Best Medicare Supplement Plans in 2025
Our top picks for Medigap plans — Humana, Anthem, and Cigna — offer strong value, customer service, and plan options
Our team researched and compared over a dozen Medigap plans to help you find the one that’s right for you.
How We Chose the Best Medicare Supplement Plans
Finding the right plan for your needs can frustrate even the most patient Medicare beneficiaries. That’s why our team of experts spent more than 100 hours researching carriers and their plans to see which ones best aligned with the needs and interests of older adults and other Medicare beneficiaries. Below are some of the top factors we considered during our research.
- Pricing: We focused our research on carriers with plans that have competitive pricing. Since Medigap plans are designed to provide coverage for out-of-pocket costs, low premiums are essential to ensure that each plan offers sufficient value.
- Sign-up process: Like Medicare Advantage, Medigap requires eligible beneficiaries to seek out and sign up for a plan on their own. A simple, straightforward sign-up process is a huge plus, particularly for older adults who may not want to deal with complicated online application forms or long approval times.
- Availability: Since Medigap plans are offered through private insurance companies, not every plan will be available in your area. Companies that offered plans to people in more ZIP codes won extra points from us.
- Additional coverage: Medigap plans provide some coverage for things such as deductibles, coinsurance, and copays, but some Medigap carriers offer the ability to add additional coverage via separate policies. A carrier may offer Medigap, Part D, dental insurance, and life insurance, for example, making it easier to take care of all (or most) of your insurance needs in one place.
- Customer service: From asking questions about plan types to ensuring that you’ll be covered for certain health-care costs, it’s vital that your Medigap carrier can provide friendly, consistent, and helpful customer service. We reached out to every carrier to see how they could be contacted and when they were available, and to get first-hand experience with their representatives.
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- Medigap plans A, B, C, D, F, G, K, L, M, and N (may vary by location)
- 6% online enrollment discount
- Also offers Part D, dental, and vision plans
- Medigap plans A, G, N, and F (may vary by location)
- 5% household discount and annual-enrollment discount
- Offers Part D, dental, and vision plans
- Medigap plans A, G, and N (may vary by location)
- 7% household discount and 5% online-enrollment discount
- Offers Part D plans
- Large provider network
- Available in most states
- Up to 7 percent household discount
- Fast claims fulfillment
- Up to 12 percent household discount
- Guaranteed renewal
Contents
Medicare Supplement Insurance, or Medigap, helps cover out-of-pocket costs that Original Medicare doesn't pay. These plans bridge the gap between what Medicare covers and what you owe, including copayments, coinsurance, and deductibles.
After reviewing dozens of carriers, we’ve identified three companies that stand out for seniors seeking comprehensive Medigap coverage in 2025. Here's what makes each one worth considering.
Our Top Picks for Medicare Supplement Insurance Plans in 2025
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1. Humana - Easy Online Enrollment Process
See Plans Links to Medicaresupplement.comWhat we like most
- Medigap plans A, B, C, D, F, G, K, L, M, and N (may vary by location)
- 6% online enrollment discount
- Also offers Part D, dental, and vision plans
HumanaSee Plans Links to Medicaresupplement.comOverview:Humana offers a large variety of Medicare supplement insurance plans in many areas. Depending on your age and location, you could have as many as 10 Humana Medigap plans to choose from, compared to just four with Anthem and three with Cigna.
Navigating Humana’s website to get an online quote is simple. Their interactive comparison tool is noteworthy, since you can explore Medigap, Medicare Advantage, and Medicare Part D plans and prices at a glance. With medical, prescription, dental, and vision plans available in one place, Humana earned high marks for their range of health care offerings.
