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Medicare Supplement plans, also called Medigap, help pay for costs that Original Medicare does not cover, such as copayments, coinsurance, and deductibles. Because all insurers must offer the same standardized benefits for each plan letter, the main difference between policies is price. Premiums can range from under $100 per month to over $400 per month depending on several factors.
Average Monthly Premiums by Plan Type (2026)
| Plan | Average Monthly Premium | What It Covers |
|---|---|---|
Plan G | $120 to $200 | All gaps except the Part B deductible ($257 in 2026) |
Plan N | $90 to $160 | Most gaps; copays up to $20 for office visits, $50 for ER |
Plan G High-Deductible | $40 to $80 | Same as Plan G after a $2,870 deductible (2026) |
Plan F (grandfathered) | $150 to $250 | All gaps including Part B deductible (only for those eligible before Jan 1, 2020) |
Plan K | $50 to $100 | 50% of most gaps; out-of-pocket limit applies |
Plan L | $70 to $130 | 75% of most gaps; out-of-pocket limit applies |
Premiums Vary Significantly by Location
The figures above are national averages for a 65-year-old female non-smoker. Actual premiums can be 30-50% higher or lower depending on your state and ZIP code. States like New York and Massachusetts have community rating laws that can make premiums higher at age 65 but more stable over time.
What Factors Affect Your Premium?
| Factor | How It Affects Cost |
|---|---|
Age | Premiums are typically lower when you first enroll at 65 and increase as you age |
Gender | Women generally pay slightly less than men of the same age |
Location | State regulations and local market competition drive significant variation |
Tobacco use | Smokers may pay 10-25% more than non-smokers |
Pricing method (see below) | Attained-age policies increase annually; issue-age and community-rated policies are more stable |
Insurer | Same plan letter, very different premiums across companies |
The Three Pricing Methods
Not all Medigap insurers price their policies the same way. The pricing method affects how your premium changes over time, not just what you pay today.
| Method | How It Works | Long-Term Cost |
|---|---|---|
Attained-age rated | Premium is based on your current age and increases each year as you get older | Starts lower but increases significantly over time |
Issue-age rated | Premium is based on your age when you first buy the policy and does not increase due to age alone | Starts slightly higher but is more predictable |
Community rated | Same premium for everyone in the plan regardless of age | Often higher at 65 but very stable; required in some states |
How to Get the Best Rate
Because benefits are standardized, the best strategy is to compare premiums from multiple insurers for the same plan letter. Working with an independent Medicare insurance agent who can quote multiple carriers is the most efficient way to find the lowest price for identical coverage. The best time to shop is during your Medigap Open Enrollment Period, the 6-month window starting the month you turn 65 and enroll in Part B, when insurers cannot deny you coverage or charge more based on health conditions.
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