Understanding Medicare Supplement Insurance in 2026

Medicare Supplement insurance, commonly known as Medigap, serves as a critical safety net for millions of Americans enrolled in Original Medicare. These policies, sold by private insurance companies, fill the "gaps" in Medicare coverage by paying for out-of-pocket costs that Medicare Parts A and B don't cover—such as copayments, coinsurance, and deductibles.

In 2026, understanding Medigap has become more important than ever. With the Medicare Part B deductible rising to $283 (up $26 from 2025) and monthly Part B premiums increasing to $202.90, the financial impact of healthcare costs continues to grow for seniors. Medigap policies provide predictable costs and comprehensive coverage, allowing you to visit any doctor or hospital that accepts Medicare without network restrictions.

The standardization of Medigap plans means that Plan G from one insurance company offers the same basic benefits as Plan G from another company. However, premiums can vary significantly between insurers—sometimes by hundreds of dollars annually—making it essential to shop around and compare options carefully.

For 2026, several key updates affect Medigap policies. Plans F, G, and J now have a $2,950 annual deductible for high-deductible versions, while Plans K and L feature out-of-pocket maximums of $8,000 and $4,000 respectively. Understanding these changes and how they impact your wallet is crucial for making an informed decision.

Comparing the Most Popular Medigap Plans

The three most popular Medigap plans in 2026 are Plan G, Plan N, and Plan F (for those grandfathered in). Each offers different levels of coverage and comes with varying premium costs, making it essential to understand which plan aligns best with your healthcare needs and budget.

Plan G: The New Gold Standard

Plan G has emerged as the most popular choice for new Medicare enrollees since Plan F became unavailable to those who became eligible after January 1, 2020. This comprehensive plan covers virtually all Medicare-approved costs except for the Part B deductible of $283.

Plan G provides complete coverage for:

• Part A coinsurance and hospital costs (up to 365 additional days after Medicare benefits are exhausted)
• Part B coinsurance or copayment
• First three pints of blood
• Part A hospice care coinsurance
• Skilled nursing facility coinsurance
• Part A deductible
• Foreign travel emergency coverage (up to plan limits)

The only out-of-pocket expense you'll face with Plan G is the annual Part B deductible. For most beneficiaries, Plan G offers the best balance of comprehensive coverage and reasonable premiums. Medigap premium projections for 2026 suggest Plan G rates will increase by 8-12% on average, reflecting rising healthcare costs and Part B premium increases.

Plan N: The Budget-Friendly Option

Plan N provides robust coverage at a lower premium than Plan G, making it an attractive option for healthy individuals who don't visit the doctor frequently. This plan covers most of the same benefits as Plan G but requires small copayments for certain services.

With Plan N, you'll pay:

• Up to $20 copayment for some office visits
• Up to $50 copayment for emergency room visits (waived if admitted)
• Part B excess charges (the difference when doctors charge more than Medicare-approved amounts)
• The Part B deductible

For beneficiaries in good health who can manage these modest copayments, Plan N typically offers premium savings of 15-30% compared to Plan G, potentially saving hundreds of dollars annually.

Plan F: The Grandfathered Comprehensive Plan

Plan F remains available only to those who became eligible for Medicare before January 1, 2020. It offers the most comprehensive coverage of any Medigap plan, covering every gap in Medicare including the Part B deductible.

While Plan F provides unmatched peace of mind with zero out-of-pocket costs (beyond premiums), it typically commands the highest monthly premiums. For existing Plan F enrollees, it's worth comparing whether the premium difference versus Plan G exceeds the $283 Part B deductible you'd pay with Plan G.

Top Medicare Supplement Insurance Providers for 2026

Choosing the right insurance company is just as important as selecting the right plan. While Medigap plans are standardized, insurers differ significantly in pricing, customer service, financial stability, and available discounts. Here's a comprehensive comparison of the leading Medigap providers in 2026.

