Original Medicare covers a lot, but it leaves real gaps. Hospital deductibles, doctor copays, and skilled nursing facility costs can add up fast, especially for people with chronic conditions or frequent medical needs. Medicare Supplement insurance, also called Medigap, is private coverage that wraps around Original Medicare to fill those gaps. In 2026, there are 10 standardized Medigap plans to choose from, each covering a different combination of costs. This guide compares every plan side by side, shows you what they cost, and explains when and how to enroll.
If you want to know which programs you qualify for before diving into plan details, the free screener at CoveredUSA takes about 2 minutes and shows your options based on your age, income, and household.
What Is Medicare Supplement Insurance?
Medigap plans are sold by private insurance companies but regulated by the federal government. Every plan of the same letter type must cover the same benefits, no matter which insurer sells it. A Plan G from Aetna and a Plan G from Mutual of Omaha cover identical services. The only difference is the premium and the insurer's customer service.
Medigap works alongside Original Medicare (Parts A and B). You must have both Medicare Part A and Part B to buy a Medigap policy. Medigap does NOT work with Medicare Advantage (Part C). If you are in a Medicare Advantage plan, you cannot also have a Medigap policy.
Per medicare.gov, federal law standardizes benefits in 47 states. Massachusetts, Minnesota, and Wisconsin have their own standardized Medigap plans.
2026 Medicare Costs That Medigap Covers
To understand what Medigap pays, you first need to know what Original Medicare charges in 2026. According to CMS:
- Part A deductible: $1,736 per benefit period
- Part A coinsurance (days 61-90): $434 per day
- Part A coinsurance (days 91+, lifetime reserve): $868 per day
- Skilled nursing facility coinsurance (days 21-100): $217 per day
- Part B deductible: $283 per year
- Part B coinsurance: 20% of Medicare-approved costs after the deductible
- High-deductible plan threshold: $2,950 in 2026
These are the costs a Medigap plan can eliminate or reduce, depending on which plan letter you choose.
2026 Medigap Plan Comparison Chart
The table below shows which costs each plan covers. "Yes" means the plan pays that cost for you. A percentage means the plan covers that share.
| Benefit | Plan A | Plan B | Plan C | Plan D | Plan F | Plan G | Plan K | Plan L | Plan M | Plan N |
|---|
| Part A coinsurance + hospital costs (up to 365 extra days) | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Part B coinsurance or copayment | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | 50% | 75% | Yes | Yes* |
| First 3 pints of blood | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | 50% | 75% | Yes | Yes |
| Part A hospice care coinsurance | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | 50% | 75% | Yes | Yes |
| Skilled nursing facility coinsurance | No | No | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | 50% | 75% | Yes | Yes |
| Part A deductible ($1,736) | No | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | 50% | 75% | 50% | Yes |
| Part B deductible ($283) | No | No | Yes | No | Yes | No | No | No | No | No |
| Part B excess charges | No | No | No | No | Yes | Yes | No | No | No | No |
| Foreign travel emergency | No | No | 80% | 80% | 80% | 80% | No | No | 80% | 80% |
| Out-of-pocket limit (2026) | None | None | None | None | None | None | $7,220 | $3,610 | None | None |
Notes:
- Plans C and F are only available to people who became eligible for Medicare before January 1, 2020.
- Plan N covers Part B coinsurance except for up to $20 copay for office visits and up to $50 copay for emergency room visits that don't lead to hospital admission.
- High-Deductible Plan F and High-Deductible Plan G require you to pay the first $2,950 in 2026 before coverage kicks in.
The Three Most Popular Plans in 2026
Plan G: Most Comprehensive for New Enrollees
Plan G has become the most popular Medigap option for people new to Medicare since Plan F was closed to new enrollees in 2020. Plan G covers everything Plan F covers except the Part B annual deductible ($283 in 2026). After you pay that $283 once per year, Plan G picks up your 20% Part B coinsurance on every Medicare-approved service.
Average monthly cost at age 65: approximately $164 to $220 depending on your state, gender, and insurer. Premiums rise with age.
High-Deductible Plan G: Budget Option
If you are in good health and want protection against catastrophic costs without paying high monthly premiums, High-Deductible Plan G is worth considering. You pay the first $2,950 in covered costs each calendar year, then the plan pays 100% for the rest of the year. Monthly premiums average around $66 at age 65 nationwide.
Plan N: Lower Premium, Small Copays
Plan N typically costs $20 to $50 less per month than Plan G. The trade-off: you may pay up to $20 per office visit and up to $50 per ER visit (waived if you are admitted). Plan N also does not cover Part B excess charges, which are the amounts some doctors bill above the Medicare-approved rate. If you stick to Medicare-assignment doctors, excess charges are not a concern.
