The Best Medigap Plans for Seniors With Diabetes in 2025
Humana is SeniorLiving.org’s top choice for Medigap carriers for seniors with diabetes, as it offers a wide range of plans, comprehensive coverage, and low copays for insulin.
Our experts researched, evaluated, and compared a dozen Medigap carriers and narrowed down the list to our top picks for those with diabetes.
How We Researched the Best Medigap Plans for Diabetes
Here is the process we used to evaluate each Medicare Supplement carrier.
- Our team visited each carrier’s website to see what they offered. We gave priority to Medigap carriers who made it easy to see which plans were available in our area, including information related to premiums, copays, and other benefits that could specifically apply to those with diabetes.
- We read through each plan carefully (including the fine print) to weed out plans that didn’t offer as much coverage for diabetes-related expenses.
- We spoke to representatives from each carrier on the phone to ask questions about diabetes coverage, particularly for carriers that did not offer as much information on their websites.
- We compared notes and narrowed down our list to the top Medicare Supplement carriers and plans for diabetes.
How We Chose the Best Medigap Plans for Diabetes
While Medigap plans must meet certain standards set by Medicare, that doesn’t mean that every plan or every carrier will be the right fit for Medicare beneficiaries with diabetes. Here are the most important factors we considered:
- Medigap plans offered: There are 10 Medigap plans available to Americans, but most carriers only offer a few of them. We gave extra points to carriers who offered more Medigap plans. However, it is important to consider that four Medigap plans are no longer sold to new applicants (they’re only available to those who already have them), and two of the 10 are only available to those who became eligible for Medicare before January 1, 2020.
- Insulin copays: Insulin is one of the most common costs for people with diabetes. We looked for Medigap carriers with Part D plans and Rx discounts for medications like insulin.
- Plan availability: Not all Medigap plans are available in every state, and some carriers don’t operate in all 50 states. We focused on carriers that offered a wide network that could offer those with diabetes at least one option for Medigap coverage.
- Coverage for diabetic care: Original Medicare covers a variety of care and treatment options for diabetic patients. However, not every Medigap carrier has plans that cover out-of-pocket expenses for certain types of care. We looked for carriers that provided as much coverage for these out-of-pocket expenses as possible.
- Plan premiums and deductibles: Medicare Supplement plans are designed to reduce out-of-pocket costs like deductibles, coinsurance, and copays. However, if a Medigap plan has a deductible (as some do) and a high premium, patients may not be saving that much on out-of-pocket costs. This is why we looked for carriers that offered low premiums and, ideally, no deductibles.
- Customer service: Since Medigap is only offered through private insurance companies, it’s important to consider their customer service. We contacted each carrier and spoke with representatives to ensure that they offered high-quality, helpful, and friendly customer service. We also read through reviews of each carrier to see what others had to say about them.
- Carrier reputation: Finally, we considered the carrier’s reputation as a dependable insurance company. We considered their ratings from trusted organizations like the Better Business Bureau, AM Best, and S&P Global.
Why Trust Us?
Our experts have spent hundreds of hours reviewing and evaluating Medicare Advantage and Medigap plans for eligible beneficiaries. We also consulted with diabetes patients, particularly older patients, to learn about their personal experiences with different carriers and gain better insights into the advantages and disadvantages of choosing a certain carrier (or plan) over another.
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- Offers 9 of the 10 available Medigap plans
- Part D plans with insulin copays at $35 or less
- Available in all 50 states
- Offers 5 of the 10 available Medigap plans
- Part D plans with insulin copays at $35 or less
- Available in 14 states
- Offers 8 of the 10 available Medigap plans
- Part D plans with insulin copays at $35 or less
- Available in all 50 states
- Large provider network
- Available in most states
- Up to 7 percent household discount
- Up to 7 percent household discount
- Excellent 24/7 customer service
Contents
Finding the best Medigap plan is key to day-to-day and long-term diabetes management, as out-of-pocket medical expenses can be very high. According to GoodRx, those with diabetes who have insurance spend over $4,600 per year on diabetes-related medical costs. Those numbers jump to over $6,000 annually for those without insurance.1
We spent over 50 hours researching a dozen Medicare Supplement carriers to narrow down our list of SeniorLiving.org’s best Medigap plans for seniors and other Medicare beneficiaries with diabetes. We considered important criteria like insulin copays, coverage for diabetic care, plan availability, quality of customer service, and more. Humana made it to the top of the list thanks to their plan variety and low copays for insulin.
