Medicare Supplement Insurance
Medicare Supplement (Medigap) Plans 2026
Original Medicare leaves you responsible for deductibles, copays, and coinsurance that can add up quickly. A Medigap policy fills those gaps — giving you predictable out-of-pocket costs and the freedom to see any Medicare-accepting doctor in the country. Compare all 10 standardized plans and find the right fit for 2026.
What Is Medicare Supplement Insurance?
Medicare Supplement insurance — officially called Medigap — is private health insurance that works alongside Original Medicare (Part A and Part B). After Medicare pays its share of an approved medical expense, your Medigap policy steps in to pay some or all of the remaining cost-sharing. Depending on the plan you choose, that can mean $0 out of pocket for hospital stays and doctor visits covered by Medicare.
Medigap policies are sold by private insurance companies, but the benefits for each lettered plan (A, B, C, D, F, G, K, L, M, N) are standardized by the federal government. That means a Plan G from Blue Cross Blue Shield and a Plan G from Mutual of Omaha offer identical core benefits — the only differences are the monthly premium and the insurer's customer service reputation.
Key things to know about Medigap:
- You must be enrolled in Medicare Part A and Part B to buy a Medigap policy.
- Medigap does not cover prescription drugs — you need a separate Medicare Part D plan for that.
- You pay a monthly premium to the private insurer in addition to your Part B premium.
- Coverage is accepted by any doctor or hospital in the U.S. that accepts Medicare — no networks.
- Plans F and C are no longer available to people newly eligible for Medicare after January 1, 2020.
All 10 Medigap Plans Compared
The table below shows which benefits each standardized plan covers. ✅ = covered in full, ❌ = not covered. Percentages indicate the share the plan pays.
| Benefit | Plan A | Plan B | Plan C* | Plan D | Plan F* | Plan G | Plan K | Plan L | Plan M | Plan N |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Part A Hospital Coinsurance & Hospital Costs (up to 365 extra days) | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ |
| Part B Coinsurance or Copayment | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ | 50% | 75% | ✅ | ✅† |
| Blood (First 3 Pints) | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ | 50% | 75% | ✅ | ✅ |
| Part A Hospice Care Coinsurance | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ | 50% | 75% | ✅ | ✅ |
| Skilled Nursing Facility (SNF) Coinsurance | ❌ | ❌ | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ | 50% | 75% | ✅ | ✅ |
| Part A Deductible | ❌ | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ | 50% | 75% | 50% | ✅ |
| Part B Deductible | ❌ | ❌ | ✅ | ❌ | ✅ | ❌ | ❌ | ❌ | ❌ | ❌ |
| Part B Excess Charges | ❌ | ❌ | ❌ | ❌ | ✅ | ✅ | ❌ | ❌ | ❌ | ❌ |
| Foreign Travel Emergency (80% up to plan limits) | ❌ | ❌ | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ | ❌ | ❌ | ✅ | ✅ |
* Plans C and F are not available to Medicare beneficiaries first eligible on or after January 1, 2020. † Plan N covers Part B coinsurance except for a copay of up to $20 for some office visits and up to $50 for emergency room visits that don't result in inpatient admission. Plans K and L have annual out-of-pocket limits ($7,220 and $3,610 in 2026 respectively); once reached, the plan pays 100% of covered services for the rest of the year.
Plan G vs. Plan N: The Most Popular Choice
Since Plan F was phased out for new beneficiaries in 2020, Plan G has become the most popular Medigap plan in the country. It covers everything except the Part B deductible ($240 in 2026), offering near-complete cost predictability. Plan N is the strong runner-up — its monthly premiums are typically $40–$60 lower than Plan G, but it leaves you responsible for small copays (up to $20 per office visit, up to $50 for ER visits) and does not cover Part B excess charges.
Plan G — Best for:
- People who want maximum cost predictability
- Frequent doctor or specialist visitors
- Those who see doctors who charge above Medicare rates
- Anyone who values simplicity over premium savings
Plan N — Best for:
- Relatively healthy beneficiaries with infrequent visits
- Those comfortable with small copays to lower monthly costs
- Beneficiaries who only see participating Medicare providers
- Budget-conscious retirees seeking solid core protection
2026 Average Monthly Premiums
Medigap premiums vary significantly by state, age, gender, tobacco use, and insurer. The figures below are representative averages for a 65-year-old female non-smoker based on 2026 market data. Your actual rate may differ — always get personalized quotes.
| State | Plan G (avg/mo) | Plan N (avg/mo) | Approx. Savings with N |
|---|---|---|---|
| Florida | $165 | $118 | ~$47/mo |
| Texas | $148 | $108 | ~$40/mo |
| California | $172 | $125 | ~$47/mo |
| New York | $285 | $215 | ~$70/mo |
| Ohio | $128 | $92 | ~$36/mo |
| Pennsylvania | $142 | $105 | ~$37/mo |
| Illinois | $155 | $112 | ~$43/mo |
| National Average | $155 | $112 | ~$43/mo |
Rates shown are illustrative averages for a 65-year-old female non-smoker as of early 2026. New York uses community rating; premiums there do not vary by age. Actual premiums vary by insurer, ZIP code, age, gender, and tobacco use. Get a personalized quote for accurate pricing.
Medigap Open Enrollment Period
Critical Timing — Don't Miss This Window
Your Medigap Open Enrollment Period is a one-time, six-month window. Once it passes, insurers in most states can deny your application or charge you more based on your health history. Plan ahead.