» For Dental Coverage: Best Dental Plans for Seniors in 2025
Pros & Cons:Pros About Humana
- Offers a straightforward online process to get covered
- Small discount for online-only enrollments
- Quotes include preferred and standard rates by age and gender
- Part D, dental, and vision available in many areas
- Some plans available in all 50 states
- Free SilverSneakers fitness program
Cons About Humana
- Some ZIP codes have limited plan choices or no choices at all
- Attained-age pricing may not appeal to some seniors
- Discounts not available in every state
Summary:Pricing
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 your options in one place.
You can receive a no-obligation quote on the company’s website in minutes. Humana even offers a 6 percent discount in most areas (not available in California, Connecticut, Ohio, or Pennsylvania) just for enrolling online, which is unique. Cigna also offers a discount for online enrollment, but Humana’s online discount is slightly higher.
FYI: Consider adding a vision plan to your Medigap coverage. Check out vision plans for seniors (including Humana) before making your final choice.
With the 6 percent discount, a 65-year-old female living in Delaware can expect to pay somewhere between $72 and $162 per month, depending on the plan. Humana’s rates are similar to what Cigna quoted us, but far lower than Mutual of Omaha’s rates. These are the preferred rates that are accessible only during the initial enrollment period.
If the same person were to sign up outside of their enrollment period, they could expect monthly premiums ranging from $117 to $257. Keep in mind that rates can vary based on plan type, age, location, and medical history. The numbers above were quotes we received online, but they will not be the same for everyone.
Customer Service
Humana makes enrolling online very easy, and getting additional help is stress-free. Contact a licensed Humana sales agent Monday through Friday between 8 a.m. and 8 p.m., or request to schedule a call when it’s convenient for you.
If you’re already a Humana policyholder, you can reach a customer-service representative during the same hours by phone or via chat through Humana’s website. If you forget the customer-service number, you can find it on the back of your Humana ID card.
Our team was always able to get in touch with a friendly, helpful representative during their hours of operation, but we would have liked a 24/7 chat feature or at least some customer-service representation on weekends, like what we got with Mutual of Omaha.
» Our Full Review: Humana Medigap Plans Review
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2. Anthem - Competitive Pricing
See Plans Links to AnthemWhat we like most
- Medigap plans A, G, N, and F (may vary by location)
- 5% household discount and annual-enrollment discount
- Offers Part D, dental, and vision plans
AnthemSee Plans Links to AnthemOverview:Anthem lets you compare the rates for Medicare supplement insurance, Medicare Advantage, and prescription drug plans all in one place. We appreciate that the company offers various discounts to help older adults save on their Medigap plans. You can view rates for dental and vision coverage and decide if you want to add either to your plan, which is great for those who don’t want to deal with a lot of different insurance carriers.
Anthem offers Medigap plans A, G, and N, along with Plan F for those who are eligible. Since Anthem uses attained-age pricing and increased rates for tobacco users, they’re generally a better carrier for younger seniors who are still in relatively good health.
» Save More: Senior Discounts in 2025
Pros & Cons:Pros About Anthem
- Offers a 5 percent household discount
- Small discount for monthly electronic funds transfers or if you pay annually
- Various other discounts may be available in your area
- Downloadable PDFs show rates by age, gender, and tobacco usage
Cons About Anthem
- Available in only 14 states
- Plan choices are limited in some areas
- Older seniors may find better prices with community-rated plans
Summary:Pricing
Like Humana, Anthem recalculates your age each year and adjusts your premium accordingly. They also consider factors such as ZIP code, gender, tobacco use, and whether it is your open-enrollment period. The company offers several discounts, including a household and annual payment discount, so there are multiple ways to save.
Anthem estimates that a 65-year-old female who does not use tobacco can expect to pay between $102 and $226 for Medicare Supplement Plan G. As with any other carrier, actual prices will vary. That said, Anthem’s average prices are lower than other major carriers, such as Humana and Cigna.
Money Tip: Need help setting a budget for health care and other expenses? Check out our guide to the best budgeting apps for seniors.
