General Medigap
What is Medicare Supplement insurance?
Medicare Supplement, also called Medigap, is private insurance that pays costs Original Medicare does not cover — including deductibles, coinsurance, and copayments. You pay a monthly premium to the insurer in addition to your Medicare Part B premium. Roughly 14 million Americans carry Medigap policies to limit unpredictable out-of-pocket medical expenses.
Who sells Medicare Supplement insurance?
Private insurance companies licensed in your state sell Medigap plans. Approximately 40 to 50 companies offer coverage nationally, though the number available in your specific ZIP code varies. Premiums for identical coverage can differ substantially between companies, making local comparison shopping one of the most important steps before enrolling.
Is Medicare Supplement the same as Medigap?
Yes. Medicare Supplement and Medigap are two names for the same product. The federal government uses both terms interchangeably. Private insurers and agents also use both names. The coverage, plan letters, and rules are identical regardless of which term is used.
Does Medicare Supplement replace Original Medicare?
No. Medigap works alongside Original Medicare — it does not replace it. You must be enrolled in both Medicare Part A and Part B to purchase a Medigap plan. Original Medicare pays first, then your Medigap policy covers your remaining share of approved costs up to the plan's benefit limits.
How many people have Medicare Supplement insurance?
Approximately 14 million Americans hold Medigap policies. Enrollment has grown steadily as more beneficiaries seek predictable out-of-pocket costs. Growth accelerated in 2025 and 2026 as Medicare Advantage plan exits and benefit reductions prompted many seniors to return to Original Medicare and consider Medigap coverage.
What does Medicare Supplement insurance not cover?
Standard Medigap plans do not cover prescription drugs, dental, vision, hearing, or long-term care. These are gaps in Original Medicare that Medigap is not designed to fill. For prescription drug coverage you need a separate Medicare Part D plan. Some insurers offer supplemental dental and vision products separately from Medigap.
Plan Types
What are the different Medicare Supplement plan letters?
Federally standardized Medigap plans are identified by letters: A, B, C, D, F, G, K, L, M, and N. Each letter offers a different combination of benefits. Plans C and F are not available to people who became Medicare-eligible after January 1, 2020. Plan G is currently the most comprehensive option available to new enrollees.
What does Medicare Supplement Plan G cover?
Plan G covers Medicare Part A coinsurance and hospital costs, Part B coinsurance, the Part A deductible, skilled nursing facility coinsurance, Part B excess charges, and foreign travel emergency care. The only cost Plan G does not cover is the annual Medicare Part B deductible, which is $257 in 2026. After paying that deductible, Plan G covers virtually everything else Medicare approves.
What does Medicare Supplement Plan N cover?
Plan N covers the same benefits as Plan G except it does not cover Part B excess charges and requires copayments of up to $20 for some office visits and up to $50 for emergency room visits that do not result in inpatient admission. In exchange, Plan N premiums are typically lower than Plan G premiums, making it attractive for healthier seniors who visit doctors less frequently.
What is the difference between Plan G and Plan N?
Plan G covers Part B excess charges and has no office visit copayments. Plan N does not cover excess charges and requires small copayments on some visits. Plan G premiums are higher. If your doctors accept Medicare assignment — meaning they do not charge excess fees — and you visit doctors infrequently, Plan N may offer better value. Plan G provides more comprehensive coverage with fewer surprises.
What is a high-deductible Medigap plan?
High-deductible versions of Plan G and Plan F require you to pay a deductible — $2,870 in 2026 — before the plan begins paying benefits. In exchange, monthly premiums are significantly lower than standard Plan G or F. High-deductible plans work well for people who are healthy and rarely use medical services but want protection against catastrophic costs.
Is Plan F still available in 2026?
Plan F is still available but only to people who were Medicare-eligible before January 1, 2020. If you turned 65 or qualified for Medicare due to disability before that date, you may still enroll in Plan F if an insurer in your area offers it. For everyone else, Plan G is the most comprehensive option available and provides nearly identical coverage.