Our Top Medigap Carriers for Seniors With Diabetes
Popular Medigap Plans for Individuals With Diabetes
Before we get into the details of our top carriers, below is a highlight of some of the most popular Medigap plans for those with diabetes. The carriers that made our list offer these plans:
- Medigap Plan G: Plan G offers comprehensive coverage and less out-of-pocket expenses at a higher premium. Plans C and F are also favored; however, they aren’t available to people who were newly eligible for Medicare on or after January 1, 2020.2 Except for your Medicare Part B deductible, Medigap Plan G covers 100 percent of the costs for outpatient services, including doctor visits, lab work, and medical supplies, such as durable medical equipment (DME). Inpatient hospital charges, blood transfusions, ambulance transportation, hospice, and skilled nursing facility care are also covered under Medigap Plan G.
- Medigap Plan N: Plan N is almost identical to Plan G. With Plan N, you’ll pay your Medicare Part B deductible. You’ll also be responsible for copays up to $20 for office visits and $50 for emergency room visits that don’t result in inpatient admission. Having these copays with Plan N means lower premiums. You are also responsible for any Medicare Part B excess charges.
- Medicare Part D: In addition to a Medigap plan, it’s common for people with diabetes to enroll in a Medicare Part D Prescription Drug Plan (PDP). Part D covers generic and brand-name prescription drugs. PDP premiums, deductibles, and copays vary based on the prescription plan coverage and type. A 30-day supply of insulin will cost no more than $35 with some Medicare Part D PDPs.3 Legislation has been introduced in Congress to potentially reduce this cap to $25 in the future.4 For more information, visit our list of the best Medicare Part D plans.
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1. Humana - Best Range of Plans
See Pricing Links to HumanaWhat we like most
- Offers 9 of the 10 available Medigap plans
- Part D plans with insulin copays at $35 or less
- Available in all 50 states
HumanaSee Pricing Links to HumanaOverview:Based in Louisville, Kentucky, Humana has evolved into a health care leader with over 20 million members. Humana offers nine Medigap plans, giving diabetics across the U.S. access to valuable supplemental Medicare benefits. Humana’s commitment to lowering out-of-pocket costs for insulin is impressive. Nearly every plan sold through Humana is available in at least 45 states, giving them a much larger footprint than carriers like Anthem. Unlike AARP, which offers major discounts on Medigap premiums, Humana Medigap coverage can get a little pricey for diabetes patients — especially if you opt for a higher-tier Medigap plan plus a separate Humana Part D plan.
FYI: If you need even more coverage from Humana, check out our guide to Humana dental plans for seniors.
We appreciate Humana’s broad range of Medicare supplement options. Humana earns bonus points for their Insulin Savings Program which delivers predictable, affordable insulin copays. Their Select Insulin list makes it easy to confirm if your insulin is covered. As noted in our Humana Medicare Supplement review, Humana’s website is user-friendly, with ample plan information and straightforward steps to review pricing and plans. For shoppers comparing Medigap and Medicare Advantage, Humana also offers Part C plans.
» Learn More: Humana Medicare Advantage Plans Review
Humana Medigap Plans*
- Plan A
- Plan B
- Plan D
- Plan G
- High-Deductible Plan G
- Plan K
- Plan L
- Plan N
*For individuals first eligible for Medicare before 2020, Plan C, Plan F, and High-Deductible Plan F are also available.
Humana Prescription Drug Plans
- Humana Value Rx: Affordable monthly premium ($25 on average). Copays are as low as $0 depending on the region, and there is a $0 deductible on Tier 1 and Tier 2 drugs. Ideal for those who want more robust coverage for generic drugs.
- Humana Basic Rx: Designed for limited-income individuals who are eligible for Medicare’s Extra Help program. Also suitable for those seeking basic prescription drug plan (PDP) coverage ($35 on average) with access to a preferred cost-sharing network.
- Humana Premier Rx: Most comprehensive coverage and highest monthly premium ($75 to $85 on average). Humana’s Insulin Savings Program has a $35 or less copay at all in-network pharmacies for a 30-day supply of select insulins.
