Best Medicare Supplement Plans in California 2026
We compared 21+ Medigap carriers in California based on pricing, financial strength, complaint records, and more - including California's unique birthday rule that lets you switch carriers every year.
California Has the Birthday Rule
Key AdvantageCalifornia's birthday rule (effective July 1, 2020) gives you a 60-day window starting on your birthday each year to switch your Medigap plan to a different carrier - no health questions, no medical underwriting. You can switch to any carrier offering a plan with equal or lesser benefits (e.g., Plan G to Plan G at a lower premium, or Plan G to Plan N). This is a major advantage over most states, where switching carriers after your initial enrollment requires passing medical underwriting.
Nearly 600,000 Californians have Medicare Supplement Insurance, or Medigap. Medigap plans help cover certain out-of-pocket expenses like copays, coinsurance, and deductibles left over after Medicare pays for covered services. With over 7 million Medicare beneficiaries - the largest Medicare population in the country - California is one of the most competitive Medigap markets in the United States.
Many companies offer Medigap plans in California, but only a few earn top marks on our data-driven ratings. We compared companies based on prices, financial strength, complaint rates, plan availability, and discount options to find the best Medigap plans in California for 2026.
Compare the Best Medicare Supplement Plans in California
Our top-rated Medigap carriers in California, ranked by the MedicareFAQ Score. Premiums shown are for a 65-year-old female nonsmoker in Los Angeles, CA.
State Farm
Plan G
$170/mo
Plan N
$130/mo
AM Best
A++
Plans
6 types
AARP/UnitedHealthcare
Plan G
$185/mo
Plan N
$155/mo
AM Best
A+
Plans
8 types
HealthSpring (formerly Cigna)
Plan G
$166/mo
Plan N
$127/mo
AM Best
A
Plans
4 types
Anthem Blue Cross
Plan G
$195/mo
Plan N
$160/mo
AM Best
A
Plans
4 types
Mutual of Omaha
Plan G
$178/mo
Plan N
$140/mo
AM Best
A+
Plans
4 types
Medicare Supplement Prices in California
Sample monthly premiums from our top-scoring carriers. Rates shown are for a 65-year-old female nonsmoker in Los Angeles, CA and include available household discounts. Actual rates vary by ZIP code, age, gender, and health status.
| Insurance Company | Plan G Monthly | Plan N Monthly | MedicareFAQ Score |
|---|---|---|---|
| State Farm | $170 | $130 | 4.9 |
| AARP/UnitedHealthcare | $185 | $155 | 4.7 |
| HealthSpring (formerly Cigna) | $166 | $127 | 4.5 |
| Anthem Blue Cross | $195 | $160 | 4.3 |
| Mutual of Omaha | $178 | $140 | 4.2 |
Lowest available in California: Plan G from $166/mo | Plan N from $127/mo
Plan G vs. Plan N in California
Plan G and Plan N are the two most popular Medicare Supplement plans for new enrollees in California. Here is how they compare.
| Coverage Feature | Plan G | Plan N |
|---|---|---|
| Part A hospital coinsurance | Covered | Covered |
| Part B coinsurance (20%) | Covered | Covered* |
| Part A deductible ($1,736) | Covered | Covered |
| Part B deductible ($283) | Not covered | Not covered |
| Part B excess charges | Covered | Not covered |
| Skilled nursing coinsurance | Covered | Covered |
| Foreign travel emergency | Covered | Covered |
| Office visit copay | $0 | Up to $20 |
| ER copay (no admission) | $0 | Up to $50 |
| Avg. monthly premium (CA) | $185/mo | $145/mo |
*Plan N covers Part B coinsurance but may charge up to $20 for some office visits and up to $50 for ER visits that do not result in inpatient admission.
California's birthday rule is your annual rate-shopping window. Every year, starting on your birthday, you have 60 days to switch your Medigap plan to a different carrier - no health questions asked. The catch: you can only switch to a plan with equal or lesser benefits. That means you can move from Plan G at one carrier to Plan G at another (same coverage, potentially lower premium), but you cannot use the birthday rule to upgrade from Plan N to Plan G. Mark your birthday on your calendar and shop rates every year.
California Medigap Rules You Should Know
California Birthday Rule (Effective July 1, 2020)
California law gives current Medigap policyholders a 60-day window starting on their birthday each year to switch to any carrier offering a plan with equal or lesser benefits - without medical underwriting. You can switch from Plan G at one carrier to Plan G at a lower-priced carrier, or from Plan G to Plan N. You cannot use the birthday rule to upgrade to a more comprehensive plan. This rule applies only to those already enrolled in a Medigap plan.
Regulated by the California Department of Insurance (CDI)
All Medicare Supplement plans sold in California are regulated by the California Department of Insurance. CDI enforces federal standardization rules, meaning Plan G from any carrier covers the same benefits. CDI also enforces a 30-day free-look period, allowing you to return a new policy for a full refund if you are not satisfied.
Rating Methods in California
California Medigap carriers may use attained-age rating (premiums increase as you age) or community rating (everyone pays the same rate regardless of age). Community-rated plans typically start higher but increase more slowly over time. Ask about rating type when comparing quotes, as it significantly affects long-term costs.
Largest Medicare Market in the Country
With 7 million Medicare beneficiaries - the most of any state - California is the largest Medigap market in the country. This means more than 21+ carriers compete for your business, resulting in competitive premiums and more plan options than most states.
MedicareFAQ Scoring Methodology
The MedicareFAQ Score rates Medicare Supplement carriers on a scale of 1.0 to 5.0 based on five key factors. Our ratings are independent and not influenced by advertising relationships.
Financial Strength
AM Best rating and outlook stability. A++ carriers score highest.
Pricing Competitiveness
Plan G and Plan N premiums compared to the California state average for a 65-year-old.
Plan Availability
Number of standardized Medigap plan letters offered in California.
Consumer Satisfaction
NAIC complaint ratio relative to market share and customer review sentiment.
Discounts & Value
Household, loyalty, payment mode, and other available premium discounts.
Last updated: February 2026 | Data sources: CMS Medicare Plan Finder, AM Best, NAIC Complaint Database, NerdWallet, CDI
Frequently Asked Questions
Find the Best Medigap Rate in Your Area
Medigap premiums vary significantly by ZIP code in California. Enter yours to see exact rates from all available carriers, compare plans side by side, and find the best value for your coverage needs - especially before your birthday window opens.