Medicare Supplement (Medigap)

Geo depth: Class B

Medicare Supplement, or Medigap, policies help pay some of the out-of-pocket costs that Original Medicare doesn't cover, such as copayments, coinsurance, and deductibles. Medigap plans are standardized by letter in most states and are sold by private insurers alongside Original Medicare.

Compare Medicare Supplement (Medigap) rates

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What is medicare supplement (medigap)?

In most states, Medigap plans are standardized by letter (e.g., Plan G, Plan N) — a given plan letter offers the same core benefits no matter which insurer sells it, so price is typically the main thing that varies between carriers offering the same letter. Medigap works alongside Original Medicare (Parts A and B), not with Medicare Advantage.

You generally have a one-time Medigap open enrollment window, starting when you're both 65 or older and enrolled in Medicare Part B, during which you can buy any Medigap policy sold in your state without medical underwriting. Outside that window, insurers may be able to medically underwrite or decline an application in most states — though a handful of states (for example, Connecticut and New York offer continuous, year-round guaranteed issue) have their own additional consumer protections under state law. Confirm your specific state's current rules before assuming either the federal baseline or another state's rule applies to you.

What affects your medicare supplement (medigap) cost

Typical costs vary significantly by state, provider, and personal factors — {{VERIFY: national average medicare supplement (medigap) premium not yet sourced}}. Rather than a single number, the factors below are what actually move your quote up or down.

Which standardized plan letter you choose
Age at enrollment (in states using age-based/attained-age pricing)
Whether you enroll during your medical-underwriting-free open enrollment window
Geographic location
Tobacco use, in some pricing models
Household/spousal discounts some carriers offer

How to compare medicare supplement (medigap) providers

Price is only one part of the decision. Before choosing a provider, compare each of the following side by side:

Coverage limits, and exactly what's included or excluded
Deductible options and how a higher or lower deductible changes the premium
Financial strength ratings from an independent rating agency (e.g., AM Best, S&P, Moody's) — an indicator of an insurer's ability to pay future claims
Customer service and claims-handling reputation, including complaint-ratio data where a state Department of Insurance publishes it
Available discounts and bundling options
Confirmation that the carrier is licensed to write this coverage in your state

Related calculators

Medicare Plan Cost Comparison Calculator

Explore medicare supplement (medigap) by state

Coverage requirements and licensed carriers for medicare supplement (medigap) vary by state. Here are a few popular starting points, or browse the full state directory below.

Medicare Supplement (Medigap) FAQ

What's the difference between Medigap and Medicare Advantage?

Medigap supplements Original Medicare by covering some of its out-of-pocket costs, and you keep Original Medicare as your primary coverage. Medicare Advantage (Part C) replaces Original Medicare with a private plan that bundles hospital, medical, and often drug coverage — you generally can't have both at the same time.

When can I enroll in a Medigap plan without medical underwriting?

Your Medigap open enrollment period is generally a six-month window starting when you're 65 or older and first enrolled in Medicare Part B. During that window, insurers can't deny you coverage or charge more based on health. Outside that window, underwriting rules vary by state — for example, Connecticut and New York require continuous, year-round guaranteed issue under their own state laws, while most other states follow only the federal six-month window. Confirm your specific state's current rule.

Does Medigap cover prescription drugs?

Medigap plans don't include prescription drug coverage. Most people who want drug coverage alongside Original Medicare and a Medigap plan enroll separately in a Medicare Part D prescription drug plan.

Ready to see medicare supplement (medigap) options?

Compare providers side by side using the factors above, then see options tailored to your state and situation.