Medicare Supplement insurance, also called Medigap, can help pay some of the out-of-pocket costs Original Medicare leaves behind — but the right plan depends on your budget, provider preferences, travel habits, prescription needs, and enrollment timing.
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Quick Answer
Medicare Supplement insurance, also called Medigap, is private insurance that works with Original Medicare. It helps pay some of your share of Medicare-approved costs, such as deductibles, copayments, and coinsurance.
Medigap does not replace Original Medicare. You keep Original Medicare and add a Medicare Supplement policy to help reduce certain out-of-pocket costs. Most Medigap plans do not include prescription drug coverage, so many people also buy a separate Medicare Part D plan.
Plan Shopping Checklist
Because Medigap benefits are standardized by plan letter in most states, the plan letter is only part of the decision. Premium, company, timing, and Part D needs still matter.
Plan G from one company has the same core medical benefits as Plan G from another company in most states, but the premium can differ.
You usually pay a separate Medigap premium in addition to your Medicare Part B premium and any Part D premium.
Plan G is popular for stronger coverage. Plan N may have a lower premium but can include certain copays and no excess charge coverage.
Medicare Supplement plans generally do not include Part D drug coverage. A separate drug plan may be needed.
Your Medigap Open Enrollment Period can be one of the best times to buy because health underwriting usually cannot be used against you.
Since benefits are standardized, company pricing, household discounts, rate stability, and customer service are important.
Comparison Chart
This chart shows how the standardized Medigap plan letters compare in most states for people newly eligible for Medicare.
| Benefit Feature | Plan A | Plan B | Plan D | Plan G* | Plan K** | Plan L** | Plan M | Plan N*** |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Part A coinsurance and hospital costs up to 365 extra days | 100% | 100% | 100% | 100% | 100% | 100% | 100% | 100% |
| Part B coinsurance / copayment | 100% | 100% | 100% | 100% | 50% | 75% | 100% | 100%*** |
| Blood: first 3 pints | 100% | 100% | 100% | 100% | 50% | 75% | 100% | 100% |
| Part A hospice care coinsurance / copay | 100% | 100% | 100% | 100% | 50% | 75% | 100% | 100% |
| Skilled nursing facility coinsurance | No | No | 100% | 100% | 50% | 75% | 100% | 100% |
| Part A deductible | No | 100% | 100% | 100% | 50% | 75% | 50% | 100% |
| Part B deductible | No | No | No | No | No | No | No | No |
| Part B excess charges | No | No | No | 100% | No | No | No | No |
| Foreign travel emergency up to plan limits | No | No | 80% | 80% | No | No | 80% | 80% |
| 2026 out-of-pocket yearly limit | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | $8,000 | $4,000 | N/A | N/A |
* Plan G also has a high-deductible option. The 2026 high-deductible amount is $2,950 before the plan begins paying benefits.
** Plans K and L pay 100% of covered services for the rest of the calendar year once you meet the out-of-pocket yearly limit.
*** Plan N pays 100% of the Part B coinsurance, except for copays up to $20 for some office visits and up to $50 for emergency room visits that do not result in inpatient admission.
Plans C and F are not available to people newly eligible for Medicare on or after January 1, 2020. Massachusetts, Minnesota, and Wisconsin use different Medigap standardization rules.
The chart tells you what each plan letter covers. It does not tell you which company has the best premium, discount, underwriting rules, or long-term rate history in your area.
Buying Medigap
Shopping for Medicare Supplement insurance is different from shopping for Medicare Advantage. The plan letters are standardized in most states, but prices, discounts, underwriting rules, and company availability can vary.
You generally need both Part A and Part B to buy a Medigap policy.
Consider provider freedom, premium comfort, travel, and predictable medical costs.
Review options such as Plan G, Plan N, and High Deductible Plan G.
The same plan letter can have different prices depending on the insurance company.
Medigap usually does not include prescription drug coverage.
Timing can affect whether health underwriting applies.
Where to Buy
You can buy Medicare Supplement insurance from a private insurance company licensed to sell Medigap policies in your state. You can also compare options through Medicare.gov, speak with a licensed independent insurance agent, or contact your State Health Insurance Assistance Program for counseling.
Many people choose to work with a licensed agent because Medigap benefits are standardized by plan letter, but monthly premiums, household discounts, company availability, underwriting rules, and rate history can vary.
Smart Shopper Questions
Shopping for Medigap is not just about the benefit chart. Ask about premium, rate history, discounts, underwriting, and company reputation.
