Our experts have researched 16 medicare supplement insurance plans and recommend 11 of the best options for seniors.
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Top 11 Highest Ranked Medicare Supplement Insurance Plans in 2022
How We Chose Our Top List
Coverage matters. A lot. Unfortunately, finding the right coverage level that doesn’t break the bank can frustrate even the most patient senior. So we did the homework for you — looking at important factors like plans and pricing, signup process, customer service, flexibility, and more. Our list is the result of our in-depth research.
Overview
Cigna is a Fortune 500 company that offers competitive Medigap insurance rates. If seniors would like coverage for prescription drugs, they can also purchase a separate Medicare Part D plan through Cigna and streamline the number of insurers they work with.
*For individuals first eligible for Medicare before 2020, Plan F and High-Deductible Plan F are also available.
Cigna’s rates are competitive, but its pricing approach depends on state law. For example, Washington state law mandates community-rated pricing for all Medigap policies. In other words, everyone on Cigna Medigap Plan F in a certain area or ZIP code generally pays the same monthly premium regardless of their age (differences do occur due to factors such as tobacco use).
Prices may be determined differently in other areas. For example, in parts of Virgina Cigna uses attained age-related pricing for Plan F. That means the younger you are, the less you pay for your plan.
Cigna has a good reputation and an extensive reach. It offers a decent choice of Medigap plans in a wide range of locations, and seniors can pair plans with a prescription drug plan if they want. Older adults can’t really go wrong with this company, although the process of getting specific information online isn’t the best.
Visit our Cigna Medigap review to learn more about this provider’s plans.
Aetna is another reputable insurer offering Medigap plans, and the process of getting quotes online is a breeze. You just need to fill out a simple form with your state, ZIP code, date of birth, gender, and plan start date. You submit it, and, presto, the quotes for all available plans are listed.
Aetna makes things even easier by including both regular rates and household-discount rates. You can also see what each plan covers at a glance. However, tobacco users should expect to pay more than these quotes, as the fine print states. The quotes also only apply during open enrollment or guaranteed-issue periods.
*For individuals first eligible for Medicare before 2020, Plan F and High Deductible Plan F are also available.
Aetna typically uses attained-age pricing. Using Aetna’s simple online quote tool, we compared rates for women living in Virginia at different ages to give you an idea of how prices change. If a 65-year-old female enrolled during open enrollment or guaranteed issue times to get the preferred rate, she would pay about $111.12 per month for Plan G, while a 75-year-old female would pay around $164.27 per month. Just remember: Prices will vary by age, location, gender, and other factors like tobacco use.
Aetna gives consumers a lot of information online, reducing the time they must spend on the phone. The company’s attained-age pricing may mean that seniors end up paying significantly more as they age, but this practice is comparable with many insurers. The main takeaway is to get an idea of what you’ll pay not just for the next year but for 10 or even 20 years from now.
Read our review of Aetna’s Medigap plans for more information.
Mutual of Omaha, like Aetna, has a very easy process for getting quotes online. All you need to do is fill out your information, and you’ll immediately get the rates for available plans. Rates are competitive, and Mutual of Omaha has a good reputation. It has offered Medicare supplemental insurance since 1966 — when Medicare started.
Mutual of Omaha generally uses attained-age rated pricing. This means that prices will increase as you age. Mutual of Omaha’s online quote tool makes it simple to compare prices, so you can get an idea of how much your premiums will increase as you get older. Overall, the company offers low premiums and transparent pricing, which we appreciate.
Mutual of Omaha offers affordable rates, especially if you qualify for the 12 percent household discount. This insurer has been in the Medicare supplemental business since 1966 and made a name for itself as a company that looks out for its customers rather than Wall Street. It is owned by its policyholders.
Want to learn more? Check out our latest Mutual of Omaha Medigap review.
With over 100 years of experience in the insurance industry, Americo is currently one of the largest, independent, privately-held insurance companies in the United States. Americo goes above and beyond in offering full-service health and financial solutions. In addition to Medigap plans, Americo provides vision and life insurance (term, universal, and whole) along with retirement annuities.
*For individuals first eligible for Medicare before 2020, Plan F and High-Deductible Plan F are also available.