Which Medicare Supplement plan is most popular?
Plan G is the most popular choice for new enrollees at 65, followed by Plan N. Together they account for the majority of new Medigap enrollments each year. Plan F remains popular among older beneficiaries who enrolled before 2020. Plan G's combination of comprehensive coverage and competitive pricing makes it the top recommendation from most Medicare insurance professionals.
Costs & Premiums
How much does Medicare Supplement insurance cost?
Premiums vary significantly by plan letter, insurer, age, gender, tobacco use, and ZIP code. Two insurers can charge very different rates for identical Plan G coverage in the same ZIP code — sometimes more than double. The only way to know what you will pay is to compare quotes from multiple carriers in your specific area.
Why do Medicare Supplement premiums vary so much between companies?
Plan benefits are standardized by federal law — every insurer's Plan G is identical — but each company sets its own premium. Around 40 companies compete for Medigap customers, and pricing strategies differ significantly. Some companies price aggressively to attract new enrollees; others price more conservatively. Comparing multiple carriers is the only way to find the best value.
What is attained-age Medigap pricing?
Attained-age pricing means your premium is based on your current age and increases as you get older. It often starts lower than other pricing methods but tends to cost more over time as annual increases compound. Most Medigap insurers use attained-age pricing, which is why evaluating a company's rate increase history matters as much as the starting premium.
What is issue-age Medigap pricing?
Issue-age pricing sets your premium based on the age at which you first enrolled and does not automatically increase as you age. Premiums may still rise due to medical inflation and insurer rate adjustments, but they do not increase solely because you got older. Issue-age plans often start higher than attained-age plans but can cost less over the long term.
What is community-rated Medigap pricing?
Community-rated pricing charges the same premium to all policyholders regardless of age. A 65-year-old and an 80-year-old pay the same rate for the same plan from the same insurer. Premiums can still increase due to medical cost inflation but not because of individual age. Community-rated plans are available in only a few states.
Are there discounts available on Medigap premiums?
Many insurers offer household discounts when two people in the same home both enroll, discounts for annual payment, electronic funds transfer discounts, and non-smoker discounts. Discounts vary by company and state. Always ask specifically about available discounts when comparing plans — they can meaningfully reduce your effective monthly premium.
How much can I save by comparing Medicare Supplement quotes?
Research shows that premiums for identical Medigap coverage can differ by more than 100% between insurers in the same area. A consumer who enrolls without comparing could easily pay $1,000 to $2,000 more per year than a neighbor with the same coverage from a different carrier. Comparison shopping is one of the highest-return actions a Medicare beneficiary can take.
Enrollment & Timing
When is the best time to buy Medicare Supplement insurance?
The best time is during your 6-month Medigap Open Enrollment Period, which begins the month you turn 65 and are enrolled in Medicare Part B. During this window insurers cannot deny coverage or charge more due to health conditions. After it closes, medical underwriting typically applies in most states, and some conditions may result in denial or higher premiums.
What is the Medigap Open Enrollment Period?
The Medigap Open Enrollment Period is a one-time 6-month window that begins when you are both 65 or older and enrolled in Medicare Part B. During this period you have guaranteed-issue rights — insurers must sell you any Medigap plan they offer at standard rates regardless of your health history. Missing this window without a qualifying event means losing these protections in most states.
Can I buy Medigap before I turn 65?
Federal law guarantees Medigap rights beginning at age 65. Some states require insurers to offer Medigap to Medicare beneficiaries under 65 who qualify due to disability, but coverage availability and pricing for under-65 enrollees varies considerably by state. If you are under 65 and on Medicare, contact a local agent to understand your specific state's rules.
What happens if I miss my Medigap Open Enrollment Period?
In most states you can still apply for Medigap, but insurers can require medical underwriting. A pre-existing condition may result in denial, a waiting period, or higher premiums. Some states have additional consumer protections that provide ongoing enrollment rights. Checking your state's specific rules and acting during any available enrollment window is strongly recommended.
