Best Medicare Supplement Plans (2026)

The Complete Medigap Buying Guide: Plans G, N, F & Top Carriers Compared with US Prices

Updated: June 2026  |  By the Medicare Supplement Guide Editorial Team

Medicare is complicated — and I say that as someone who spent 40 years as an accountant navigating some of the most technical financial regulations in the country, including federal grant compliance and multi-entity financial management. When I became my mother’s personal and financial guardian and took on responsibility for her Medicare decisions, I quickly discovered that the skills that served me through decades of complex accounting work only partially prepared me for the labyrinth of Parts A, B, C, and D, Medicare Advantage Plans, Medigap supplements, enrollment windows, and penalty periods that make up America’s senior health insurance system.

​My mother lived to 92 with advanced Alzheimer’s disease. For years I managed every aspect of her healthcare coverage — every enrollment decision, every plan comparison, every appeal. What I learned is that Medicare demands patience, persistence, and someone in your corner who speaks the language. This guide is written to be that person for you — translating Medicare’s complexity into the plain, practical answers that every senior and every caregiver deserves.

Original Medicare was never designed to cover everything. In 2026, the Part A hospital deductible alone stands at $1,736 per benefit period. The Part B deductible is $283. And crucially, Original Medicare has no annual out-of-pocket maximum — meaning a serious illness, extended hospital stay, or prolonged treatment could expose you to tens of thousands of dollars in medical costs with no ceiling in sight.

Medicare Supplement insurance — universally known as Medigap — was created to fill exactly these gaps. A Medigap policy is a private insurance plan sold alongside Original Medicare that pays some or all of the costs Medicare does not cover: deductibles, copayments, coinsurance, and in some cases, care received outside the United States. The right Medigap plan transforms unpredictable, potentially catastrophic healthcare costs into a manageable, predictable monthly premium.

In 2026, the average Medigap plan costs $180 per month — a figure that buys coverage worth many multiples of that amount in a serious health event. Plan G, the most popular Medigap plan, covers nearly all Medicare cost-sharing with a single out-of-pocket expense: the $283 annual Part B deductible. Plan N offers similar protection at lower premiums with modest copays. Plan F, available only to those who became eligible for Medicare before January 1, 2020, is the most comprehensive of all, covering even the Part B deductible.

▌  Key Statistic: Nationally, the cost of Medicare Supplement plans rose an average of 10% between 2025 and 2026. Plan G, the most popular plan letter, averages $180 per month — but the same Plan G coverage can vary by $103 per month between carriers. Shopping and comparing quotes is the single most effective way to save money on identical coverage.

This guide covers everything you need to make a smart, confident Medigap decision in 2026: a full explanation of every plan letter, an in-depth carrier comparison, a step-by-step buying guide, enrollment timing rules, and answers to the most frequently asked questions. We have researched pricing data from over 16,000 quotes and cross-referenced independent rankings from NerdWallet, MoneyGeek, ValuePenguin, and U.S. News.

What Is Medicare Supplement Insurance? How Medigap Works

Medicare Supplement insurance — Medigap — is a secondary insurance policy you buy from a private insurance company that works alongside your Original Medicare (Parts A and B) coverage. When you receive medical care, Medicare pays its share first. Your Medigap policy then pays some or all of the remaining cost, depending on which plan letter you hold.

Every Medigap plan with the same letter offers identical core benefits, regardless of which insurance company sells it. Plan G from AARP/UnitedHealthcare covers exactly the same services as Plan G from Mutual of Omaha or State Farm. The only meaningful difference between carriers selling the same plan letter is the monthly premium, any included extras (such as gym memberships or dental discounts), the carrier’s financial strength rating, their historical rate increase pattern, and their customer service reputation.

This standardization is one of Medigap’s greatest advantages for consumers: it creates a level playing field where comparing plans is straightforward, and shopping around for the best premium becomes a purely financial calculation rather than an apples-to-oranges comparison of different benefits.

What Medigap Does NOT Cover

While Medigap is comprehensive, it has important limitations that every senior must understand before enrolling:

• Prescription drugs: Medigap plans do not cover prescription drugs. You need a separate Medicare Part D plan for drug coverage.
• Routine dental, vision, and hearing: Original Medicare does not cover these services, and Medigap follows the same exclusions. You need separate dental, vision, or hearing insurance.
• Long-term care: Custodial care in a nursing home or assisted living facility is not covered by Medicare or Medigap.
• Private-duty nursing: Not covered.
• Medicare Advantage cost-sharing: Medigap plans do not work with Medicare Advantage. You must be enrolled in Original Medicare (Parts A and B) to use a Medigap plan.

