In Kansas City, a few blocks can put you in a different state. Parts A and B are federal, so they are the same in Missouri and Kansas. But each state sets some of its own rules for Medicare Supplement (Medigap) policies. Those rules can affect when you can switch, and whether you have to answer health questions.
The same in both states
In both Missouri and Kansas, your best chance to buy a Supplement is your Medigap open enrollment period. That is the 6 months that start the month you are 65 and have Part B. During that time, a company cannot turn you down or charge you more because of your health. Federal guaranteed issue rights also apply in both states, for example if your Medicare Advantage plan leaves your area.
Missouri: the yearly anniversary rule
Missouri has an extra protection. If you have a Medicare Supplement in Missouri, each year around your policy anniversary you can switch to the same plan letter with a different company, and the new company cannot turn you down because of your health.
The Missouri rule says this applies when you end your old policy within 30 days of your policy's anniversary date. That is generally read as a window of about 60 days, from 30 days before to 30 days after the anniversary. Your anniversary date is usually the date your policy started, and it shows on your renewal or billing notice.
A few things to know:
- It is the same letter only. Plan G to Plan G works. Plan G to Plan N is a different plan and usually needs health questions.
- Timing matters. Start the new policy before you cancel the old one, so you are never without coverage.
- It only helps if the new company's price or service is a better fit for you. We compare that with you first.
Source: Missouri regulation 20 CSR 400-3.650, section (13). Missouri SHIP can confirm how it applies to you.
Kansas: no yearly switch rule
We could not find a similar yearly rule in Kansas. A chart of state Medigap rules from the NAIC, the national group of state insurance regulators, dated May 2026, lists no birthday or anniversary rule for Kansas. In Kansas, if you want to change Supplements outside your open enrollment period or a guaranteed issue situation, most companies can ask health questions and can say no.
That makes your first choice in Kansas extra important. If you think you may want a Supplement, it is wise to decide during your open enrollment period.
Side by side
| Missouri | Kansas | |
|---|---|---|
| Parts A and B | Federal rules | Federal rules |
| 6-month Medigap open enrollment | Yes | Yes |
| Federal guaranteed issue rights (times you can buy a Supplement without health questions) | Yes | Yes |
| Yearly switch with no health questions | Yes, same plan letter, around the policy anniversary | No such rule found |
| Switching at other times | Health questions usually apply | Health questions usually apply |
| Free state Medicare counseling | Missouri SHIP: 800-390-3330 | SHICK: 800-860-5260 |
Moving across the state line
- Medicare Supplement: your policy generally goes with you as long as you keep Original Medicare and pay the premium. The price may change based on your new address. If you move from Missouri to Kansas, you lose the Missouri anniversary rule. If you move into Missouri, ask us when it would begin to apply to you.
- Medicare Advantage and Part D: plans are offered by county. If your new address is outside your plan's service area, you get a Special Enrollment Period to choose a new plan. Moving out of your Advantage plan's area can also give you a right to buy certain Supplements without health questions.
Before you move, call us. We will check which plans cover your doctors at your new address.
Free help from your state
Each state has a free counseling program that does not sell insurance:
- Missouri SHIP (formerly called CLAIM): 800-390-3330, missouriship.org
- Kansas SHICK (Senior Health Insurance Counseling for Kansas): 800-860-5260, kdads.ks.gov/SHICK
Call us first
We are local, we know both sides of the state line, and we compare plans from many insurance companies. It is free to work with us, and there is no pressure. Book a free review or call (816) 307-6165.
Questions people ask us
Can I use the Missouri anniversary rule to change plan letters?
No. The rule lets you move to the same plan letter with a different company, for example Plan G to Plan G. Changing to a different letter usually means answering health questions.
Does my Supplement still work if I move from Missouri to Kansas?
Yes, as long as you keep Original Medicare and pay your premium. Your price may change based on your new address, and you would no longer have the Missouri anniversary rule.
Is Medicare itself different in Missouri and Kansas?
No. Parts A and B are federal and work the same in both states. The differences are in state rules for Supplements and in which plans are offered in each county.
Who can I call for free, unbiased help in my state?
In Missouri, call Missouri SHIP at 800-390-3330. In Kansas, call SHICK at 800-860-5260. You are also welcome to call us.