Mutual of Omaha: Best Overall

Mutual of Omaha consistently ranks as the top Medigap provider, offering an excellent combination of competitive pricing, strong financial backing, and nationwide availability. As one of the largest Medicare Supplement insurers in the country, they provide stability and reliability that gives policyholders peace of mind.

Strengths:

• Comprehensive plan options across most states
• Competitive premium rates
• Strong financial stability
• Extensive network of agents for personalized support
• Long-standing reputation in the Medicare supplement market

Considerations:

• Premiums may vary significantly by state
• Limited online quote tools compared to some competitors

AARP/UnitedHealthcare: Best for Nationwide Coverage

The AARP-endorsed Medicare Supplement plans, underwritten by UnitedHealthcare, offer excellent value with special discounts for AARP members. These plans use community-rated pricing in many states, meaning premiums don't increase solely based on age.

Strengths:

• AARP member discounts
• Community-rated pricing in select states
• Household discounts available
• Strong brand recognition and trust
• Extensive customer service resources

Considerations:

• AARP membership required for best rates
• May not be the cheapest option in all areas

Cigna: Best for Customer Service

Cigna brings Fortune 500 financial strength to the Medigap market, combining competitive rates with exceptional customer service. They offer Plans A, G, and N in most states, along with optional dental coverage.

Strengths:

• Excellent customer service ratings
• 7% household discount when two people in the same household enroll
• 5% online enrollment discount
• Strong financial backing
• Competitive Plan G and N rates

Considerations:

• Limited plan variety compared to some competitors
• Not available in all states

Anthem: Best for Low Plan G Premiums

Anthem (operating as several different Blue Cross Blue Shield organizations across states) frequently offers some of the lowest Plan G premiums in the market, making it an excellent choice for budget-conscious consumers who want comprehensive coverage.

Strengths:

• Highly competitive Plan G pricing
• Additional dental and vision benefits available
• Strong regional presence
• Well-established Blue Cross Blue Shield network

Considerations:

• Plan availability varies by state
• Customer service quality can vary by region

State Farm (Wellabe): Best for Customer Satisfaction

State Farm's Medigap offerings, marketed as Wellabe in some regions, earn top marks for member satisfaction and low complaint ratios. Their in-person agent network provides personalized service that many seniors appreciate.

Strengths:

• Exceptional customer satisfaction ratings
• Very low complaint ratios
• In-person agent support nationwide
• Trusted brand with long history
• Available in most states

Considerations:

• May not offer the absolute lowest premiums
• Quote process often requires agent contact

Enrollment Eligibility and Timing Strategies

Understanding when and how to enroll in Medigap insurance can save you thousands of dollars and ensure you get the coverage you need without medical hurdles. Timing is everything when it comes to Medicare Supplement insurance.

Eligibility Requirements

To qualify for Medicare Supplement insurance in 2026, you must meet several basic requirements. First and foremost, you need to be enrolled in both Medicare Part A and Part B. You cannot purchase a Medigap policy if you only have Part A or Part B alone. Additionally, you must be a U.S. citizen or lawfully present in the United States and meet your state's residency requirements.

Most people become eligible for Medicare when they turn 65, though some qualify earlier due to disability or certain health conditions like end-stage renal disease (ESRD) or Lou Gehrig's disease (ALS). It's important to note that you cannot have both a Medicare Advantage plan and a Medigap policy simultaneously—you must be enrolled in Original Medicare (Parts A and B) to purchase Medigap.

While federal law requires insurers to sell Medigap policies to those 65 and older, coverage for those under 65 varies by state. Many states have laws requiring at least limited Medigap options for younger Medicare beneficiaries with disabilities, but availability and pricing differ significantly by location.

The Critical Six-Month Open Enrollment Period

Your Medigap Open Enrollment Period is the most important enrollment window you'll ever have for Medicare Supplement insurance. This six-month period begins on the first day of the month when you're both 65 or older AND enrolled in Medicare Part B.