▌  Important: You cannot use a Medigap plan with Medicare Advantage. Medigap works only with Original Medicare. If you want Medigap coverage, you must first return to or stay on Original Medicare — and then enroll in a separate Part D plan for prescription drugs.

2026 Medicare Supplement Plans: Complete Coverage Comparison Chart

The table below compares all eight commonly available Medigap plan letters by coverage, average 2026 monthly cost, and best-fit scenario. Average premiums are based on quotes for a 65-year-old non-smoking woman; your actual premium will vary based on age, gender, location, tobacco use, and carrier.

Plan	Avg. Monthly Cost	Part A Deductible	Part B Deductible	Part B Coinsurance	Skilled Nursing	Part B Excess	Foreign Travel	Best For
Plan G	$125-$185	Covered	Not covered	Covered	Covered	Covered	80% (up to limit)	Most new enrollees
Plan N	$121-$180	Covered	Not covered	Covered*	Covered	Not covered	80% (up to limit)	Budget-conscious seniors
Plan F	$143-$220+	Covered	Covered	Covered	Covered	Covered	80% (up to limit)	Pre-2020 enrollees only
Hi-Ded G	$61-$90	After $2,875	After $2,875	After $2,875	After $2,875	Covered	80% (up to limit)	Healthy, cost-conscious
Plan K	$87-$110	50% covered	Not covered	50% covered	50% covered	Not covered	Not covered	Low-premium catastrophic
Plan L	$134-$160	75% covered	Not covered	75% covered	75% covered	Not covered	Not covered	Moderate cost-sharing
Plan A	$100-$160	Not covered	Not covered	Covered	Not covered	Not covered	Not covered	Basic gap coverage only
Plan D	$120-$175	Covered	Not covered	Covered	Covered	Not covered	80% (up to limit)	Moderate, no excess chg.

* Plan N covers Part B coinsurance but charges copays up to $20 for doctor visits and up to $50 for ER visits that do not result in hospital admission. High-Deductible Plan G requires paying a $2,875 deductible (2026) before coverage begins. Plan F and Plan C are available only to beneficiaries eligible for Medicare before January 1, 2020.

Best Medicare Supplement Plan Letters: G, N, F, and High-Deductible G Explained

Plan G — Best Overall Medigap Plan for Most Seniors (2026)

Medigap Plan G is the most popular Medicare Supplement plan in 2026, accounting for approximately 39% of all Medigap enrollees — and for excellent reasons. Plan G covers virtually every Medicare cost-sharing obligation except one: the annual Part B deductible of $283. That single gap is the trade-off for a meaningfully lower premium than Plan F, and for the vast majority of seniors, paying $283 per year out of pocket is far more affordable than the premium difference between Plan G and Plan F.

Plan G covers: Part A hospital coinsurance and all costs for up to 365 days after Medicare benefits are exhausted; Part A deductible ($1,736 per benefit period in 2026); Part A hospice care coinsurance; skilled nursing facility coinsurance; Part B coinsurance and copayments (100%); Part B excess charges (when a provider charges more than Medicare’s approved amount); and 80% of foreign travel emergency costs up to a lifetime plan limit.

• Average monthly premium: $125 to $185 for a 65-year-old — $180 average nationally (ValuePenguin 2026)
• Out-of-pocket exposure: Only the $283 Part B deductible annually after premiums
• Ideal for: Most new Medicare enrollees who want near-complete cost coverage and maximum financial predictability
• Not available to: No age restriction — available to all new Medicare enrollees from 2020 onward

▌  Plan G Bottom Line: For most seniors turning 65 today, Plan G is the single best Medigap purchase available. The $283 annual Part B deductible is the only cost you bear after your premium — and the comprehensive coverage it provides protects you against unlimited financial exposure under Original Medicare.

Plan N — Best Medigap Plan for Budget-Conscious Seniors

Plan N is the second-most-popular Medigap plan and offers a compelling premium-versus-coverage trade-off. It covers the same broad range of services as Plan G — Part A deductible, Part A and B coinsurance, skilled nursing, hospice, and foreign travel — with two important differences: Plan N does not cover Part B excess charges, and it charges copays of up to $20 for doctor visits and up to $50 for emergency room visits that do not result in a hospital admission.

For seniors who primarily see providers who accept Medicare assignment (meaning they agree to charge no more than Medicare’s approved amount and thus cannot bill excess charges), the excess charge exclusion is irrelevant. In practice, over 97% of providers accept Medicare assignment — making the excess charge gap a theoretical risk rather than a practical one for most beneficiaries. The copays are real but modest: if you see your doctor six times per year, the maximum additional cost from copays is $120 annually, while Plan N’s lower premium might save $30 to $50 per month ($360 to $600 per year) versus Plan G.