Americo offers affordable Medigap plan pricing. Keep in mind that factors such as age, gender, where you reside, and tobacco use may affect plan premiums. If your spouse or partner is also looking for a Medigap plan, Americo offers a 10 percent household discount. In comparison, UnitedHealthcare’s and Blue Cross Blue Shield’s household discount is only 5 percent.
With budget-friendly premiums, instant plan pricing, and an impressive household discount, Americo delivers value for your money. Americo is a solid provider for comprehensive health and financial needs if you’re looking to bundle other insurance options.
Ready to learn more about Americo’s Medigap plans? Head to our Americo Medigap review for additional details on this provider.
AARP offers Medigap plans through UnitedHealthcare. To get rate estimates for an AARP Medigap plan, all you have to do is type in your ZIP code. For example, eight plans show up for ZIP code 24016, and the rates assume you are turning 65 in the month shown and do not use tobacco products. In many areas, older adults can get plans such as K and L that other insurers may not offer.
*For individuals first eligible for Medicare before 2020, Plan F and Plan C may also be available.
AARP plans can be a bit pricier than other plans. The company uses a community-rated pricing model, meaning that a 65-year-old would theoretically pay the same as a 75-year-old for the same plan in the same area. However, many AARP customers get discounts when they enroll, although the amount of the discount decreases as they age. In this respect, the pricing model is similar to age attainment.
FYI: Not an AARP member? Check out our guide to AARP memberships to learn more.
To access AARP plans, you must be an AARP member, and the yearly fee is $16. Your spouse or partner can receive free membership with yours, and AARP membership gets you a wide variety of discounts on movie tickets, car rentals, eyewear, and much more.
Many seniors trust AARP, and its UnitedHealthcare plans are very popular. The community pricing model means that premiums for some younger seniors may be a bit more than what they’d pay with another company, but age-related discounts could help offset that. Furthermore, many insurers do not offer less-popular plans such as K or L, so if you’re looking for one of these plans, AARP Medigap plans are a great option.
Colonial Penn has been in business since 1879. While it is a financially strong company, its premiums tend to cost more than those offered by other insurers. It’s also quite challenging to gather adequate information online on your own. For example, to get quotes from Colonial Penn online, you will be prompted to fill out a form, and an agent will contact you. You aren’t able to easily view and compare quotes online like you can with other companies. Alternatively, you can call the company directly to receive a quote and learn more.
*For individuals first eligible for Medicare before 2020, Plan C, Plan F, and High-Deductible Plan F are also available.
Colonial Penn’s prices are typically higher than competitors, and the company uses attained-age pricing. The younger you are, the less you pay. Because this insurer’s rates are already somewhat high, seniors may find themselves priced out at some point as they age.
Colonial Penn is not a bad Medigap insurance company by any means. It is financially sound, and it offers all of the available Medigap plans. Depending on where you live and your preferences, you may also be able to meet in person with an agent to discuss plans. That in-person support can be invaluable for some older adults. On the other hand, Colonial Penn does charge higher premiums.
Blue Cross Blue Shield is a network of many smaller companies spread out across the country. Customers purchase Medigap policies from these smaller companies, and the process is not always easy. Finding a local provider and information about available Medigap plans can be confusing.
However, the company is very reputable and offers several types of insurance. This is perfect for seniors who want to stick to one provider for all of their health care needs. Blue Cross Blue Shield also offers a 5 percent household discount in many areas, making it a solid choice for couples or spouses.
Ask your local Blue Cross Blue Shield insurers how they approach pricing, as pricing models and costs will vary by local provider. To receive an accurate quote, it’s best to fill out an online form or call the company. In general, Blue Cross Blue Shield pricing is fairly competitive.
If you’ve had good experiences with your local Blue Cross Blue Shield company and use it for other types of insurance, then enrolling with the company again for Medigap insurance may make sense.
If you’re new to Blue Cross Blue Shield, finding a local company for Medigap may be confusing. If you do find a company, the process of exploring your options online should be straightforward.
Visit our Blue Cross Blue Shield Medigap review for an inside look at this provider.
UnitedHealthcare is the same company that offers the AARP plans. In fact, when you go to the UnitedHealthcare Medicare plan website and input your ZIP code, the results open under the AARP/UnitedHealthcare banner.
