Price of Medicare Supplemental Insurance by Plan and State 2026
Average Medigap Premiums at Ages 65 and 75
When evaluating Medicare Supplement insurance cost for 2026, it’s essential to understand how pricing shifts as you age. On average, a Medigap premium for a 65-year-old ranges from $120 to $220 per month, with Plan G-the most popular option-costing about $150-$160 monthly nationwide. At age 75, premiums rise approximately 10-30% due to most states using attained-age pricing, which increases rates as you get older. For example, a 65-year-old in Wisconsin could pay roughly $119.92 for Plan G, while someone in Connecticut faces as much as $221.59. This means your Medicare Supplement plan prices will increase over time unless you reside in one of the 11 community-rated states, where premiums remain flat regardless of age. For a deeper look at options within specific high-cost areas, see the NY Medicare Supplement Plans Comparison & Benefits guide.
Medigap Plan Comparison Table (2026 National Averages)
| Plan | Key Coverage | Est. National Avg. Premium |
|---|---|---|
| Plan G | Covers all Part A/B except Part B deductible | ~$150-$160 |
| Plan N | Like G, but copays for office/emergency visits | ~$120-$140 |
| High-Deductible Plan G | Same as G after $2,800 deductible (2026 est.) | ~$50-$80 |
Each plan style offers a unique balance of monthly premium vs. potential out-of-pocket exposure. For instance, Medigap Plan G cost remains highest, but delivers broadest coverage, making it ideal for those wanting to cap health expenses. Plan N’s lower premiums reflect exchanged office and ER visit copays. High-deductible versions lower premiums significantly, suitable for those expecting infrequent care. For further detail on Plan N’s balance between cost and coverage, visit Medicare Part N Coverage: Benefits, Costs & How to Enroll.
How Location, Age, and Insurers Affect Your Costs
The Medigap rates by state and insurer can swing more than 100% for the same coverage. Factors influencing your quotes in 2026 include:
- Location: Premiums are state-regulated and based on regional healthcare costs as well as local claims experience. High-cost states like Connecticut and Florida contrast sharply with cheaper states like Wisconsin or North Carolina.
- Age: Most states use “attained-age” pricing, leading to increases as beneficiaries age (often 20-50% from age 65 to 75). In community-rated states (like NY, MA, CT), your premium doesn’t change as you age.
- Insurer: Rates can vary by 20-100% for identical plans depending on the insurance carrier and their risk pool. In California, for instance, State Farm offers Plan G at ~$166 for a 65-year-old, while AARP/UHC charges ~$177.
- Tobacco use and gender also impact rates in most regions.
Because these variables are so significant, comparison shopping-especially during your Medigap Open Enrollment window-can save you hundreds annually.
Medicare Part B Premiums and Deductibles in 2026 (Must-Pay Alongside Medigap)
In 2026, all Medigap enrollees must continue paying the standard Medicare Part B premium 2026 of $202.90 per month, increased by $17.90 over 2025. The 2026 Part B deductible rises to $283 annually. Medigap plans like G and N do not cover this deductible, so it is always an out-of-pocket cost unless you have legacy Plan F (closed to most new enrollees). For hospital stays, the Part A deductible is now $1,736.
As you plan coverage, note that Medicare’s physical therapy benefits are also subject to these deductibles and coinsurance rules. It’s critical to budget for both premiums and out-of-pocket minimums when evaluating your total Medicare-related costs for the year.
Hidden Costs: Deductibles, Copays, and What Medigap Doesn’t Cover
While Medigap plans fill many cost gaps in Original Medicare, some outlays remain. These include:
- Part B Deductible ($283): Not covered by Plans G, N, or high-deductible options. This must be paid annually before Medigap covers coinsurance.
- Copays: Plan N requires up to $20 for office visits and $50 for emergency room visits (unless admitted). Other plans vary.
- Non-covered Services: Long-term custodial care, routine dental, vision, or hearing care, and most outpatient prescriptions. To cover these, a separate plan or Part D is required.
- Foreign Travel Emergency: Covered in some plans, but with coverage limits.
For a complete regional breakdown of exclusions, consult the Massachusetts Medicare Supplement Plans Guide 2024, which discusses common gaps and solutions in state-specific offerings.
Cheapest Medigap Plans and How to Save $50-$100 Monthly
Looking for the cheapest Medicare Supplement plan? High-deductible Plan G typically costs just $50-$80/month, about half the premium of standard Plan G, but requires you to pay the first $2,800 in covered expenses (2026 estimate). For those willing to handle modest copays, Plan N usually runs $120-$140/month.