Customer Service
If you’re looking for a new plan, Anthem sales representatives are available by phone Monday through Friday between 8 a.m. and 8 p.m. Once you’re a member, you can contact customer service anytime between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m., regardless of your state and time zone.
You can find the customer-service phone number on the back of your Anthem ID card, or you can log in to your account and use the live chat feature during operating hours.
We were always able to get in touch with a friendly customer-service agent, but the hours of operation are even more limited than Humana's, with no way to contact support on the weekend.
» Compare Your Options: Anthem Medicare Advantage Plans Review
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3. Cigna - Excellent Customer Service
See Plans Links to CignaWhat we like most
- Medigap plans A, G, and N (may vary by location)
- 7% household discount and 5% online-enrollment discount
- Offers Part D plans
CignaSee Plans Links to CignaOverview:Cigna is a Fortune 500 company that offers competitive Medicare supplement insurance rates. If you would like coverage for prescription drugs, you can also purchase a separate Medicare Part D plan through Cigna and streamline the number of carriers you work with.
Cigna offers a decent choice of Medicare supplement insurance plans in a wide range of locations, and you can pair plans with a prescription drug plan. That’s great for Medicare beneficiaries who live in a state or area with few available carriers.
» You Might Like: Cigna Medicare Advantage Plans Review
Pros & Cons:Pros About Cigna
- 7 percent household discount in most states when more than one person enrolls in Medigap
- 5 percent discount with online enrollment
- Customer service is based in the U.S. and is available via phone 24/7, 365 days a year
- Enrollment in Cigna’s Healthy Rewards program is free and offers additional savings
Cons About Cigna
- Not all plans are available in all states
- Pricing methods differ from region to region
- Offers only plans A, G, and N
- The process of getting online quotes can be challenging, depending on your state
Summary:Pricing
Cigna’s rates are competitive. Their pricing approach depends on state law, however, so they can’t always compete with the more consistent value and pricing offered by Anthem. Prices may be determined differently in other areas.
In parts of Virginia, for example, Cigna uses attained-age pricing for Plan A. That means the younger you are, the less you pay for your plan.
Did You Know? You must be enrolled in Original Medicare (Part A and Part B) to qualify for a Medicare supplement insurance plan.
Based on our research, a 65-year-old male living in Chicago can expect to pay somewhere between $75 and $134 per month for Cigna’s Medigap insurance, depending on the plan. Those rates are certainly competitive, but it’s important to consider that Cigna doesn’t offer nearly as many plan choices as Humana and Mutual of Omaha.
Customer Service
Cigna makes it easy to get help at any time of day or night. Unlike every other carrier on our list, Cigna offers customer service by phone 24 hours a day, 365 days a year.
If you prefer live chat through the company’s website, you can reach a support representative Monday through Friday between 9 a.m. and 8 p.m. Whether our team reached out by chat or phone, we were always impressed with the professionalism, knowledge, and friendliness of the person on the other end of the line.
» Our Full Review: Cigna Medicare Supplement Plans
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4. Aetna - Multiple Ways to Combine Coverage
What we like most
- Large provider network
- Available in most states
- Up to 7 percent household discount
Overview:Aetna is a reputable carrier offering Medicare supplement insurance plans, and their process for 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. Submit it, and you’ll see quotes for all available plans in your area in seconds.
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 Medigap carriers like Cigna and Mutual of Omaha. The main advantage is that you can get an idea of what you’ll pay not just for the next year but for the next 10 or even 20 years. Aetna makes things even easier by including both regular rates and household discount rates.
» Also Check Out: Aetna Medicare Advantage Plans Review
Pros & Cons:Pros About Aetna
- Offers Plans A, B, D, G, and N
- Available in most states
- Quote shows beneficiaries how much their premiums could go up as they age
- The process of getting online quotes is simple
- 7 percent household discount in most areas if your spouse or partner also enrolls in a plan
Cons About Aetna
- Older seniors may not like the attained-age pricing model
- Not offered in Alaska, Connecticut, Hawaii, Maine, Massachusetts, New York, Washington state, or Washington D.C.