UnitedHealthcare uses a community-rated pricing model. Its prices can be competitive, depending on where you live. Compare quotes from other insurers to see just how comparable they are.
UnitedHealthcare Medigap insurance is the same as AARP Medigap insurance. These plans are popular, and enrollment is easy. The insurer gets high marks for a hassle-free process, but if price is your main consideration, compare quotes from other insurers to see how competitive UnitedHealthcare’s premiums are in your area.
Check out our UnitedHealthcare Medigap review to learn more about this provider’s plans.
Humana offers a large variety of Medigap plans in many areas. The process to get quotes online is simple, making it easy to compare plans and prices. What makes the online process with Humana stand out is that you can compare prices at a glance for Medigap, Medicare Advantage, and Part D. This is useful if you haven’t decided what plan you’re looking for. The company also offers Part D prescription drug, dental, and vision plans, so you can receive all of your coverage in one place.
Humana uses attained-age pricing, which means prices will increase as you get older. The company offers competitive rates and makes it easy to compare all of your options in one place, which we appreciated. You can receive a no-obligation quote on their website. Humana even offers a 6 percent discount in most areas (not available in CA, CT, or OH) just by enrolling online, which is unique.
Humana makes enrolling online very easy, even offering a small discount for online-only enrollments. Fortunately, additional help is stress-free to get if you need it. You can call a licensed Humana sales agent seven days a week through an 866 toll-free number. Humana also gives you the option to enroll in prescription, dental, and vision plans under the same insurer. If Humana offers the plan you want in your ZIP code, it’s worth serious consideration.
For more information, read our latest Humana Medigap review.
Anthem lets you compare the rates for Medigap plans, Medicare Advantage, and prescription drug plans all in one place for one-stop shopping. You can also view rates for dental and vision coverage and decide if you want to add either to your plan. The provider offers Plans A, G, and N, along with Plan F for those who first became eligible for Medicare before 2020.
Anthem recalculates your age each year and adjusts your premium accordingly. Like typical insurers, it also considers factors such as ZIP code, gender, tobacco use, and whether it is your open-enrollment period. The company also offers several discounts, including a household and annual payment discount, so there are ways to save.
Anthem gives a wealth of information on their Medigap plans to help you make a decision. The company also offers Medicare Advantage, Medicare Part D, vision, and dental plans, so you can receive all of your coverage in one place. We appreciate that the company offers many different discounts to help older adults save on their Medigap plans.
If you already have a relationship with a State Farm agent for other insurance policies, you may prefer to stay with this insurer. Fortunately, you can get Medigap quotes online even if you’re not a current customer. Select your state under the State Farm “Get a Health Quote” bar, and fill out the small form.
The rates can be a bit pricey, but you can easily access quotes online to compare rates. If you decide to enroll in a State Farm Medigap plan after viewing your quote, you can fill out a contact form, and a State Farm agent will get in touch with you shortly. You can also find an agent in your area and call to initiate the process.
Ask your agent which pricing method the local office uses. In many areas, attained-age pricing is used, so rates will increase as you age. State Farm may be more expensive than other options, but it’s best to receive a quote before making a decision.
If you already have a State Farm agent you enjoy working with, then it could be a good idea to get your Medigap policy from this insurer. We recommend that you still get quotes from at least two other insurers to ensure you’re satisfied with the premium prices you’ll pay. State Farm Medigap rates tend to be a bit pricier than those from many other insurers, so you must decide whether having history and in-person support is worth it.
The purpose of Medigap plans is to help with costs original Medicare does not cover, and each Medigap plan applies to only one person. That said, spouses may be able to get household discounts of 5 to 12 percent with many insurers. Medigap plans are not Medicare Advantage plans, and they dental, vision, or prescription drug coverage.
In 2022, there are 10 Medigap insurance plans, each designated by a letter (Wisconsin, Minnesota, and Massachusetts do things slightly differently).
Each plan is standardized. For example, the basic benefits you receive under Medigap Plan G are the same in Kentucky as in California.
Quick Tip: Want to learn more about the different Medigap plans and what benefits they offer? Visit our 2022 guide to Medigap.