During this guaranteed-issue period, federal law protects you in several crucial ways:

• Insurance companies cannot deny you coverage based on health status
• You cannot be charged higher premiums due to pre-existing conditions
• You can purchase any Medigap plan sold in your state
• You cannot be subjected to waiting periods for pre-existing conditions

This protection is so valuable that healthcare experts universally recommend enrolling during this window whenever possible. If you miss this six-month period, insurance companies can use medical underwriting to evaluate your health history, potentially leading to coverage denial, significantly higher premiums, or exclusions for pre-existing conditions.

Special Enrollment Situations

Certain situations grant you guaranteed-issue rights to purchase specific Medigap policies outside your initial enrollment period, even if you previously had coverage. These include:

• Your Medicare Advantage plan is leaving Medicare or stops providing coverage in your area
• You move out of your plan's service area
• Your plan violates its contract with you
• You're leaving employer or union coverage
• You have a Trial Right period (within 12 months of Medicare Advantage enrollment)

Additionally, if you became eligible for Medicare due to disability and then turn 65 while already enrolled, you receive an additional six-month Medigap Open Enrollment Period starting on the first day of the month you turn 65.

State-Specific Protections

Some states offer additional consumer protections beyond federal requirements. For example, certain states mandate annual open enrollment periods, community-rating requirements, or guaranteed-issue rights for those under 65. California, for instance, provides a birthday rule allowing you to switch to another Medigap policy of equal or lesser value within 60 days of your birthday each year without medical underwriting.

Research your specific state's regulations, as these additional protections can provide valuable flexibility and cost-saving opportunities throughout your retirement.

Strategies to Minimize Your Medigap Costs

With Medigap premiums projected to increase 8-12% in 2026 due to rising Medicare Part B costs and healthcare inflation, finding ways to reduce your insurance expenses has never more important. Here are proven strategies to help you save money without sacrificing coverage quality.

Understanding Premium Rating Methods

Insurance companies use three different methods to calculate Medigap premiums, and understanding these can help you make a more cost-effective choice:

Community-rated (no-age-rated) policies charge the same premium to everyone who has that policy, regardless of age. These plans don't increase in price as you age, though they may still rise due to inflation or other factors. If you're enrolling at 65, community-rated policies may initially cost more but often provide better long-term value as you won't face age-related increases.

Issue-age-rated policies base your premium on your age when you first buy the policy. The rate won't increase as you get older, though it can still rise due to inflation. These typically offer moderate initial premiums with predictable long-term costs.

Attained-age-rated policies increase premiums as you age, in addition to other rate increases. While these often have the lowest premiums when you first enroll at 65, they become progressively more expensive each year and may ultimately cost significantly more over time.

Maximize Available Discounts

Many Medigap insurers offer substantial discounts that can reduce your premiums by hundreds of dollars annually. Common discounts include:

• Household discounts (5-12%) when multiple people in the same household have policies
• Online enrollment discounts (3-7%) for applying through the company's website
• AARP member discounts for plans underwritten by UnitedHealthcare
• Automatic payment discounts (1-5%) when you set up automatic bank withdrawals
• Non-tobacco user discounts for those who don't use tobacco products

Always ask potential insurers about all available discounts. Combining multiple discounts can reduce your annual premiums by 10-20% or more.

Consider High-Deductible Options

High-deductible Plan G offers significantly lower monthly premiums in exchange for a $2,950 annual deductible in 2026. For healthy individuals with minimal healthcare needs, this option can provide substantial savings. If you rarely visit the doctor and don't have ongoing medical treatments, the premium savings often exceed the deductible amount.

Strategic Plan Selection

Carefully evaluate whether you need the comprehensive coverage of Plan G or if Plan N's lower premiums with modest copayments better suit your situation. If you're healthy and don't frequently visit specialists, Plan N typically saves $600-1,200 annually compared to Plan G. For someone who visits the doctor once monthly with a $20 copay, you'd pay only $240 in copays—still likely less than the premium difference.

Manage IRMAA Surcharges

While IRMAA (Income-Related Monthly Adjustment Amount) affects Medicare Part B and Part D premiums rather than Medigap itself, managing these surcharges reduces your overall Medicare costs. High-income earners pay additional Part B premiums ranging from $81.20 to $689.90 monthly based on income thresholds starting at $109,000 for individuals.