- Reimbursement claims can take up to a month in some cases
Summary:Pricing
Aetna typically uses attained-age pricing, which could make the carrier a little too expensive for some older seniors. Using Aetna’s simple online quote tool, we compared rates for women living in Virginia (ZIP code 24016) 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 may pay about $111 per month for Plan G, while a 75-year-old female may pay around $139 per month.
Just remember: Prices will vary by age, location, gender, and other factors, such as tobacco use and household discount.
Customer Service
Aetna gives consumers a lot of information online, reducing the time they must spend on the phone. If you need to contact customer service, you can call between 8 a.m. and 8 p.m., Monday through Friday.
Aetna also gives you the option to contact the company via email, select social media channels, or live chat on the company’s website.
We never had to wait long to get someone on the phone, and emails sent to Aetna are generally answered within one business day. Our team was also happy with their experience with multiple agents, who offered excellent support at all times.
» Our Full Review: Aetna Medicare Supplement Plans
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5. Mutual of Omaha - Fast Quotes
See Plans Links to Medicaresupplement.comWhat we like most
- Fast claims fulfillment
- Up to 12 percent household discount
- Guaranteed renewal
Mutual of OmahaSee Plans Links to Medicaresupplement.comOverview: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 as an insurance carrier.
It has offered Medicare supplemental insurance since 1966, when Medicare started. Like Humana, Mutual of Omaha offers all 10 Medicare supplement plans, but plan availability will vary by location.
Pros & Cons:Pros About Mutual of Omaha
- Easy online process to get quotes
- Offers a household discount of up to 12 percent
- According to the company, 98 percent of Medicare claims are paid within 12 hours
- Plans offered in all states except Massachusetts
- Offers other insurance options, including long-term care insurance
Cons About Mutual of Omaha
- Not the most affordable carrier
- Plan availability varies by state
Summary:Pricing
Mutual of Omaha generally uses attained-age pricing, so 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.
The website will automatically detect your ZIP code (you can edit your ZIP code if it makes a mistake), so you just have to put in your birthdate and gender. Within seconds, you can see which plans are available, what they cover, and how much they cost. Overall, the company offers a very intuitive initial quote process and transparent pricing.
FYI: Mutual of Omaha offers a variety of solutions for older adults, including life insurance. If you’re shopping for life insurance, check out our guide to the best life insurance for seniors in 2025.
A 65-year-old male living in Miami, for example, may have access to four Medigap plans through Mutual of Omaha, ranging in price from $119 to $313 per month. Those aren’t the cheapest premiums we’ve encountered, but the cost can vary substantially for each beneficiary.
It’s important to note that Mutual of Omaha doesn’t offer a discount for paying annually (like Anthem), but you can access a 12 percent household discount.
Customer Service
Mutual of Omaha has made a name for themselves as a company that looks out for their customers rather than Wall Street. The company is owned by their policyholders, and it shows in the way sales and support representatives treat customers.
The automated phone system is available 24/7 and can be used to do simple things such as make payments, check your policy status, and request a new ID card. If you have a question or a more complex problem, you can speak to a human by email or phone, with representatives available between 8 a.m. and 8 p.m., seven days a week.
We really appreciate the ability to get help or have our questions answered on weekends — something you can’t get with Humana or Anthem.
» Our Full Review: Mutual of Omaha Medigap Plans
The Runners-Up
The carriers below didn’t make our list, but they may still be a great option for some Medicare beneficiaries.
- Americo: Americo offers full-service health and financial solutions. In addition to Medicare supplement insurance plans, Americo provides vision insurance, life insurance (term, universal, and whole), and retirement annuities.
- AARP: AARP offers Medicare supplement insurance plans through UnitedHealthcare, with discounts for AARP members and the flexibility to switch carriers. If you’re not an AARP member, check out our guide to AARP memberships to learn more.