Your Medigap Open Enrollment Period (OEP) starts on the first day of the month in which you are both 65 or older and enrolled in Medicare Part B. It lasts exactly six months. During this window, you have guaranteed issue rights — every Medigap insurer in your state must:
- Sell you any Medigap policy they offer
- Charge you the same premium as a healthy applicant of the same age
- Cover pre-existing conditions (though they may impose a waiting period up to 6 months)
After the OEP closes, most states allow insurers to use medical underwriting. Common conditions that can lead to denial or higher premiums include heart disease, diabetes with complications, COPD, cancer history, and recent hospitalizations.
Other Guaranteed Issue Situations
Outside of OEP, federal law creates specific situations where you have guaranteed issue rights:
- Your Medicare Advantage plan is leaving your area or going out of business
- You are leaving employer-sponsored group health coverage
- You move out of your Medicare Advantage plan's service area
- Your Medigap insurer goes bankrupt or misrepresented the policy to you
- You enrolled in Medicare Advantage at 65 and want to switch back within 12 months (trial right)
How to Choose the Right Medigap Plan
There is no single "best" Medigap plan — the right choice depends on your health, finances, and how you use healthcare. Use this decision guide to narrow down your options.
Step 1: Estimate Your Healthcare Usage
Review how many times per year you see doctors, specialists, or use outpatient services. High utilizers benefit most from comprehensive plans like Plan G, which eliminate nearly all cost-sharing. Lower utilizers may find Plan N's copays cheaper overall than Plan G's higher premium.
Step 2: Consider Your Budget
Compare the annual cost of each plan — premium × 12 plus expected out-of-pocket. For Plan G vs. Plan N, calculate how many extra office visits it would take for Plan G's additional coverage to break even against its higher premium. In many cases, Plan N breaks even at roughly 25–30 office visits per year.
Step 3: Check Provider Participation
If you choose Plan N, verify that your doctors are "participating providers" who accept Medicare assignment. Non-participating providers can charge up to 15% above the Medicare-approved amount (excess charges), which Plan N does not cover. Plan G covers excess charges, making it safer if your preferred specialists sometimes opt out of Medicare assignment.
Step 4: Compare Insurers — Same Benefits, Different Prices
Because plan benefits are standardized, you should shop for the lowest premium among reputable insurers. Check insurer financial strength (AM Best A or better), rate increase history in your state, and household discounts. Some insurers offer 5–12% discounts for annual payment or adding a second member.
Step 5: Understand Premium Rating Methods
Insurers use three pricing methods. Community-rated plans charge everyone the same premium regardless of age (used in New York and a few other states). Issue-age-rated plans lock in your rate at the age you buy. Attained-age-rated plans start lower but increase as you age — they can become the most expensive over time. Favor community or issue-age-rated plans if available in your state.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between Medicare Supplement and Medicare Advantage?▾
Medicare Supplement (Medigap) works alongside Original Medicare (Parts A and B), helping cover cost-sharing like deductibles, copays, and coinsurance. Medicare Advantage (Part C) replaces Original Medicare with a private plan that bundles coverage. Medigap gives you more provider flexibility — you can see any doctor who accepts Medicare nationwide — while Medicare Advantage plans typically use networks and often include extra benefits like vision or dental.
When is the best time to enroll in a Medigap plan?▾
The best time to enroll is during your Medigap Open Enrollment Period — a one-time, six-month window that begins the month you turn 65 and are enrolled in Medicare Part B. During this window, insurers cannot deny you coverage or charge higher premiums due to pre-existing conditions. After this window closes, you may face medical underwriting and could be denied coverage or charged more.
Is Plan F still available in 2026?▾
Plan F (and Plan C) are no longer available to people who became newly eligible for Medicare on or after January 1, 2020. If you turned 65 before 2020 and already have Plan F, you can keep it. New Medicare beneficiaries should consider Plan G as the most comprehensive alternative, as it covers everything Plan F does except the Part B deductible ($240 in 2026).
Can I switch Medigap plans after my Open Enrollment Period?▾
Yes, but it is harder. Outside your Open Enrollment Period, switching Medigap plans typically requires medical underwriting — the insurer can review your health history and may deny your application or charge higher premiums. Some states have additional consumer protections. A few specific situations, such as losing employer coverage or moving out of a plan's service area, may trigger a guaranteed issue right that lets you switch without underwriting.
Do Medigap plans cover prescription drugs?▾
No. Medigap plans sold after January 1, 2006, do not include prescription drug coverage. If you have a Medigap plan and want drug coverage, you must enroll in a separate Medicare Part D prescription drug plan. When you enroll in Part D during your Initial Enrollment Period, you can avoid the late enrollment penalty that applies if you go without creditable drug coverage for 63 or more consecutive days.
Jennifer Walsh, RN
Health Insurance Specialist & Registered Nurse
Jennifer brings 10 years of experience helping seniors navigate the Medicare system, first as a registered nurse in a hospital discharge planning unit and then as a Medicare counselor. She holds a Life & Health insurance license and has guided hundreds of beneficiaries through Medigap plan selection during their Open Enrollment Period.
Updated March 2026
Important Disclaimer
This site provides general educational information only and is not a substitute for professional insurance advice. All rates, data, and coverage details are estimates and may not reflect your actual premiums. Insurance availability and pricing vary by state, insurer, and individual risk factors. Always consult a licensed insurance professional in your state before making coverage decisions.