Tip #7: Texas — Strict Medical Underwriting and Limited Medigap Rights
Texas attracts millions of retirees with warm weather and zero state income tax, but its restrictive Medigap enrollment rules create hidden pitfalls for older adults. Federal law guarantees your right to purchase any Medigap policy without medical underwriting during your initial 6-month enrollment window at age 65. Outside this window, insurers in more than 35 states—including Texas—can evaluate your medical history, charge higher monthly rates, or deny coverage entirely for pre-existing conditions.
Only about 10 to 12 states enforce year-round guaranteed issue rights or annual “birthday rules” that allow beneficiaries to switch Medigap policies without medical underwriting. If you relocate to Texas later in retirement and want to switch your supplemental plan, health changes like heart disease or diabetes could leave you locked into an expensive plan or unable to secure original Medicare supplements. Before moving to Texas, lock in your ideal Medigap plan during your initial enrollment period or consult a licensed insurance broker to understand how moving affects your continuous coverage rights.
