Rate Stability: Blue Cross NC Medicare Supplement plans use standardized rates with annual rate changes on June 1st each year, providing predictable premium adjustments.
Coverage Continuity: Switch between plans without any break in coverage, ensuring you're always protected.
Special Protections: If you need to move from a plan with prescription drug coverage, you can switch to the drugless equivalent while maintaining favorable rates.
Plan Movements Requiring Underwriting: While most Blue to Blue switches don't require underwriting, moving from pre-2019 plans to 2019 plans does require medical underwriting and answering health questions.
Guaranteed Issue Rights: Beyond the Blue to Blue rule, you may qualify for Guaranteed Issue coverage (no health questions) in special circumstances, such as:
Within 6 months of turning 65 and enrolling in Medicare Part B
Losing employer group coverage through no fault of your own
Your Medicare Advantage plan is ending involuntarily
Moving out of a Medicare Advantage service area
The Blue Cross NC Medicare Supplement Blue-to-Blue Rule provides the coverage you need with the flexibility you want. If you have any questions about how the Blue to Blue rule works, when you can switch plans, or which Medicare Supplement plan is right for you, contact our dedicated Medicare agents today. We offer expert guidance on health insurance plans in North Carolina and can help you find the best coverage for your situation.