Pros & Cons:Pros About Humana
- Free SilverSneakers fitness program membership
- Premier Rx plan offers insulin copays for $35 or less
- Electronic payment discount
- Hearing aids and medical alert system discounts
- Prescription and vision care discounts
- 24/7 registered nurse hotline
- 6 percent online application discount and up to 5 percent household discount
Cons About Humana
- Only one PDP includes the Insulin Savings Program
- Premiums can get high for applicants in many locations
- Part B insulin pumps are not included in the Part D Insulin Savings Program
- Plans are not offered in all ZIP codes
Summary:Humana Medigap Plans, Costs, and Benefits
While different plans are available based on your ZIP code, we checked Humana’s plan availability, costs, and benefits for a 65-year-old adult living in Los Angeles, California. The premiums are a little higher than carriers like AARP and Cigna, which offer greater discounts to eligible applicants. Compared to Anthem, Humana has a massive coverage network and offers more plans to those who are eligible.
*Plan Monthly premium Annual deductible Part A coinsurance and hospital coverage Part B coinsurance or copay coverage Part A deductible coverage Part B deductible coverage Plan G High Deductible $75.43 $2,870 Yes Yes Yes No Plan K $135.89 $0 Yes Yes Yes No Plan L $196.05 $0 Yes Yes Yes No Plan N $206.68 $0 Yes Yes (up to $20 for office visits; $50 for ER) Yes No Plan A $245.94 $0 Yes Yes No No Plan B $267.50 $0 Yes Yes Yes No Plan G $279.60 $0 Yes Yes Yes No *Plan availability and monthly premiums will vary based on your location.
All of the plans in the table above also offer the following benefits:
- SilverSneakers fitness club service
- Hearing discount
- Rx discount
- Vision discount
- 24 hour nurse advice line
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2. Anthem - Best Online Experience
See Pricing Links to AnthemWhat we like most
- Offers 5 of the 10 available Medigap plans
- Part D plans with insulin copays at $35 or less
- Available in 14 states
AnthemSee Pricing Links to AnthemOverview:Anthem falls under the umbrella of the Blue Cross Blue Shield network, the second-largest health insurance company in the United States. Founded over 75 years ago, Anthem is headquartered in Indianapolis, Indiana. Anthem’s Medigap plans provide comprehensive coverage for individuals with diabetes. The company understands the critical need for insulin and offers a Medicare Part D plan with an insulin savings benefit.
Money Tip: Need help organizing your finances? Check out our guide to the best budgeting apps for seniors.
Anthem offers Medigap, Medicare Advantage, Medicare Part D, vision, and dental plans. The carrier makes exploring plan rates, reviewing benefit details, and verifying medication coverage easy. Online enrollment is also a breeze, but if you need help, it’s just a phone call away. Remember, Anthem’s footprint is limited compared to other carriers like Humana and Aetna. While we like Anthem’s online experience, it doesn’t offer nearly as many senior-friendly resources and benefits as AARP.
» Learn About: Anthem Medicare Advantage Plans Review
Anthem Medigap Plans*
- Plan A
- Plan B
- Plan G
- Plan N
*For individuals first eligible for Medicare before 2020, Plan F is also available.
Anthem Prescription Drug Plans
- MediBlue Rx Standard: Basic prescription coverage ($77 to $144 on average) with $1 to $5 copays for most generic drugs at preferred pharmacies.
- MediBlue Rx Plus: Extensive coverage at a higher price point ($39 to $165 on average). $0 pharmacy deductible with $1 to $3 copays for most generic drugs at preferred pharmacies. The plan offers insulin savings through the Part D Senior Savings Model.
Pros & Cons:Pros About Anthem
- Easy to check prices and drug coverage online
- Insulin savings benefit
- Optional vision and dental coverage
- Medication Therapy Management Program for members with multiple health conditions
- Instant plan pricing is available
- SilverSneakers fitness membership
- ScriptSave/WellRx prescription savings program
- 5 percent household discount
Cons About Anthem
- Limited coverage area (14 states)
- Plan options vary depending on your ZIP code
- Dental and vision add-ons not available in all states
Summary:Anthem Medigap Plans, Costs, and Benefits
Since Anthem has such a small coverage area compared to the other carriers on this list, we were limited in our ability to check pricing for Medigap applicants in certain ZIP codes. We found quotes for Anthem Medicare Supplement plans for 65-year-old adults living in Los Angeles, California.