Compare the same plan letter across multiple companies. The benefits may be standardized, but the price may be different.
Ask how the company’s rates have changed over time. A low first-year premium is not always the best long-term value.
Some companies may offer household discounts, non-tobacco pricing, or other savings depending on your state and eligibility.
Your six-month Medigap Open Enrollment Period can be one of the best times to apply.
If you apply outside a protected enrollment window, you may have to answer health questions.
Consider customer service, rate history, financial strength, claims handling, and long-term stability.
Popular Options
Plan G and Plan N are the two most popular Medigap options for people newly eligible for Medicare. The benefits for each plan letter are federally standardized — meaning Plan G from one carrier covers the same things as Plan G from any other carrier. The differences come down to premium, copays, and excess charge exposure.
| Benefit Covered | Original Medicare Alone | Medigap Plan G | Medigap Plan N |
|---|---|---|---|
| Part A coinsurance & hospital costs up to 365 extra days | You pay thousands after day 60 | 100% Covered | 100% Covered |
| Part B coinsurance (20% of doctor bills) | You pay 20% with no limit | 100% Covered | 100% Covered (after small copay) |
| Part B excess charges | You may be liable for up to 15% above Medicare rates | 100% Covered | Not covered — you pay out of pocket |
| Skilled nursing facility coinsurance | You pay after day 20 | 100% Covered | 100% Covered |
| Part A deductible | You pay per benefit period | 100% Covered | 100% Covered |
| Foreign travel emergency (up to plan limits) | Not covered | 80% Covered | 80% Covered |
| Doctor network freedom | Any provider accepting Medicare | Any doctor nationwide | Any doctor nationwide |
| Referrals or prior authorization required? | No | No | No |
Plan benefits are standardized by the federal government in most states. MA, MN, and WI use different rules. Plan N includes copays up to $20 for some office visits and up to $50 for ER visits that do not result in inpatient admission.
Plan G is often chosen by people who want broad protection from many out-of-pocket costs left by Original Medicare. After you pay the Medicare Part B deductible, Plan G can help cover many remaining Medicare-approved expenses including Part B excess charges — which Plan N does not.
Plan N may appeal to people who want Medigap flexibility but are willing to accept certain copays and no excess charge coverage in exchange for a potentially lower monthly premium than Plan G. It can be a strong fit if your doctors participate with Medicare and do not charge excess fees.
Carrier Partners
As an independent multi-state agency, Lehigh Partners helps you cross-reference Medigap rates from top national carriers like Mutual of Omaha, Physicians Mutual, Aetna, Cigna, and Highmark to find the best available premium, rate history, and household discount for your ZIP code, age, and situation — before you enroll. Because Medigap benefits are standardized, the plan letter is rarely where people save money. The carrier is.
| Carrier | Common Plans Offered | Notable Strengths |
|---|---|---|
| Mutual of Omaha | Plan G, Plan N, High Deductible G | Strong rate history, household discounts, broad state availability |
| Physicians Mutual | Plan G, Plan N, Plan F (where available) | Direct-to-consumer brand recognition, competitive rates in many states, no network restrictions |
| Aetna | Plan G, Plan N | Competitive premiums, financial stability, multi-state footprint |
| Cigna Healthcare | Plan G, Plan N, High Deductible G | Household discounts, broad availability, competitive initial rates |
| Highmark | Plan G, Plan N | Regional strength in PA and surrounding states, stable rate history |
| UnitedHealthcare (AARP) | Plan G, Plan N, Plan K, Plan L | Community-rated in many states, broad brand recognition |
| Anthem / WellPoint | Plan G, Plan N | Multi-state availability, competitive pricing in select markets |
| Medico Insurance | Plan G, High Deductible G | Competitive premiums, strong in rural and Midwest markets |
| GPM Health & Life | Plan G, Plan N | Competitive rates in select states, household discounts available |
Carrier availability and plan offerings vary by state and ZIP code. Rate stability, household discounts, and underwriting rules differ by company. A licensed agent can compare current rates across all available carriers in your area.