• Average monthly premium: $121 to $180 — roughly $20 to $40 per month less than Plan G
• Out-of-pocket exposure: $283 Part B deductible + copays up to $20/doctor visit and $50/ER visit + Part B excess charges if applicable
• Ideal for: Healthy seniors who rarely need specialist care and want a lower monthly premium in exchange for modest cost-sharing
• Not ideal for: Seniors who frequently visit specialists, use out-of-assignment providers, or dislike any variable cost-sharing

Plan F — Most Comprehensive Medigap Coverage (Pre-2020 Enrollees Only)

Plan F is the most comprehensive Medicare Supplement plan available, covering everything Plan G covers plus the annual Part B deductible. It is the only plan that eliminates all Medicare cost-sharing entirely — with Plan F, you pay nothing beyond your monthly premium for Medicare-covered services. However, Congress eliminated Plan F for new Medicare enrollees beginning January 1, 2020. If you became eligible for Medicare on or after that date, you cannot purchase Plan F from any carrier.

If you became eligible for Medicare before January 1, 2020, Plan F remains available to you and may be worth considering — particularly if you were already enrolled in Plan F and the value of eliminating the Part B deductible outweighs the premium difference versus Plan G. For most people still eligible for Plan F, Plan G offers better value: the premium savings typically exceed the $283 deductible, making Plan G the financially superior choice even for those who could buy Plan F.

• Average monthly premium: $143 to $220+ — noticeably higher than Plan G
• Availability: Only for beneficiaries eligible for Medicare before January 1, 2020
• Advantage: Zero out-of-pocket costs for Medicare-covered services beyond the premium
• Premium increase note: Plan F premiums rose 14% between 2025 and 2026 — the steepest increase of any plan letter, as the eligible pool ages and shrinks

High-Deductible Plan G — Best for Healthy Seniors Who Want Catastrophic Protection

High-Deductible Plan G offers the same comprehensive coverage as standard Plan G — but only after you pay a $2,875 annual deductible (2026) out of pocket first. In exchange, monthly premiums drop dramatically: High-Deductible Plan G starts at approximately $61 per month, compared to $125 to $185 for standard Plan G. This plan is ideal for seniors who are in good health, rarely access medical care, have savings to cover the deductible in a bad year, and want premium-level protection against catastrophic healthcare costs at minimum ongoing cost.

The break-even calculation is straightforward: if your annual healthcare spending under standard Plan G exceeds the deductible amount plus the premium savings, High-Deductible Plan G is the better value. For a healthy 65-year-old paying $180/month for standard Plan G and $65/month for High-Deductible Plan G, the monthly saving is $115 — or $1,380 per year. Compared against the $2,875 deductible, you would need to accumulate two full years of premium savings before hitting the deductible amount. Most healthy seniors come out ahead with the high-deductible option for several years.

• Average monthly premium: $61 to $90 — far below standard Plan G
• Annual deductible: $2,875 (2026) before supplemental coverage begins
• Best for: Healthy seniors in their 60s with savings to self-insure the deductible, who want maximum long-term cost control
• Premium increase: Only 6% between 2025 and 2026 — the smallest increase of any plan letter

2026 Top Medicare Supplement Carriers: Comparison Chart

The table below compares the eight top Medicare Supplement carriers for 2026 by average premiums for Plan G and Plan N, complaint rates, AM Best financial strength ratings, and geographic availability. Premiums are averages based on quotes for a 65-year-old non-smoking woman; your rate will vary by location, age, gender, and household discount eligibility.

Carrier	Best Plan Types	Plan G Avg. Premium	Plan N Avg. Premium	Complaint Rate	AM Best Rating	States Available	Best For
AARP/UnitedHealthcare	G, N, F, A, B	$177/mo	$155/mo	Low	A	All 50 + DC	Best overall value
State Farm	G, N, F	$170/mo	$148/mo	Very low	A++	47 states	Lowest complaint rate
Mutual of Omaha	G, N, F, M	$185/mo	$165/mo	Very low	A+	48 states	Household discounts
HealthSpring (Cigna)	G, N, F	$165/mo	$140/mo	Low	A	30 states	Lowest premiums
AFLAC	G, F, N	$203/mo	$175/mo	Low	A+	47 states	Price-competitive G/N
Aetna	G, N, F	$188/mo	$162/mo	Moderate	A	43 states	High CMS quality
Blue Cross BCBS	G, N, F, Select	$195/mo	$170/mo	Low	A-A+	All 50 + DC	Blue-to-Blue switching
Anthem	G, N, F	$190/mo	$168/mo	Low	A	14 states	Best dental bundle

* Plan premiums are national averages based on published 2026 quote data. Actual premiums vary significantly by state, county, age, gender, and tobacco status. AM Best ratings current as of 2026. Complaint rates assessed relative to carrier market share. Always request personalized quotes from at least three carriers before enrolling.