*Plan Monthly premium Annual deductible Part A coinsurance and hospital coverage Part B coinsurance or copay coverage Part A deductible coverage Part B deductible coverage Plan A $160.93 $0 Yes Yes No No Plan G $175.11 $0 Yes Yes Yes No Plan N $219.31 $0 Yes Yes (up to $20 for office visits; $50 for ER) Yes No *Plan availability and monthly premiums will vary based on your location.
We were happy to see more competitive pricing for Plans A and G compared to Humana, though Anthem’s Plan N had a higher premium (remember that premiums vary based on age and location). What really stood out was how much information we could get about the plans in our area. Anthem describes each plan in detail — in plain, easy-to-understand English — along with quotes and more nuanced information about each plan’s benefits. Anthem also makes it easy to add dental or vision coverage to one of their Medigap plans, though these are not available in every state or ZIP code that offers Anthem Medicare Supplement plans.
Similar to Humana, Anthem Medigap applicants may also be eligible for these additional benefits at no extra cost:
- SilverSneakers fitness membership
- WellRx savings program
- Household discount
» Save More: Senior Discounts in 2025
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3. AARP - Best Enrollment Discount
See Pricing Links to AARPWhat we like most
- Offers 8 of the 10 available Medigap plans
- Part D plans with insulin copays at $35 or less
- Available in all 50 states
AARPSee Pricing Links to AARPOverview:Founded in 1958, AARP is the nation’s largest nonprofit, nonpartisan organization dedicated to empowering people to choose how they live as they age. Two decades ago, AARP partnered with UnitedHealthcare to offer comprehensive options for individuals with diabetes, including Medigap Plans G and N, along with Medicare Part D prescription drug plans. Enrollees enjoy preventive benefits such as a Renew Active fitness membership.
» Our Review: UnitedHealthcare Medicare Supplement Plans
We love the fact that AARP, which has nearly 38 million members,5 offers a prescription drug plan with insulin copays for $35 or less. AARP’s website is also packed with Medigap tools and resources to eliminate the confusion of shopping for a plan, and you can obtain instant pricing. Getting a Medigap plan through AARP does require an AARP membership, which adds an extra $16 per year to the cost of a plan — a requirement Medicare beneficiaries don’t have to worry about with Anthem or Humana.
AARP Medigap Plans From UnitedHealthcare*
- Plan A
- Plan B
- Plan G
- Plan K
- Plan L
- Plan N
*For individuals first eligible for Medicare before 2020, Plan C and Plan F are also available.
AARP Part D Prescription Drug Plans Offered Through UnitedHealthcare
- AARP MedicareRx Walgreens: Low monthly plan premium ($47 on average). Excellent for customers who fill their prescriptions at Walgreens.
- AARP MedicareRx Preferred: Highest level of coverage and cost ($95 on average). Provides a broad range of pharmacy network options, generic and brand-name drugs, and insulin copays for $35 or less.
- AARP MedicareRx Saver Plus: Low monthly premiums ($67 on average) and a wide range of pharmacy network options. Geared toward older adults who don’t currently take many prescriptions.
Pros & Cons:Pros About AARP
- Instant plan pricing is available
- Enrollment discount up to 39 percent (based on age)
- Available in all 50 states
- Discounts for dental, vision, and hearing
- Generous range of rewards and programs designed to help support physical and mental well-being
- PDP plan offers insulin copays for $35 or less
Cons About AARP
- Must be a member of AARP and pay the annual membership fee of $16
- Plans not available in every ZIP code
Summary:AARP Medigap Plans, Costs, and Benefits
Not only does AARP offer some of the best Medigap enrollment discounts of any carrier (up to 39 percent, depending on age), but they also have one of the largest coverage areas. AARP and UnitedHealthcare offer Medigap in all 50 states, though not all areas or ZIP codes have access. That’s a huge step up from Anthem, which is only available in select areas of 14 states. However, like Aetna, AARP doesn’t offer as many Medigap plans as Humana.