- Colonial Penn: Colonial Penn is a financially strong company that offers Medigap plans to eligible beneficiaries, although you won’t be able to get a quote online. Find out how Colonial Penn Medicare supplement insurance plans stack up against other carriers by checking out our in-depth review of Colonial Penn’s Medicare supplement plans.
- Blue Cross Blue Shield: Blue Cross Blue Shield is a network of smaller companies that offer a variety of insurance types with substantial household discounts. It’s perfect for Medicare beneficiaries who want to stick to one carrier for all their health-care needs. Visit our Blue Cross Blue Shield Medigap review for an inside look at the company.
- UnitedHealthcare: UnitedHealthcare uses a community-rated pricing model with excellent enrollment discounts, but prices can vary by location. Check out our UnitedHealthcare Medigap review to learn more about the carrier’s plans.
- State Farm: State Farm is one of the few carriers to offer in-person agent assistance in many locations throughout the country. That’s a huge benefit for Medicare beneficiaries who prefer to discuss their insurance options face to face.
What Is Medigap?
Medigap is supplemental insurance that works alongside Original Medicare (Parts A and B). Private insurance companies sell these standardized plans to help pay for healthcare costs Medicare doesn't cover.
Think of Medigap as a safety net. Original Medicare typically covers about 80% of your medical costs, leaving you responsible for the remaining 20% through copayments, coinsurance, and deductibles. Medigap fills in these gaps.
What Medigap covers:
- Part A coinsurance and hospital costs (up to an additional 365 days after Medicare benefits are exhausted)
- Part B coinsurance or copayment
- First three pints of blood needed for a medical procedure
- Part A hospice care coinsurance or copayment
- Skilled nursing facility care coinsurance (certain plans)
- Part A and Part B deductibles (certain plans)
- Foreign travel emergency care (certain plans)
What Medigap doesn't cover:
- Prescription drugs (you'll need a separate Part D plan)
- Vision care
- Dental care
- Hearing aids
- Long-term care
Pro Tip: Knowledge is power! Our comprehensive insurance guide shares the important facts on everything from medical and dental insurance to life and long-term care coverage.
How to Choose the Best Medigap Plan
Selecting the right Medigap plan depends on your healthcare needs, budget, and preferences. Here's what I consider most important when evaluating plans.
Coverage Level
Medigap plans are standardized by letters (A, B, C, D, F, G, K, L, M, and N). Each letter offers the same benefits regardless of which insurance company sells it. For example, Plan G from Humana covers the same benefits as Plan G from Anthem.
Most popular plans:
- Plan G: The most comprehensive available plan (covers everything except the Part B deductible)
- Plan N: Lower premiums with small copayments for doctor visits
- Plan F: Most comprehensive but only available to those eligible for Medicare before January 1, 2020
I typically recommend Plan G for seniors who want maximum coverage with predictable costs. Plan N works well if you're comfortable with small copays in exchange for lower monthly premiums.
Premium Costs
Medigap premiums vary by company, location, age, and rating method. Understand how your insurer sets premiums:
- Community-rated (no-age-rated): Everyone pays the same premium regardless of age
- Issue-age-rated: Premium based on age when you buy the policy; doesn't increase as you age
- Attained-age-rated: Premium increases as you get older (most common)
While the cheapest plan might seem appealing, consider long-term costs. An attained-age-rated policy with a low initial premium could become expensive as you age.
Insurance Company Reputation
Research the company's financial strength, customer service ratings, and complaint history. A financially stable insurer is more likely to remain in business and maintain consistent service.
Where to check:
- State insurance department complaint ratios
- Better Business Bureau ratings
- A.M. Best financial strength ratings
- Customer reviews on independent sites
Enrollment Timing
Your Medigap Open Enrollment Period begins the month you turn 65 and enroll in Part B. This six-month window is the best time to buy Medigap because insurance companies cannot:
- Deny you coverage based on health conditions
- Charge you more due to health issues
- Make you wait for coverage to begin (no waiting period)
Outside this period, you may face medical underwriting, higher premiums, or coverage denial (except in certain states with additional protections).