Best Medicare Supplement Insurance Companies 2026: In-Depth Reviews

1. AARP/UnitedHealthcare — Best Overall Medicare Supplement Carrier

AARP Medicare Supplement Insurance, underwritten by UnitedHealthcare, is the best overall Medigap carrier for 2026 according to multiple independent rankings including ValuePenguin and NerdWallet. Its combination of nationwide availability (all 50 states and Washington, D.C.), competitive pricing, low complaint rates, and an exceptionally broad range of plan options makes it the most reliable starting point for virtually any senior shopping for Medigap coverage.

• Plan G average premium: $177/month — below the $180 national average
• Plan N average premium: $155/month
• Complaint rate: Low — well below the industry median
• AM Best financial strength: A (Excellent)
• States: All 50 + DC — the most geographically comprehensive carrier in our comparison
• Extras: AARP membership discounts on vision, dental, hearing, and gym memberships; online enrollment and plan management tools
• AARP membership required: Annual AARP membership ($16/year) is required to purchase — a minor but non-zero cost

One consideration: AARP/UnitedHealthcare premiums can be higher than some competitors in certain states, and the AARP brand’s volume means it does not always have the absolute lowest rate in every market. The platform’s strength is breadth — its nationwide consistency and AARP-brand extras make it the safest, most reliable choice for most seniors, particularly those who may relocate in retirement.

▌  Who Should Choose AARP/UnitedHealthcare: Seniors who want the most established, geographically reliable Medigap carrier with consistent service across all 50 states, AARP membership extras, and consistently competitive Plan G and Plan N premiums.

2. State Farm — Best for Member Satisfaction and Lowest Complaint Rate

State Farm earns the top NerdWallet score for Medigap in 2026 based on a single distinguishing metric that many seniors underestimate: its complaint rate is nearly 50% below the market average. In the insurance world, complaint rates are a leading indicator of claims processing quality, customer service responsiveness, and overall member satisfaction. A carrier that virtually no one complains about is one that treats its members well when it matters most — at claim time.

• Plan G average premium: $170/month — below average
• Plan N average premium: $148/month
• Complaint rate: Nearly 50% below the market average — lowest of any major carrier
• Annual premium increases: Smaller year-over-year than any other company NerdWallet reviewed
• AM Best financial strength: A++ (Superior) — the highest possible rating
• States: 47 states
• Limitation: State Farm offers few discounts or health and wellness perks compared to carriers like Mutual of Omaha or AARP; premiums can be high in some locations

State Farm’s A++ AM Best rating is particularly significant for seniors who will potentially hold this policy for 20 to 30 years. Financial strength ratings indicate an insurer’s long-term ability to pay claims — a carrier rated A++ has the most robust capital reserves in the industry. Combined with the lowest complaint rate and smaller-than-average annual increases, State Farm offers the best combination of stability, reliability, and member satisfaction of any carrier we reviewed.

▌  Who Should Choose State Farm: Seniors who prioritize long-term carrier stability, the lowest complaint rate in the industry, and predictable annual premium increases over the lowest initial premium — particularly those planning to hold their policy for many years.

3. Mutual of Omaha — Best for Household Discounts and Plan Variety

Mutual of Omaha has been selling Medicare Supplement insurance since Medicare began in 1966 — a fact that speaks to both its longevity and its deep expertise in this specific market segment. With over 1.3 million Medigap beneficiaries, an A+ AM Best rating, and very low complaint rates, Mutual of Omaha is one of the most trusted names in the Medigap market. Its standout competitive advantage is a household discount of up to 12% in many states when you live with a spouse or another adult policyholder — a benefit that can save couples $200 to $400 annually compared to individual pricing.

• Plan G average premium: $185/month — slightly above the national average before discounts
• Plan N average premium: $165/month
• Household discount: Up to 12% in qualifying states — the largest household discount of any major carrier
• Complaint rate: Very low — well below industry average
• AM Best rating: A+ (Superior)
• States: 48 states and DC (excluding Massachusetts and Delaware currently)
• Plan variety: Offers G, N, F, and Plan M — one of the broader plan selections among major carriers

Mutual of Omaha’s Plan M — which covers 50% of the Part A deductible — is the best-priced Plan M option nationally, averaging $186/month and delivering solid value for seniors who want partial deductible coverage at a lower premium than Plan G. For couples, the household discount fundamentally changes the value calculation: at 12% off for two people, the effective premium drops below the national average despite the higher list price.