» Before You Enroll: A Guide to AARP Memberships
One drawback of shopping for AARP Medigap plans is that they require applicants to enter their full name, address, date of birth, and phone number. Then, UnitedHealthcare takes up to a week to send a personalized quote via email or phone. Fortunately, we could still get approximate quotes on the website, but only after providing that information. This wasn’t an issue we had when shopping for a Humana, Anthem, or Cigna plan. We found plan quotes available to a 65-year-old adult living in Los Angeles, California:
*Plan Monthly premium Annual deductible Part A coinsurance and hospital coverage Part B coinsurance or copay coverage Part A deductible coverage Part B deductible coverage Plan K $69.44 $0 Yes Yes Yes No Plan L $122.88 $0 Yes Yes Yes No Plan A $132.48 $0 Yes Yes No No Plan N $148.32 $0 Yes Yes (up to $20 for office visits; $50 for ER) Yes No Plan G $150.20 $0 Yes Yes Yes No Plan B $184.80 $0 Yes Yes Yes No *Plan availability and monthly premiums will vary based on your location.
Keep in mind that these premiums are after discounts have been applied. Some discounts knock as much as $103.95 per month off the standard premium. Additionally, out-of-pocket maximums may vary substantially by plan, but UnitedHealthcare may cover up to 50 percent of the out-of-pocket costs until the plan’s maximum is reached for the year.
» Useful Guide: Everything You Need to Know About Insurance for Seniors
Similar to many other carriers on this list, AARP and UnitedHealthcare offer incentives to seniors and other Medicare beneficiaries, including:
- Dental, vision, and hearing discounts
- Gym membership
- 24/7 nurse helpline
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4. Aetna - Best Multiplan Options
What we like most
- Large provider network
- Available in most states
- Up to 7 percent household discount
Overview:Around 39 million people turn to Aetna,6 a CVS Health company, for their health insurance needs. As with AARP from UnitedHealthcare, Aetna offers comprehensive options for individuals with diabetes, including Medigap Plans G and N, along with Medicare Part D prescription drug plans.
Offering Medigap, prescription, vision, dental, and hearing plans, Aetna is a one-stop shop for health care needs. We found Aetna’s website easy to navigate; simply enter your state to get started! From there, Aetna provided a detailed list of Medigap plans offered and age-attained premiums. This allowed us to see what our estimated premium would be now and in the future. With Aetna’s prescription cost estimator, we were able to price common diabetes medications, including insulin.
» Our Review: Aetna Medicare Supplement Plans
Aetna Medigap Plans*
- Plan A
- Plan B
- Plan D
- Plan G
- High Deductible Plan G
- Plan N
*For individuals first eligible for Medicare before 2020, Plan C, Plan F, and High-Deductible Plan F are also available.
Aetna Medicare Part D Prescription Drug Plans
- SilverScript SmartRx: Generic script plan with the lowest monthly premium ($6 on average)
- SilverScript Choice: Generic and brand-name drugs with a midrange premium ($39 on average)
- SilverScript Plus: Highest-level coverage and cost ($84 on average). Generic and brand name drugs, extras like some vitamins and minerals, and greater coverage for gap phase costs
Pros & Cons:Pros About Aetna
- No network restrictions, as long as the doctor accepts Medicare
- Offers dental, vision, and hearing plans
- Easy enrollment online, by phone, or in person
- Plans are portable so you can move to a different state and keep your coverage
- Some plans include foreign travel emergency care
- A 5 percent Medigap household discount is available in most states
Cons About Aetna
- Medigap medical plans are not offered in Alaska, Connecticut, Hawaii, Maine, Massachusetts, New York, Washington, or Washington, D.C.
- Plans don’t offer many additional benefits
Summary:Aetna Medigap Plans, Costs, and Benefits
*Plan Monthly premium Annual deductible Part A coinsurance and hospital coverage Part B coinsurance or copay coverage Part A deductible coverage Part B deductible coverage Plan N $205.83 $0 Yes Yes (up to $20 for office visits; $50 for ER) Yes No Plan A $206.92 $0 Yes Yes No No Plan B $261.81 $0 Yes Yes Yes No Plan G $279.14 $0 Yes Yes Yes No *Plan availability and monthly premiums will vary based on your location. Does not include household discount (if applicable).
For Medicare beneficiaries interested in additional benefits like gym memberships or 24/7 nurse helplines, there’s not much to find with Aetna. That said, some of Aetna’s plans offer coverage for emergency travel care and Medicare Part B excess charges. These benefits are excellent for those with diabetes who worry about the cost of care while traveling or seeking care from an out-of-network doctor.