Comparing Medigap Plans: What's Covered
Here's a quick reference showing what each Medigap plan covers. Remember, benefits are standardized — the only differences between companies are price and customer service.
| Benefit | A | B | C* | D | F* | G | K | L | M | N |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Part A coinsurance and hospital costs | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
| Part B coinsurance or copayment | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | 50% | 75% | ✓ | ✓** |
| Blood (first 3 pints) | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | 50% | 75% | ✓ | ✓ |
| Part A hospice coinsurance or copayment | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | 50% | 75% | ✓ | ✓ |
| Skilled nursing facility coinsurance | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | 50% | 75% | ✓ | ✓ | ||
| Part A deductible | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | 50% | 75% | 50% | ✓ | |
| Part B deductible | ✓ | ✓ | ||||||||
| Part B excess charges | ✓ | ✓ | ||||||||
| Foreign travel emergency (80% after $250 deductible, up to plan limits) | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ||||
| Out-of-pocket limit | $8,000 | $4,000 |
*Plans C and F are only available to those who were eligible for Medicare before January 1, 2020.
**Plan N requires copayments of up to $20 for some office visits and up to $50 for emergency room visits (waived if admitted).
Medigap vs. Medicare Advantage: Which Is Right for You?
One common question I hear is whether to choose Medigap or Medicare Advantage. Both supplement Original Medicare, but they work very differently.1
Medigap Benefits
- Freedom to choose any doctor: See any provider that accepts Medicare
- Predictable costs: Fewer out-of-pocket surprises
- No network restrictions: No need for referrals or prior authorizations
- Travel flexibility: Coverage works anywhere in the U.S.
- Simple claims: Medigap automatically pays after Medicare
Medicare Advantage Considerations
- All-in-one coverage: Includes Parts A, B, and usually D (prescription drugs)
- Lower premiums: Often $0 monthly premium (plus Part B premium)
- Extra benefits: May include dental, vision, and hearing
- Network restrictions: Must use plan providers (except emergencies)
- Higher out-of-pocket potential: Annual maximum out-of-pocket limit
I recommend Medigap if you:
- Want maximum flexibility in choosing doctors
- Travel frequently or spend time in multiple states
- Prefer predictable monthly costs
- Have chronic health conditions requiring regular care
- Can afford higher monthly premiums
Medicare Advantage might be better if you:
- Want lower monthly premiums
- Are comfortable with network restrictions
- Need dental, vision, or hearing coverage
- Prefer all-in-one coverage
- Can handle variable out-of-pocket costs
Keep In Mind: Switching from Medicare Advantage to Medigap can be difficult after your initial enrollment period. You may face medical underwriting and could be denied coverage.
How Much Does Medigap Cost?
Medigap premiums vary widely based on several factors. Here's what influences your costs.
Average Monthly Premiums by Plan Type
These are national averages for 65-year-olds. Your actual costs depend on your location and chosen insurer:
- Plan A: $80–$450
- Plan G: $100–$200
- Plan N: $90–$150
- Plan F (if eligible): $150–$250
Factors That Affect Your Premium
Location: Premiums vary significantly by state and even ZIP code. Urban areas often have higher costs.
Age: Most plans use attained-age rating, meaning premiums increase as you age.
Tobacco use: Smokers typically pay higher premiums.
Gender: Some states allow gender-based pricing, with women often paying more due to longer life expectancy.
Household discounts: Some insurers offer discounts when multiple household members have policies.