▌  Who Should Choose Mutual of Omaha: Couples who qualify for the household discount, seniors who want Plan M coverage, those who value a carrier with 60+ years of Medigap experience and among the industry’s most favorable complaint records.

4. HealthSpring (Formerly Cigna) — Best for Lowest Premiums

HealthSpring — the Medigap brand following Cigna’s sale of its Medicare businesses — offers the most competitively priced Plan G and Plan N premiums of any major national carrier, averaging $165/month for Plan G and $140/month for Plan N. For a 65-year-old choosing between HealthSpring and the national average Plan G premium of $180, the annual saving of $180 is real money — equivalent to a free month of coverage per year. HealthSpring maintains a solid complaint rate and acceptable AM Best financial strength rating.

• Plan G average premium: $165/month — among the lowest nationally
• Plan N average premium: $140/month — lowest of any major carrier in our comparison
• Complaint rate: Low
• AM Best rating: A (Excellent)
• States: 30 states — geographic limitation is the key trade-off
• Limitation: Available in only 30 states; annual premium increases are worth monitoring

HealthSpring’s geographic limitation is its primary constraint. Seniors in the 20 states where HealthSpring is not available will need to look at AARP, BCBS, or another carrier. For those in HealthSpring’s service area who want the maximum initial premium savings on Plan G or Plan N, HealthSpring is the most financially efficient choice — provided you are comfortable with a less widely recognized brand than AARP or Mutual of Omaha.

▌  Who Should Choose HealthSpring: Price-focused seniors in HealthSpring’s 30-state service area who want the lowest available Plan G or Plan N premiums from a financially sound carrier.

5. Blue Cross Blue Shield — Best for Plan-Switching Flexibility

Blue Cross Blue Shield’s most distinctive Medigap advantage has nothing to do with premiums or star ratings — it is the Blue-to-Blue switching rule. BCBS allows policyholders to switch between Medigap plan letters at any time, without medical underwriting, as long as they remain within the BCBS family of carriers. This is a significant benefit because Medigap switching outside of your initial open enrollment window normally subjects you to medical underwriting in most states — meaning you can be charged more, have conditions excluded, or be denied coverage entirely based on your health history.

• Plan G average premium: $195/month — above the national average
• Plan N average premium: $170/month
• Blue-to-Blue switching: Switch plan letters anytime without underwriting — unique in the Medigap market
• Complaint rate: Low
• AM Best rating: A to A+ (varies by regional plan)
• States: All 50 states and DC — through regional BCBS affiliates
• Extra perks: Some BCBS plans include dental and vision extras; Select plans restrict provider networks for lower premiums

The Blue-to-Blue switching flexibility has a specific, valuable use case: a senior who enrolls in a lower-premium plan (such as Plan N or High-Deductible Plan G) while young and healthy, knowing they can switch to Plan G later if their health needs increase without facing the medical underwriting that would trap most beneficiaries in their original plan. This strategic optionality has real long-term financial value that is not captured in the premium comparison alone.

▌  Who Should Choose BCBS: Seniors who want the strategic flexibility to switch Medigap plan letters as their health needs change, those who value nationwide BCBS availability and regional provider relationships, and beneficiaries interested in Select plan options with lower premiums through provider networks.

6. Mutual of Omaha for Plan M / Anthem for Dental Bundle

Anthem (Elevance Health) serves approximately 14 states and offers a Medigap differentiator that most carriers do not: the ability to bundle routine dental and vision coverage directly with your Medigap policy for an additional premium. For seniors who want to manage their health coverage under a single carrier — Medigap plus dental and vision — Anthem provides that convenience in its service states. It also offers competitive Plan G pricing and low complaint rates.

• Plan G average premium: $190/month
• Plan N average premium: $168/month
• Complaint rate: Low
• AM Best rating: A (Excellent)
• States: 14 states — limited geographic footprint
• Unique benefit: Dental and vision bundle available as add-ons to Medigap plans

Anthem’s 14-state limitation means it is not an option for most seniors, but for those in its service area who want the simplicity of a single-carrier solution for Medigap, dental, and vision, it fills a genuine gap in the market.