» For Frequent Travelers: Senior Travel and Vacations
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5. Cigna - Best Nationwide Availability
See Pricing Links to CignaWhat we like most
- Up to 7 percent household discount
- Excellent 24/7 customer service
CignaSee Pricing Links to CignaOverview:Cigna began as the first marine insurance company in the United States 225 years ago. Fast-forward to the present day, and Cigna is a global health services company serving 180 million customers across the globe. Cigna offers Plan G and Plan N, popular with individuals with diabetes. With a $0 copay option for select insulins, Cigna’s PDP coverage is valuable for those with insulin-dependent diabetes.
» Our Review: Cigna Medicare Supplement Plans
We were impressed by Cigna’s commitment to ensuring their diabetic members have access to insulin at affordable, predictable costs. Their customer service options are also notable, as we always had pleasant experiences. Insurance questions are promptly answered through their 24/7 customer support. Cigna’s 7 percent household discount is competitive among other Medigap carriers and helps keep insurance premiums in check.
Cigna Medigap Plans Offered*
- Plan A
- Plan G
- High Deductible Plan G
- Plan N
*For individuals first eligible for Medicare before 2020, Plan F and High Deductible Plan F are also available.
Cigna Medicare Part D Prescription Drug Plans
- Cigna Secure Rx: Offers basic coverage and is a good fit if you receive financial assistance. This plan has a midrange monthly premium ($49 on average), low copays, and low costs for many generics and insulins
- Cigna Essential Rx: Modest coverage, low monthly premium ($22 on average), and savings on generic drugs
- Cigna Extra Rx: Most comprehensive coverage and robust drug list. $0 copay option for select insulins. Higher monthly premium ($102 on average)
Pros & Cons:Pros About Cigna
- Available in 46 states
- 7 percent household premium discount in most states
- Offers a $0 copay option for select insulins
- Health and wellness savings available through Cigna’s Healthy Rewards program
- Customer service support available 24/7
- Offers dental insurance
Cons About Cigna
- Premiums can vary a lot based on the available discounts
- Limited additional benefits
Summary:Cigna Medigap Plans, Costs, and Benefits
Cigna offers lower premiums than many other carriers — assuming applicants are eligible for some or all of the available discounts. Here are the plans and benefits we found for a 65-year-old living in Los Angeles, California.
*Plan Monthly premium Annual deductible Part A coinsurance and hospital coverage Part B coinsurance or copay coverage Part A deductible coverage Part B deductible coverage Plan G High Deductible $56.83 $2,870 Yes Yes Yes No Plan N $126.70 $0 Yes Yes (up to $20 for office visits; $50 for ER) Yes No Plan A $143.68 $0 Yes Yes No No Plan G $156.17 $0 Yes Yes Yes No *Plan availability and monthly premiums will vary based on your location. Includes premium discount, household discount, and online enrollment discount.
For diabetes patients who are eligible for at least two of the three premium discounts, Cigna offers competitive premiums — especially compared to carriers like Humana and Aetna. We could knock 5 percent off the standard premium just by enrolling online. Applicants can shave an additional 6 percent off if they’ve lived with a spouse or domestic partner over the age of 50 for at least 12 months. Finally, another 5 percent can be saved if a member of the household is already enrolled in a Cigna Medigap plan. For those who are only eligible for the online enrollment discount, the premium will increase by roughly 11 percent, putting Cigna’s Medigap costs on par with Anthem.
Like Aetna, Cigna doesn’t offer much in the way of additional benefits. For diabetes patients who want gym memberships or specific Rx discounts, Humana or Anthem may be better options. However, several of Cigna’s plans offer emergency travel care and Plan B excess-charge coverage, which is a big plus for many seniors and other Medicare beneficiaries who are frequently out of network (or out of the country).
How to Choose a Medigap Plan for Seniors With Diabetes
Choosing a Medigap policy that covers your diabetic needs is no small feat. We recommend shopping around and comparing (at least) three insurance carriers. The great news is the federal government standardizes Medigap plans, so the benefits included in Medigap Plan A or Plan G, for example, are the same no matter which insurance company you select. The only difference between Medigap plans will be the insurance company’s premium and any extra perks or programs they offer.
As you compare costs, ask if the insurance company offers discounts, such as:
- Household discounts for enrolled couples
- Nonsmoker discounts
- Discounts for paying for your policy annually instead of monthly
- Discounts for enrolling in automatic withdrawal
- Discounts for purchasing multiple types of insurance together
Each Medigap plan offers a different level of coverage. For example, Medigap Plan A does not cover skilled nursing facility care coinsurance, while Plan F does. Medicare.gov provides a helpful chart to compare Medigap plans side by side.