Average monthly cost at age 65: approximately $135 to $171 depending on your location.
2026 Medigap Premium Comparison by Plan
Average monthly premiums for a 65-year-old nonsmoker, based on national estimates. Actual rates vary by state, insurer, and rating method.
| Plan | Average Monthly Premium (Age 65) | Who It Is Best For |
|---|
| Plan A | $100 to $140 | Lowest premium, basic coverage only |
| Plan B | $120 to $160 | Adds Part A deductible coverage |
| Plan C* | $170 to $260 | Full coverage, pre-2020 eligibles only |
| Plan D | $130 to $180 | Similar to G but no excess charge coverage |
| Plan F* | $190 to $280 | Most comprehensive, pre-2020 eligibles only |
| High-Deductible Plan F* | $50 to $70 | Low premium, pre-2020 eligibles only |
| Plan G | $164 to $220 | Best value for most new enrollees |
| High-Deductible Plan G | $55 to $80 | Good health, catastrophic protection |
| Plan K | $80 to $120 | Shares costs, has annual cap |
| Plan L | $100 to $150 | Better cost share than K, has annual cap |
| Plan M | $130 to $170 | Pays half of Part A deductible |
| Plan N | $135 to $171 | Lower premium, small copays |
*Plans C, F, and High-Deductible F are only available to people first eligible for Medicare before 2020.
Premium ranges sourced from Medicare.gov and MoneyGeek.
How Medigap Premiums Are Set
Insurance companies use one of three pricing methods, which affects how your premium changes over time:
Community-rated (no-age-rated): Everyone in a geographic area pays the same premium regardless of age. Premiums may still increase due to inflation but not because you get older. This tends to be best for people who enroll later in life.
Issue-age-rated: Your premium is based on your age when you first buy the policy and does not go up as you get older. Locking in at 65 is cheaper than locking in at 70.
Attained-age-rated: Your premium is based on your current age and rises each year as you get older. This is the most common type. Premiums start low but can become expensive in your 80s.
Ask any insurer which pricing method they use before you buy.
When to Enroll in Medigap: The Open Enrollment Window
Your Medigap Open Enrollment Period is a 6-month window that begins on the first day of the month you turn 65 AND are enrolled in Medicare Part B. During this window:
- Insurers cannot deny you coverage for any health reason
- Insurers cannot charge you more based on pre-existing conditions
- You can buy any Medigap plan the insurer offers
This is a one-time window under federal law. After it closes, insurers can use medical underwriting to accept or reject your application, or charge higher premiums based on your health history.
Guaranteed issue rights exist outside of open enrollment in specific situations per medicare.gov, including:
- Your Medicare Advantage plan is leaving your area or you are moving out of its coverage area
- You lose employer or union coverage
- Your current Medigap insurer goes bankrupt
In these situations, insurers must sell you specific Medigap plans at standard rates within 63 days of losing coverage.
Birthday rule states: As of 2026, over 20 states including California, Oregon, Nevada, Idaho, Illinois, Maryland, Oklahoma, and others allow existing Medigap enrollees a window each year around their birthday to switch to a plan with equal or lesser benefits without medical underwriting. Check your state's insurance department for current rules.
How to Apply for a Medicare Supplement Plan in 2026
When to Apply
The best time to apply is during your 6-month Medigap Open Enrollment Period starting at age 65 with Medicare Part B. Missing this window means you may face medical underwriting.
Application Steps
- Confirm you have Original Medicare Parts A and B. You must have both before enrolling in any Medigap plan.
- Decide which plan letter fits your needs. Plan G covers the most for new enrollees; Plan N costs less with small copays. Compare your expected healthcare use.
- Compare insurers in your area. Benefits are standardized by law, so comparison shop on price, company rating, and pricing method (community, issue-age, or attained-age).
- Use the official Medicare Plan Finder at medicare.gov to see insurers and prices in your zip code.
- Contact the insurer directly or work with a licensed broker to complete the application. You'll need your Medicare card with your Medicare Beneficiary Identifier (MBI) number.
- Submit your application and select a start date. Coverage typically begins the first of the following month.
- Confirm enrollment in writing and set up your premium payment method.
Documents Needed
- Medicare card (with Part A and Part B effective dates)
- Social Security number
- Current address and contact information
- Current insurer information (if switching)
- Date of birth
- Payment information (bank account or credit card for premium)
Common Reasons Applications Get Denied
- Applying outside of guaranteed issue periods with a pre-existing condition
- Currently enrolled in Medicare Advantage (Medigap cannot be combined with MA)
- Not yet enrolled in Medicare Part B
- Providing incomplete or inaccurate health history during underwriting
- Applying for a plan no longer available to your eligibility cohort (e.g., Plan F if Medicare-eligible after 2020)
Medigap vs. Medicare Advantage: Which Is Right for You?