How to Choose the Best Medicare Supplement Plan: Step-by-Step Guide

Step 1: Enroll During Your Medigap Open Enrollment Window — No Exceptions

The single most important Medigap decision is not which plan or carrier you choose — it is when you enroll. Every person who enrolls in Medicare Part B has a one-time, six-month Medigap Open Enrollment Period that begins on the first day of the month in which they are both age 65 or older and enrolled in Part B. During this window, you have guaranteed issue rights: any insurance company selling Medigap in your state must sell you any plan it offers at standard rates, regardless of your health history, pre-existing conditions, or medical records.

Once this window closes, the rules change dramatically. In most states, applying for Medigap coverage outside your open enrollment window subjects you to medical underwriting — the carrier can review your health history, charge you more based on conditions, exclude coverage for pre-existing conditions for a period, or deny your application entirely. Missing this window is one of the most expensive mistakes a Medicare beneficiary can make. Mark the date and enroll before it closes.

Step 2: Choose Plan G Unless You Have a Specific Reason for Another Letter

For the overwhelming majority of new Medicare enrollees in 2026, Plan G is the right Medigap plan. It covers all Medicare cost-sharing except the $283 annual Part B deductible, gives you access to any Medicare-accepting provider in the country without networks or referrals, and eliminates virtually all financial uncertainty about healthcare costs beyond the monthly premium. The $283 annual deductible is a known, manageable out-of-pocket expense that is far preferable to the unlimited exposure of Original Medicare alone.

Consider Plan N if you are primarily cost-motivated and comfortable with modest copays. Consider High-Deductible Plan G if you are in excellent health with savings to self-insure the deductible. Consider Plan F only if you became eligible for Medicare before 2020 and the premium difference versus Plan G does not outweigh the deductible coverage benefit — which for most seniors it will not.

Step 3: Get Quotes from at Least 3 to 5 Carriers — Same Plan, Different Premiums

Because Medigap benefits are standardized by federal law, the coverage you receive from Plan G at every carrier is identical. The only things that differ between carriers are the monthly premium, the historical rate increase pattern, and any included extras. This means shopping is purely about finding the best premium from a financially stable carrier with a good service record.

The premium difference between carriers for the same plan letter can be $50 to $103 per month or more — amounting to $600 to $1,236 per year for identical coverage. Always get quotes from at least three to five carriers before making a decision. Use Medicare.gov’s Medigap Plan Finder or work with a licensed independent Medicare broker who can quote multiple carriers simultaneously.

Step 4: Understand How Your Premium Is Rated — It Affects Long-Term Cost

Not all Medigap premiums increase the same way over time. Insurance carriers use three pricing methods, each with different long-term cost implications:

• Attained-age rated: Your premium increases as you get older. These policies typically start with the lowest premiums but become progressively more expensive over time. This is the most common pricing method and can result in significantly higher costs in your 70s and 80s.
• Issue-age rated: Your premium is set based on your age at enrollment and does not increase simply because you age. Premiums may still increase due to inflation and medical cost trends, but not because of your age alone. These policies cost more initially but are often more affordable long-term.
• Community rated (no-age rated): Everyone in the same geographic area pays the same premium regardless of age. This typically means younger enrollees pay more initially, but the premium does not increase with age.

Ask any carrier you are considering which rating method their Medigap policy uses — and what their average annual premium increase has been over the past three to five years. State Farm’s historically below-average annual increases are a meaningful differentiator for seniors who plan to hold their policy for 15 to 25 years.

Step 5: Verify Carrier Financial Strength and Complaint History

You will potentially hold your Medigap policy for decades. The carrier’s financial strength — their long-term ability to pay claims — matters significantly. AM Best rates insurance company financial strength on a scale from A++ (Superior) to D (in default). For Medigap, prioritize carriers rated A or higher. State Farm (A++), Mutual of Omaha (A+), and AFLAC (A+) lead on financial strength among our top picks.

Equally important is the carrier’s complaint history. The National Association of Insurance Commissioners (NAIC) publishes complaint ratios — a standardized measure of complaints relative to market share — for every licensed insurance carrier. A complaint ratio significantly below 1.0 indicates fewer complaints than expected for a carrier of that size. State Farm and Mutual of Omaha both have complaint ratios well below industry average; AARP/UnitedHealthcare is also solidly below average. Humana, while strong in Medicare Advantage, has a higher Medigap complaint rate and is generally not recommended for Medigap coverage.

Medicare Supplement vs. Medicare Advantage: Which Is Right for You?

The decision between Medicare Supplement (Medigap) plus Original Medicare versus Medicare Advantage (Part C) is the most fundamental choice a new Medicare enrollee faces — and it is one that cannot easily be reversed once you have left your Medigap open enrollment window.