Why Seniors With Diabetes May Need a Medigap Plan
As we grow older, our risk for diabetes increases. The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid (CMS) estimates that 1 in 3 Medicare beneficiaries has diabetes.7
While Medicare Parts A and B cover some of your health care costs and diabetes supplies, you’re still left with deductibles, copays, and prescription drug expenses. Enrolling in a Medigap plan and a prescription drug plan can help cover these remaining costs.
Don’t Wait to Sign Up for Your Medigap Plan
A six-month open enrollment period for Medigap begins the month you turn 65 and enroll in Medicare. During this window, it’s federally mandated that you cannot be denied coverage or charged a higher premium due to preexisting health conditions, including Type 1 or Type 2 diabetes.
Did You Know? If you live in Massachusetts, Minnesota, or Wisconsin, Medigap plans are standardized differently. Make sure to check with your local carriers to understand your plan before enrolling.
Unfortunately, if you enroll after your six-month open enrollment period has passed, there is a possibility your diabetes diagnosis may negatively affect your Medigap application. The result? Best-case scenario: a late enrollment penalty and higher monthly premium. Worst-case scenario: being denied coverage altogether.
What Diabetes Supplies and Medications Are Covered by Medicare?
An essential part of managing your diabetes is always having the proper supplies and medications on hand. Your Medicare Part B plan and Medicare Part D prescription plan should cover a significant portion of your diabetic needs.
Keep in mind, you must be enrolled in Medicare Part B to enroll in the Medicare Part D plan. You’re responsible for any related coinsurance, copays, or deductibles.
Medicare Part B: Diabetes Supplies and Aid
The Medicare Part B plan covers diabetes supplies and aid, including the following:8
- Blood sugar self-testing equipment
- Insulin pumps
- Therapeutic shoes or inserts
- DME supplies, including blood sugar test strips, monitors, and lancet devices
- Eye exams for glaucoma
Medicare Part D: Diabetes Drug Coverage
Older adults who have (or are at risk for) diabetes can utilize their Medicare Part D drug plan for diabetes prescriptions and supplies, including these necessities:
- Insulin (injectable and inhaled)
- Antidiabetic drugs to manage blood glucose
- Specific diabetes supplies such as syringes, insulin pens, needles, alcohol swabs, and inhaled insulin devices
From the Pros: As you compare Medigap plans, including prescription drug plans, request the formulary drug list to find out what is covered (and what isn’t).
Save on Insulin With the Part D Senior Savings Model
In 2021, the CMS revealed exciting news for older adults with diabetes. The Part D Senior Savings Model, a supplemental benefits program available to everyone enrolled in Medicare, was launched.9 Through this model, individuals taking insulin may be able to pay a maximum copay of $35 for a 30-day supply while saving up to $446 a year in out-of-pocket costs.
Unfortunately, the Part D Senior Savings Model isn’t mandatory for insurance companies at this time, so it’s not offered in all states. Visit Medicare.gov to see if there is a participating plan in your location.
Frequently Asked Questions
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Does Plan G cover diabetic supplies?
As long as you’ve met your Medicare Part B deductible, Medicare Supplement Plan G can help you cover the cost of certain diabetic supplies.
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Does Medigap cover insulin?
As long as your Medicare Supplement (Medigap) plan covers your Part B coinsurance, it should cover the cost of your insulin.
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What type 2 diabetes drugs are covered by Medicare?
Medicare covers some of the most common drugs for treating type 2 diabetes, including insulin, sulfonylureas, biguanides, thiazolidinediones, and alpha-glucosidase inhibitors.
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Can I be denied Medigap?
Yes, insurance companies can deny a patient Medigap if the patient applies for it outside of the open enrollment period or guaranteed issue period and has an underlying condition (like diabetes).
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GoodRx. (2023). The True Cost of Diabetes: How Much Do Patients Pay Each Year?
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Medicare.gov. (2025). When can I buy a Medigap policy?
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CMS.gov. (2020). Part D Senior Savings Model.
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Congress.gov. (2024). S.146 – Cap Insulin Prices Act.
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AARP. (2025). Advocacy.
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Aetna. (2025). About Us.
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CMS.gov. (2025). Part D Senior Savings Model.
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Medicare.gov. (2025). Is your test, item, or service covered?
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Medicare.gov. (2025). Is your test, item, or service covered?