State-by-State Pricing Rules
Unlike Medicare Advantage, Medigap premiums are not set by the federal government — they are governed by state-level rating rules that change completely at state borders. The same Plan G can work very differently in Florida versus Pennsylvania versus California. Understanding your state's pricing system is the first step to finding the right carrier at the right time.
| Rating System | States We Serve | What It Means for You | Key Strategy |
|---|---|---|---|
| Attained-Age-Rated | PA, OH, TX, NC, MI, MO, SC, TN, AZ, ID, SD, MT, KY | Premiums start lower but increase automatically as you age, in addition to general rate adjustments | Prioritize carriers with a proven track record of stable, modest annual increases — a low intro rate that spikes sharply can cost more over time than a slightly higher but stable starting premium |
| Issue-Age-Rated | FL | Your premium is based on your age when you first buy the policy — it does not increase simply because you get older | Enroll as early as possible, ideally at 65 during your Medigap Open Enrollment Period, to lock in the lowest lifelong baseline rate |
| Community-Rated (with Birthday Rule) |
NJ, CA, OR | Everyone in the same area pays the same premium regardless of age — premiums can still rise, but not because you got older | CA and OR have a Birthday Rule that lets you switch carriers every year around your birthday without medical underwriting — use this annually to shop for a lower premium |
Under the California and Oregon Medicare Supplement Birthday Rule, you can switch to any Medigap plan of equal or lesser benefits within 60 days of your birthday each year — without answering health questions or going through medical underwriting. This means if a carrier raises your premium, you can shop for a better rate every single year, regardless of your health status. Most seniors in CA and OR do not know this right exists. A licensed agent can help you use it.
Florida's issue-age rating system means your premium is determined by your age at enrollment — and will not automatically go up just because you get older. The earlier you enroll in Florida, the lower your permanent baseline premium. Waiting even two or three years to buy can mean paying measurably more every month for the rest of your coverage. If you are turning 65 in Florida, the timing of your Medigap decision matters more than in most other states.
State-Specific Questions
Want help comparing Medigap rates?
The same Plan G can cost significantly more or less depending on the company, your ZIP code, age, tobacco status, household discount, and when you apply. A licensed agent can compare current rates across multiple carriers in your area — at no cost to you.
Pick a time that works — most rate reviews take 20–30 minutes.
Fit Check
A Medicare Supplement plan may be worth comparing if you want the freedom to see any doctor or hospital nationwide that accepts Medicare, prefer predictable medical costs, travel often within the United States, and are comfortable paying a higher monthly premium for lower cost-sharing when you receive care.
It may not be the best fit if you want the lowest monthly premium, prefer bundled dental, vision, hearing, or drug benefits, or are comfortable using a Medicare Advantage provider network.
Side-by-Side
These are two different Medicare paths. One works with Original Medicare. The other is an alternative way to receive Part A and Part B benefits.
| Feature | Medicare Supplement | Medicare Advantage |
|---|---|---|
| How it works | Works with Original Medicare | Replaces how you receive Part A and Part B benefits |
| Provider access | Any provider who accepts Medicare | Usually plan network rules apply |
| Monthly premium | Usually higher | Often lower, sometimes $0 |
| Drug coverage | Separate Part D plan usually needed | Often included |
| Extra benefits | Usually not included | May include dental, vision, hearing, OTC, fitness |
| Predictability | Often more predictable medical costs | Costs depend on plan and care usage |
| Travel flexibility | Usually stronger nationwide provider access | Routine care may be more local or network-based |
Rates and Location
Medicare Supplement benefits are standardized by plan letter in most states, but premiums can vary by state, ZIP code, age, gender, tobacco use, household discounts, company, rating method, and underwriting rules.
Get Help Comparing
A licensed Lehigh Partners Senior Benefits agent can help compare Medigap options based on your state, ZIP code, age, budget, provider preferences, prescription needs, and enrollment timing.
Compare Medigap Rates in My AreaIndependent Guidance
Lehigh Partners Senior Benefits helps compare Medicare Supplement, Medicare Advantage, and Part D options based on your needs. We explain the tradeoffs clearly so you can decide whether Medigap is the right path for you. All Medigap information we provide is sourced directly from the official Choosing a Medigap Policy handbook issued by the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS). Our agents hold active health insurance licenses required to quote policies across all 17 states we serve.
What We Compare
Take the Medicare Coverage Quiz. Answer a few quick questions about costs, doctors, networks, travel, prescriptions, and extra benefits.
This quiz is educational and is not a recommendation to enroll in a specific plan.
Common Questions
A licensed Lehigh Partners Senior Benefits agent can help compare Medigap options based on your state, ZIP code, age, budget, provider preferences, prescription needs, and enrollment timing.
Pick a time that works for you — most Medigap rate reviews take 20–30 minutes.
No obligation to enroll. We respect your privacy — your information is never sold to third-party robocall lists. You pay the exact same premium whether you use our services or go directly to a carrier.