Medicare Advantage plans typically offer lower monthly premiums — often $0 — and bundle in extra benefits like dental, vision, and hearing that Medigap does not cover. But they operate through managed care networks, require prior authorization for many services, and cap your out-of-pocket exposure at the plan’s MOOP limit rather than eliminating cost-sharing entirely.

Medigap plus Original Medicare gives you unlimited provider choice — any Medicare-accepting doctor or hospital in the country, no referrals, no prior authorization for most services — and predictable costs determined primarily by your monthly premium. The trade-off is a higher monthly outlay and no built-in dental, vision, or hearing coverage.

For seniors who value provider freedom, predictable costs, and the ability to see any specialist at any hospital without administrative barriers, Medigap is the superior choice. For seniors who are cost-sensitive, primarily use local providers, and value the extra benefits bundled into Medicare Advantage, a highly rated Medicare Advantage plan may be more appropriate. The right answer depends on your health status, financial situation, and how much you value provider choice.

▌  Critical Warning: Switching from Medicare Advantage back to Original Medicare and then trying to buy Medigap later is risky in most states. Unless you qualify for guaranteed issue rights, you will face medical underwriting — and may be denied coverage or charged significantly higher premiums. If you are considering Medigap, the safest and most financially prudent time to enroll is during your six-month open enrollment window at age 65.

Medicare Supplement Enrollment Rules: When and How to Sign Up

The Medigap Open Enrollment Period (OEP)

Your Medigap Open Enrollment Period is the six-month window that begins the first month you are both age 65 or older and enrolled in Medicare Part B. This is the only time you are guaranteed the right to buy any Medigap plan available in your state without medical underwriting. Insurance companies cannot refuse to sell you a policy, charge you more based on your health, or exclude coverage for pre-existing conditions during this window.

This window opens exactly once in most circumstances. If you delay enrolling in Part B (for example, because you have employer coverage), your OEP begins when you do enroll in Part B — but it does not automatically open again at any future time. Missing this window is a permanent, costly mistake in most states.

Guaranteed Issue Rights — When You Can Buy Medigap Outside Open Enrollment

Outside of your initial open enrollment window, Medigap carriers can generally use medical underwriting. However, specific life events trigger guaranteed issue rights — situations in which you must be offered Medigap coverage without underwriting. Common guaranteed issue triggers include:

• Your Medicare Advantage plan is leaving your area or stops covering your county
• You enrolled in Medicare Advantage when you first became eligible for Medicare, and you are switching to Original Medicare within the first 12 months (trial right)
• Your employer coverage ends through no fault of your own
• Your Medigap carrier goes bankrupt or loses its Medicare contract

If you are in one of these situations, contact 1-800-MEDICARE or your State Health Insurance Assistance Program (SHIP) to confirm your guaranteed issue rights and the specific Medigap plans you must be offered.

Medigap and State-Specific Rules

While Medigap benefits are federally standardized in most states, three states have their own systems: Massachusetts, Minnesota, and Wisconsin each use different plan structures. If you live in one of these states, the plan letters in this guide do not apply — contact your state insurance department or Medicare.gov for state-specific Medigap information.

Additionally, some states have enacted additional consumer protections beyond federal minimums. Several states require guaranteed issue rights for seniors under certain conditions not covered by federal law. Your State Health Insurance Assistance Program (SHIP) — a federally funded, free counseling program — can explain your state’s specific Medigap rules and help you compare plans at no charge.

Frequently Asked Questions: Best Medicare Supplement Plans

What is the best Medicare Supplement plan in 2026?

Plan G is the best Medicare Supplement plan for most new Medicare enrollees in 2026. It covers virtually all Medicare cost-sharing except the $283 annual Part B deductible — the single out-of-pocket expense you bear beyond your monthly premium. For the best carrier, AARP/UnitedHealthcare offers the best combination of competitive pricing, nationwide availability, and low complaint rates. State Farm ranks highest on customer satisfaction and lowest on complaint rate. Compare at least three to five quotes to find the best premium in your specific location.

What is the average cost of Medicare Supplement Plan G in 2026?

The average Medicare Supplement Plan G premium in 2026 is $180 per month for a 65-year-old non-smoking woman, based on analysis of over 16,000 quotes from Medicare.gov. However, the same Plan G coverage can vary by more than $100 per month between carriers for identical coverage. AARP/UnitedHealthcare averages $177/month; HealthSpring (formerly Cigna) averages $165/month; Mutual of Omaha averages $185/month. Your premium will also vary based on your age, gender, state, county, and tobacco use.

What is the difference between Plan G and Plan N?