What are guaranteed-issue rights for Medigap?
Guaranteed-issue rights allow you to buy certain Medigap plans without medical underwriting — meaning insurers cannot deny you coverage or charge more due to health conditions. These rights apply during your initial Open Enrollment Period and certain qualifying events such as losing employer coverage, moving out of a Medicare Advantage plan's service area, or having your current plan discontinued.
How long do I have to enroll in Medigap after a qualifying event?
Generally 63 days from the date your previous coverage ends. This window is short and missing it means losing your guaranteed-issue protections. If you experience a qualifying event such as losing Medicare Advantage coverage, acting immediately to contact a local Medicare agent is strongly recommended to avoid losing the right to enroll without health screening.
Switching Plans
Can I switch Medicare Supplement plans after I enroll?
You may be able to switch but it is not always guaranteed. Outside your initial Open Enrollment Period most states allow insurers to require medical underwriting, meaning a health condition could result in denial or higher premiums. Some states have birthday rules or other consumer protections that provide annual switching windows. Checking your state's rules before attempting to switch is important.
What is a Medigap birthday rule?
A birthday rule is a state law that gives Medigap policyholders an annual window — typically 30 to 60 days around their birthday — to switch to a plan of equal or lesser benefits from any insurer without medical underwriting. Birthday rules exist in California, Illinois, Oregon, Idaho, Louisiana, Missouri, and Nevada among others. They give policyholders an annual opportunity to shop for better pricing without health risk.
Which states have Medigap birthday rules?
As of 2026, states with Medigap birthday rules include California, Illinois, Oregon, Idaho, Louisiana, Missouri, Nevada, and a growing number of others. The window length and eligible plans vary by state. California provides 30 days, Illinois provides 45 days. If you live in one of these states, your birthday each year is an important date to shop your Medigap premium against competing carriers.
Can I switch from Medicare Advantage to Medigap?
Yes, but timing matters significantly. During your first 12 months in Medicare Advantage you have trial rights allowing you to return to Original Medicare and purchase certain Medigap plans without underwriting. After that window, most states allow medical underwriting. A qualifying event such as plan cancellation may also trigger guaranteed-issue rights. Working with a local agent to time a switch correctly is important.
Will I lose coverage if I switch Medigap plans?
If you switch correctly there should be no gap in coverage. Your new plan typically begins the day after your old plan ends. Coordinating the start and end dates carefully — ideally with help from a local Medicare agent — ensures continuous coverage during the transition. Never cancel your existing plan before your new plan is confirmed and in force.
Medicare Advantage vs Medigap
What is the difference between Medicare Advantage and Medicare Supplement?
Medicare Advantage replaces Original Medicare with a private plan that bundles Parts A, B, and usually D. Medicare Supplement works alongside Original Medicare to fill coverage gaps. You cannot hold both simultaneously. Medicare Advantage often has lower premiums but network restrictions. Medigap has higher premiums but broader provider access and more predictable out-of-pocket costs.
Which is better — Medicare Advantage or Medigap?
It depends on your health needs, budget, provider preferences, and how much you value flexibility. Medicare Advantage suits healthier seniors comfortable with networks and lower premiums. Medigap suits those who want unrestricted provider access, predictable costs, and no referral requirements. Comparing both options with a local broker who represents multiple carriers gives you the clearest picture for your specific situation.
Can I have both Medicare Advantage and Medigap at the same time?
No. Federal law prohibits insurers from selling you a Medigap policy if you are enrolled in Medicare Advantage. The two products are mutually exclusive. If you are in Medicare Advantage and want Medigap, you must first disenroll from Medicare Advantage and return to Original Medicare before a Medigap insurer can legally sell you a policy.
Why do some people switch from Medicare Advantage to Medigap?