Ways to Save on Medigap
Here are strategies I've found helpful for reducing Medigap costs:
- Compare multiple companies: Prices for identical coverage can differ by hundreds of dollars annually
- Consider Plan N: Lower premiums with small copays can save money
- Pay annually: Some insurers offer discounts for paying yearly
- Ask about discounts: Inquire about household, automatic payment, or loyalty discounts
- Enroll during your open enrollment: Avoid medical underwriting and higher rates
State-Specific Medigap Rules
While most states follow federal Medigap regulations, some offer additional consumer protections or have unique rules.
States with Extra Protections
California: Offers a Birthday Rule allowing you to switch Medigap plans within 60 days of your birthday without medical underwriting.
Missouri: Guarantees issue rights once every two years during a 60-day window.
Oregon: Allows you to change to an equal or lesser plan during your birthday month without underwriting.
New York: Requires insurers to accept all applicants year-round, regardless of age or health (community-rated).
States with Unique Medigap Programs
Massachusetts, Minnesota, and Wisconsin don't follow the standard Medigap letter plans. These states have their own Medigap programs with different benefit structures. If you live in one of these states, research state-specific options.
How to Enroll in Medigap
Enrolling in Medigap is straightforward, but timing matters. Here's how to get started.
Step 1: Determine Your Enrollment Window
The best time to enroll is during your Medigap Open Enrollment Period — the six months starting when you're 65 or older and enrolled in Medicare Part B.2 During this time, you have guaranteed issue rights.
Step 2: Compare Plans and Prices
Use Medicare.gov's plan finder or contact insurance companies directly to compare premiums. Remember, benefits are standardized — focus on price and company reputation.
Step 3: Apply
Contact the insurance company directly to apply. You'll need:
- Medicare number
- Part A and Part B effective dates
- Personal information (address, date of birth)
- Payment information for premiums
Outside your open enrollment period, you may need to complete a health questionnaire for medical underwriting.
Step 4: Review Your Policy
Once approved, review your policy documents carefully. You typically have a 30-day “free look” period to cancel and receive a full refund if you change your mind.
Pro Tip: Consider working with a licensed insurance agent who specializes in Medicare. They can help you compare options at no cost (they're paid by insurance companies).
Medicare Supplement Plans for Every Need
We know insurance plans aren’t one size fits all. That’s why we’ve put together our top picks for different needs and lifestyles.
The Bottom Line
Choosing the right Medigap plan protects you from unexpected healthcare costs while giving you freedom to see any Medicare provider. Humana offers strong value, Anthem provides excellent customer service, and Cigna gives you the most plan options.
The key is enrolling during your Medigap Open Enrollment Period to lock in coverage without medical underwriting. Take time to compare plans and premiums from multiple companies — the right choice depends on your healthcare needs, budget, and preferences.
Frequently Asked Questions
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Can I have both Medigap and Medicare Advantage?
No. Medigap only works with Original Medicare. If you enroll in Medicare Advantage, you cannot use a Medigap policy. However, you can drop Medicare Advantage and return to Original Medicare with Medigap during certain periods.
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Does Medigap cover prescription drugs?
No. Medigap plans don’t include prescription drug coverage. You’ll need to enroll in a separate Medicare Part D plan for medication coverage.
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Can I switch Medigap plans?
Yes, you can switch at any time. However, outside your open enrollment period or a guaranteed issue situation, you may face medical underwriting. The insurance company can deny you coverage or charge higher premiums based on your health.
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What happens if I move to another state?
Your Medigap policy should still work since Medicare is a federal program. However, you might want to compare plans in your new state, as premiums and available plans vary by location. Moving may not trigger guaranteed issue rights, so you could face underwriting.
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Are Medigap premiums tax-deductible?
Possibly. If you itemize deductions and your total medical expenses exceed 7.5% of your adjusted gross income, you may be able to deduct Medigap premiums. Consult a tax professional for guidance specific to your situation.
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Medicare.gov. (n.d.). Compare Original Medicare and Medicare Advantage.
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Medicare.gov. (n.d.). How Does Medicare Work?