Both Plan G and Plan N cover the Part A deductible, Part A and B coinsurance, skilled nursing facility coinsurance, hospice care, and foreign travel emergencies. Plan G additionally covers Part B excess charges (when a provider charges more than Medicare’s approved amount). Plan N does not cover excess charges and charges copays up to $20 for doctor visits and $50 for emergency room visits that do not result in hospital admission. Plan N’s monthly premium is typically $20 to $40 less than Plan G. For seniors who see only Medicare-assignment providers, Plan N is often the better financial value.

Can I switch Medicare Supplement plans?

You can switch Medigap plans at any time, but outside of your six-month open enrollment window, you will likely face medical underwriting in most states — meaning the carrier can review your health history and potentially deny coverage, charge more, or exclude pre-existing conditions. Blue Cross Blue Shield’s Blue-to-Blue switching rule is a notable exception, allowing plan letter changes within the BCBS family without underwriting. In some states, additional switching protections exist — contact your SHIP counselor for state-specific information.

Does Medicare Supplement cover dental, vision, and hearing?

No. Medigap plans cover only the cost-sharing gaps in Original Medicare — they do not cover services that Medicare itself does not cover. Routine dental care, vision exams, eyeglasses, hearing aids, and hearing exams are not covered by Original Medicare or by any Medigap plan. You need separate dental, vision, and hearing insurance or a Medicare Advantage plan that includes these benefits. Some carriers — particularly Anthem and AARP — offer optional add-on dental and vision coverage alongside their Medigap plans.

Does Medicare Supplement cover prescriptions?

No. Medigap plans do not cover prescription drugs. If you enroll in Medigap and Original Medicare, you must also enroll in a separate Medicare Part D prescription drug plan to get drug coverage. Failure to enroll in Part D when first eligible can result in a permanent late enrollment penalty added to your Part D premiums. Enroll in Part D during your Initial Enrollment Period even if you currently take few or no prescriptions.

Is Medicare Supplement worth the cost?

For most seniors, yes — particularly Plan G. The $180/month average premium translates to $2,160 per year. In exchange, you receive protection against the unlimited financial exposure of Original Medicare. A single hospitalization, major surgery, or prolonged illness can cost far more than multiple years of Medigap premiums under Original Medicare’s cost-sharing structure. Beyond the pure math, the peace of mind of knowing that a serious health event will not devastate your retirement savings has real value that does not appear in any premium comparison.

Our Final Verdict: Best Medicare Supplement Plans for Seniors in 2026

The Medicare Supplement market in 2026 offers genuinely excellent options across every budget, health situation, and coverage preference. Here is our summary of top recommendations:

• Best overall plan: Plan G — comprehensive coverage, only $283 deductible annually, available from all major carriers
• Best budget plan: Plan N — $20-$40/month savings over Plan G with modest copays; best for healthy seniors who use assignment providers
• Best for healthy seniors: High-Deductible Plan G — $61-$90/month with $2,875 deductible; maximum long-term cost control
• Best for pre-2020 enrollees: Plan F — complete cost coverage, no cost-sharing beyond premium; worth comparing against Plan G
• Best carrier overall: AARP/UnitedHealthcare — nationwide, competitive, low complaints, strong extras
• Best for satisfaction/stability: State Farm — lowest complaint rate, smallest premium increases, A++ AM Best
• Best for couples: Mutual of Omaha — up to 12% household discount, A+ rating, 60+ years of Medigap expertise
• Best for lowest premium: HealthSpring (Cigna) — most affordable Plan G and Plan N nationally in 30 states
• Best for plan flexibility: Blue Cross Blue Shield — Blue-to-Blue switching without underwriting, all 50 states

Enroll during your six-month open enrollment window. Do not delay — that window opens once and closes permanently in most states. Compare at least three to five quotes using Medicare.gov or a licensed independent Medicare broker. Choose Plan G unless you have a specific reason to do otherwise. And always enroll in a separate Part D plan for prescription drug coverage.

The right Medigap plan is not necessarily the cheapest one today — it is the one that balances affordable current premiums with long-term cost stability, carrier financial strength, and coverage that matches your actual healthcare needs. With that framework, you are ready to choose with confidence.

▌  Affiliate Disclosure: This article contains affiliate links. If you click through and purchase a Medicare Supplement plan, this site may receive a commission from the insurance carrier at no additional cost to you. Our editorial team conducts independent research and all recommendations are based on published premium data, carrier complaint ratios, AM Best financial strength ratings, and consumer satisfaction scores — not on commission rates. We aim to provide accurate, unbiased information to help seniors make informed decisions. Always verify plan details and current pricing at Medicare.gov before enrolling.

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