Strategic income planning—such as Roth conversions in lower-income years, timing capital gains, or adjusting retirement account withdrawals—can help you stay below IRMAA thresholds and save thousands annually.

Annual Policy Review and Shopping

Don't assume your current policy offers the best value year after year. Since Medigap plans are standardized, you can switch to another company's identical plan if you find better pricing. If you're in good health, you may qualify for better rates even outside your open enrollment period.

Set a calendar reminder each year during the Medicare Annual Enrollment Period (October 15-December 7) to compare rates from multiple insurers. Even if you can't switch without underwriting, you'll know whether your current premium remains competitive.

Frequently Asked Questions About Medicare Supplement Insurance

Can I switch from Medicare Advantage back to Original Medicare with a Medigap policy?

Yes, you can switch from Medicare Advantage back to Original Medicare with a Medigap policy, but the process requires careful timing and consideration. You can disenroll from Medicare Advantage during the Medicare Advantage Open Enrollment Period (January 1-March 31) or during the Annual Enrollment Period (October 15-December 7). However, you won't have guaranteed-issue rights to purchase a Medigap policy unless your Medicare Advantage plan is leaving Medicare, stops serving your area, or you're within your Trial Right period (first 12 months after enrolling in Medicare Advantage). Outside these circumstances, insurance companies can use medical underwriting, potentially charging higher premiums or denying coverage based on your health status.

Do Medigap plans cover prescription drugs?

No, Medigap plans sold after January 1, 2006 do not cover prescription drugs. If you want prescription drug coverage, you'll need to purchase a separate Medicare Part D plan alongside your Medigap policy. Some older Medigap plans (C, D, and F) sold before 2006 may include limited prescription coverage for those who kept these policies, but this is rare. Most beneficiaries with Medigap need to enroll in a standalone Part D plan to cover their prescription medication costs. It's important to shop for Part D coverage during your Initial Enrollment Period or Annual Enrollment Period to avoid late enrollment penalties.

What happens to my Medigap policy if I move to a different state?

If you move to a different state, your Medigap policy remains in effect, but you may face some challenges. Most insurance companies only operate in specific states or regions, so your current insurer may not be licensed in your new state. In this situation, you won't have guaranteed-issue rights to purchase a new Medigap policy in your new state unless you qualify for specific exceptions. You may need to apply with medical underwriting, which could result in higher premiums or coverage denial based on your health. Some states offer more consumer protections than others. Before moving, contact insurers in your destination state to understand your options and whether you'll need to undergo medical underwriting.

Can my Medigap premium increase over time?

Yes, Medigap premiums typically increase over time, though the reasons and amounts vary by insurer and rating method. Insurers can raise rates due to inflation, increased healthcare costs, rising claims in the policy pool, or changes in state regulations. For 2026, Medigap premiums are projected to increase by 8-12% on average due to Medicare Part B premium increases and healthcare inflation. If you have an attained-age-rated policy, your premium will also increase as you age. Community-rated policies don't increase based on your age, though they still rise for other reasons. Insurance companies must receive state approval before raising rates and must apply increases to everyone with the same policy type, not just targeting individuals with high claims.

Is it worth switching from Plan F to Plan G if I'm already enrolled in Plan F?

Whether switching from Plan F to Plan G makes financial sense depends on several factors. Plan F is only available to those who became Medicare-eligible before January 1, 2020, and it covers the Part B deductible ($283 in 2026) that Plan G doesn't cover. To determine if switching is worthwhile, compare the annual premium difference between your current Plan F and available Plan G options. If Plan G premiums are more than $283 less annually than your Plan F premium, switching could save you money. However, you'll need to undergo medical underwriting to switch plans, and if your health has declined, you may face higher premiums or coverage denial. Additionally, Plan F premiums may eventually decrease relative to Plan G as fewer new enrollees join the Plan F pool. Consult with a licensed insurance agent to compare specific rates and evaluate whether switching makes sense for your situation.