Common reasons include narrowing provider networks, rising out-of-pocket costs, plan discontinuation, loss of preferred doctors, difficulty getting referrals, and a desire for more predictable costs. People who develop serious health conditions often find that Medigap's comprehensive coverage becomes more valuable than Medicare Advantage's lower premiums when their healthcare utilization increases significantly.
Is Medicare Advantage cheaper than Medigap?
Medicare Advantage plans often have lower monthly premiums — sometimes $0 — compared to Medigap. However, Medicare Advantage plans have copayments, deductibles, and out-of-pocket maximums that can add up significantly if you use healthcare frequently. Medigap has higher premiums but lower and more predictable costs when you need care. Total annual cost depends heavily on how much healthcare you actually use.
Finding an Agent
Do I need an agent to buy Medicare Supplement insurance?
You do not need an agent — you can contact insurers directly. However, a local independent broker who represents multiple carriers can compare rates from many companies simultaneously, provide rate increase history, explain state-specific rules, and offer ongoing service throughout your Medicare years. Since broker commissions are paid by insurers and do not increase your premium, working with one costs you nothing extra.
What is the difference between a Medicare agent and a Medicare broker?
An agent typically represents one insurance company and can only sell that company's plans. A broker represents multiple insurers and can compare options across carriers. For Medigap shopping, a broker usually provides a more complete market view. Even brokers rarely represent every insurer in a market, so asking how many carriers they represent is a useful screening question.
How do I find a Medicare insurance agent near me?
The Association maintains a free national directory of licensed Medicare insurance agents searchable by ZIP code. No personal information is required to browse the directory. You can view agents in your area, see their listed specialties, and contact them directly. Local agents know which plans are available in your market and can compare pricing from multiple carriers.
Does using a Medicare agent cost me anything?
No. Medicare insurance agents and brokers are compensated through commissions paid by the insurance company whose plan you enroll in. This commission is factored into the plan's pricing regardless of how you enroll — directly with the insurer or through an agent. Using an agent does not increase your premium and provides access to comparison shopping and ongoing service.
What should I ask a Medicare agent before working with them?
Ask how many insurance companies they represent, whether they can provide rate increase histories for the carriers they recommend, whether they handle ongoing customer service or only initial enrollment, and how long they have been working in Medicare insurance. A professional agent will answer these questions openly and provide comparison data that helps you make an informed decision.
State-Specific Rules
Do Medigap rules vary by state?
Yes. While federal law standardizes plan benefits and guarantees the 6-month Open Enrollment Period at 65, states can add consumer protections beyond the federal baseline. Birthday rules, continuous open enrollment, and under-65 coverage requirements are examples of state-level variations. Knowing your state's specific rules is important when making enrollment or switching decisions.
What states have the most Medigap consumer protections?
California, New York, Connecticut, Massachusetts, and Minnesota are among the states with the strongest Medigap consumer protections. New York and Connecticut have community rating requirements. Massachusetts and Minnesota use their own standardized plan structures. California has a strong birthday rule. These states offer seniors more flexibility to enroll or switch plans than states that follow only the federal baseline.
Does New York have special Medigap rules?
Yes. New York requires insurers to offer Medigap on a guaranteed-issue basis year-round regardless of age or health status, and uses community rating so all enrollees pay the same premium. This means New York seniors can enroll in or switch Medigap plans at any time without medical underwriting — a significantly stronger protection than most other states provide.
Can I use my Medigap plan outside my home state?
Yes. Because Medigap works with Original Medicare, you can use it anywhere in the United States where providers accept Medicare — with no network restrictions and no need for referrals. This nationwide coverage is particularly valuable for snowbirds, frequent travelers, and seniors who spend time in multiple states throughout the year.
Does Medigap cover emergency care outside the United States?
Plans C, D, F, G, M, and N include foreign travel emergency coverage that pays 80% of medically necessary emergency care during the first 60 days of a trip outside the US, after a $250 deductible, up to a lifetime maximum of $50,000. Original Medicare generally does not cover care outside the United States, making this benefit valuable for international travelers.