You must have Medicare Part A and Part B before getting a Medigap plan. After getting Original Medicare, you can decide which Medigap plan you want (A, B, C, D, F, high-deductible F, G, K, L, M, or N). Then you can use this Medigap policy search to find the companies selling the plan of your choice in your ZIP code. From there, compare the premium prices and other factors important to you. For example, you may want to consider customer support, in-person agents, whether you already have policies with the company, or whether you can purchase additional policies such as a Part D plan or dental insurance.
Plan F is the most popular because there are no surprises whatsoever with your medical costs. However, it’s pricey and can lead to big premium increases from year to year. It was discontinued in 2020 for most new enrollees, but you can still sign up if you were eligible for Medicare before 2020. Fortunately, Plan G is nearly identical and is more affordable. The big difference is that seniors on Plan G must pay their Part B deductible. All the other benefits of Plan F and Plan G are the same. Plan C is the other plan that was discontinued in 2020 for new enrollees. Plan C does not cover excess Part B charges.
It can be tricky to change your Medigap plan once you enroll, so choose carefully. Think about potential rising premium costs down the road. Experts tend to recommend Plan G over Plan F.
The plan you pick depends on how much of the cost-sharing you’re willing to take on. All of the Medigap insurance plans cover 100 percent of Medicare Part A coinsurance and hospital costs for up to 365 days after you use Medicare benefits. They cover Medicare B copayments up to varying levels. For example, all of the plans except K and L cover copayments 100 percent, with K covering 50 percent and L covering 75 percent. Other areas you may want covered include:
Seniors should consider Medigap plans for these reasons:
The reality is that original Medicare pays only about 80 percent of your hospitalization and medical office costs. Medigap plans help keep your costs predictable.
Pro Tip: If you’re deciding between Medigap and Medicare Advantage, visit our Medigap and Medicare Advantage comparison guide.
Medicare Advantage plans can be an option, with some covering “extras” such as dental and prescription and some requiring no monthly premiums. However, you could be hit with high out-of-pocket expenses.
Medigap plan costs come down to several factors, notably the following:
Open enrollment is typically the best time to get a plan. This six month period automatically starts the first month you have Medicare Part B (Medical Insurance) and are 65 or older. During this period, you get what insurers call the “preferred” rate regardless of any pre-existing conditions you may have. Enroll outside of this period, and you may have to pay “standard” rates. It’s also possible for your application to be rejected if you seek Medigap outside of open enrollment.
Now, if you’re waiting to enroll in Medicare Part B and Medigap because you have a spouse whose insurance covers you, you can still have an open enrollment period for Medigap past your 65th birthday. It begins when the employer’s coverage ends (for example, if your spouse retires).
There’s also something called guaranteed issue in which insurers must give you Medigap coverage even if your open enrollment period has ended. In short, open enrollment can affect your plan’s cost but does not necessarily do so.
Your protections are stronger in these four states: Connecticut, Massachusetts, Maine and New York. For example, these are the only four states that have continuous or annual open enrollment.
Open enrollment aside, your ZIP code may be the biggest factor in how much you pay because of cost-of-living variations and clusters of senior citizen communities. For example, if you live in Miami, Florida, you’ll pay significantly more than you do if you live in Fort Worth, Texas. In such cases, you may save money by going with a Medicare Advantage (Part C) Plan instead of getting Medigap insurance.
As for your age, it really is a big factor. Insurers in many states use attained-age policies. The younger you are, the less you pay. However, some insurers such as AARP/UnitedHealthcare use a community-based approach. Premiums under such plans can still increase from year to year due to factors such as inflation.
In eight states (Arkansas, Connecticut, Maine, Massachusetts, Minnesota, New York, Vermont, and Washington) insurers must use community ratings. These insurers can still charge different rates depending on tobacco use, ZIP code, and other factors. They cannot charge more for someone who is older or has more health issues.
We know that insurance plans aren’t one-size-fits-all. That’s why we’ve put together our top picks for different needs and lifestyles:
If you are looking to learn more about Medicare and Medigap coverage, check out the video below for an Introduction to Medicare from the Senior Living YouTube channel. Here, you will find information about different plan types and Medigap, as well as alternative sources for Medicare information.
Since graduating from Harvard with an honors degree in Statistics, Jeff has been creating content in print, online, and on television. Much of his work has been dedicated to informing seniors on how to live better lives. As Editor-in-Chief of the personal… Learn More About Jeff Hoyt