Medigap works with Original Medicare and covers cost-sharing, but does not add extra benefits. Medicare Advantage (Part C) replaces Original Medicare with an all-in-one plan that often includes dental, vision, and drug coverage, usually with lower premiums but network restrictions.
| Factor | Medigap + Original Medicare | Medicare Advantage |
|---|
| Monthly premium | $55 to $280 for Medigap (plus Part B premium) | Often $0 to $50 above Part B premium |
| Network restrictions | Any doctor/hospital that accepts Medicare | Usually limited network (HMO or PPO) |
| Prescription drugs | Need separate Part D plan | Usually included |
| Predictability | Very high (know your costs upfront) | Lower (copays vary by service) |
| Extra benefits | None | Often includes dental, vision, hearing |
| Prior authorization | Rarely required | Common for specialist visits and procedures |
Neither option is universally better. For people who travel frequently, have complex health needs, or want maximum predictability, Medigap plus a standalone Part D plan often makes more sense. For people who want low premiums and extra benefits and are willing to work within a network, Medicare Advantage is worth comparing.
Check your eligibility for Medicare and Medicare Savings Programs with the free screener at CoveredUSA. It takes about 2 minutes.
Medicare Savings Programs Can Help Pay Premiums
If your income is limited, you may qualify for a Medicare Savings Program (MSP) that helps pay your Part B premium, deductibles, and coinsurance. While MSPs do not pay for Medigap directly, reducing your Part B costs frees up money for a supplement plan. Income limits for Medicare Savings Programs in 2026 vary by state and household size.
| Household Size | QMB Monthly Income Limit (2026, approximate) |
|---|
| 1 | $1,255 |
| 2 | $1,704 |
| 3 | $2,152 |
| 4 | $2,600 |
| Each additional | + $449 |
QMB (Qualified Medicare Beneficiary) is the most comprehensive MSP. It pays your Part A and Part B premiums, deductibles, coinsurance, and copays. Medicaid.gov maintains the full list of MSP income limits by state at medicaid.gov.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between Medicare Supplement and Medigap?
They are the same thing. "Medigap" and "Medicare Supplement" are interchangeable terms for the same type of private insurance policy that covers gaps in Original Medicare coverage.
Can I have both a Medigap plan and Medicare Advantage?
No. Federal law does not allow you to use a Medigap policy alongside Medicare Advantage. Medigap only works with Original Medicare (Parts A and B).
Which Medigap plan is best in 2026?
Plan G is the most comprehensive option for people who became eligible for Medicare after January 1, 2020. It covers all major gaps except the Part B deductible of $283. Plan N is a strong alternative for people who want lower premiums and are comfortable with small office and ER copays.
How much does Plan G cost per month in 2026?
Plan G averages roughly $164 to $220 per month at age 65, depending on your state, gender, insurer, and pricing method. Premiums rise as you age with attained-age-rated plans. Rates can be as low as $100 in lower-cost states and as high as $350 in places like New York.
Is Medigap available if I am under 65?
Federal law does not require insurers to sell Medigap to Medicare beneficiaries under 65. However, some states require insurers to offer at least some Medigap coverage to Medicare beneficiaries under 65 with disabilities. State rules vary significantly. Check your state insurance department for details.
What does the Part B deductible of $283 mean for my plan choice?
If you buy Plan G (the most popular plan for new enrollees), you pay the $283 Part B deductible each year and Plan G covers the rest. If you buy Plan F (only available to people eligible for Medicare before 2020), the plan covers that $283 as well. For most people, paying $283 per year out of pocket versus paying the higher premium for Plan F makes Plan G the better value.
Can I switch Medigap plans after I enroll?
Yes, but outside of guaranteed issue periods, insurers can apply medical underwriting. If you are in good health, you may qualify for a different plan at a lower premium. If you live in a birthday rule state, you have an annual window each year to switch to a plan with equal or lesser benefits without underwriting.
Does Medigap cover prescription drugs?
No. Medigap plans do not include prescription drug coverage. To get drug coverage with Original Medicare plus a Medigap plan, you need to also enroll in a standalone Medicare Part D prescription drug plan.
When does my Medigap Open Enrollment Period start?
It starts on the first day of the month you turn 65 and are enrolled in Medicare Part B. If you enroll in Part B after turning 65, the window starts when your Part B coverage begins, not on your birthday. This 6-month window is the best time to enroll because insurers cannot deny you coverage or charge more based on your health.
Check your eligibility now at CoveredUSA, it takes 2 minutes. The free screener shows whether you qualify for Medicare, Medicare Savings Programs, or other coverage based on your age and income.