Tips to maximize savings include:
- Shop at least 3 insurers to capture variances of $50-$100 monthly on identical coverage.
- Enroll during Open Enrollment (the 6 months after your Part B effective date), when you cannot be denied coverage or upcharged for pre-existing conditions-this is critical for long-term savings.
- Look for household discounts (usually 5-10%) and consider paying annually for additional savings.
- In states with community rating (like New York), compare unique policies-the NY Medicare Supplement guide offers live state data.
Healthy individuals may also save by choosing high-deductible or hybrid plans, provided regular recurring care is not anticipated.
State-by-State Medigap Price Guide (Top 5 Highest and Lowest)
Medigap premiums 2026 differ radically by location, heavily influenced by local healthcare costs, insurance law, and competition. Here are the top 5 most expensive and cheapest states for Plan G monthly premiums (rounded):
| State | Avg. Monthly Plan G Premium |
|---|---|
| Connecticut | $221.59 |
| Washington | $215.67 |
| Florida | $213.64 |
| Maine | $213.56 |
| Idaho | $196.09 |
Lowest-cost states include:
| State | Avg. Monthly Plan G Premium |
|---|---|
| Wisconsin | $119.92 |
| North Carolina | $123.36 |
| Indiana | $130.22 |
| District of Columbia | $130.63 |
| South Carolina | $122.25 |
For a granular state comparison-especially if you’re relocating-refer to the granular regional guides, such as Massachusetts and New York.
High-Income Surcharges (IRMAA) for Part B and Part D
In 2026, about 8% of Medicare beneficiaries face an Income-Related Monthly Adjustment Amount (IRMAA) surcharge on Part B and Part D if their modified adjusted gross income (MAGI) from 2024 (filed in 2025) exceeds $109,000 ($218,000 for couples). Here’s what IRMAA costs in 2026:
| Individual Income | Joint Income | Part B IRMAA | Total Part B Premium |
|---|---|---|---|
| ≤$109,000 | ≤$218,000 | $0 | $202.90 |
| >$109K-$137K | >$218K-$274K | $81.20 | $284.10 |
| >$137K-$171K | >$274K-$342K | $202.90 | $405.80 |
| >$171K-$205K | >$342K-$410K | $324.60 | $527.50 |
| >$205K-$500K | >$410K-$750K | $446.30 | $649.20 |
| >=$500K | >=$750K | $487.00 | $689.90 |
Part D prescription plan surcharges range from $14.50 to $91.00 extra monthly. For full details, review our resources on Medicare and financial settlements, which highlight how IRMAA may interact with settlements and outside income.
High-Deductible Plans: Worth It in 2026?
Choosing a high-deductible Medigap plan can be highly cost-efficient for healthy, low-care users. Here’s why:
- Save up to $1,000 per year in premiums (or $50-$100/month) compared to standard Plan G.
- Ideal if you rarely use medical care and can self-fund the first $2,800 in expenses.
- Pairing with an HSA (Health Savings Account)-if eligible-maximizes tax advantages.
- However, if you require frequent care, high-deductible plans expose you to high up-front out-of-pocket costs and may eliminate savings quickly.
These plans are also typically available in every state, with the exception of unique state rules; to compare options, consult New York Medicare Supplement resources.
Step-by-Step Guide to Comparing Quotes During Open Enrollment
- Determine eligibility: At least 65 or qualified disabled, enrolled in Parts A & B.
- List coverage priorities: For instance, if you travel or want the broadest protection, focus on Plan G; if willing to pay occasional copays, target Plan N.
- Use tools and agents: Medicare.gov’s Plan Finder or insurance agents can generate personalized 2026 premium quotes. Enter ZIP, age, gender, and tobacco status for best accuracy (some tools even estimate savings during Open Enrollment).
- Compare multiple insurers for identical plans, as pricing differs substantially.
- Enroll within your 6-month window to avoid underwriting-key to the largest long-term Medigap open enrollment savings. If you miss the window, plan switches later may require health screening or face denial in some states.
- Review plan ratings and fine print for customer satisfaction and exclusions before committing.
For a full enrollment checklist and timelines, plus a guide on Medigap versus hybrid plans or alternatives, explore resources like our Massachusetts Plan Guide.
Medigap vs. Medicare Advantage: Cost Breakdown
| Aspect | Medigap + Original Medicare | Medicare Advantage |
|---|---|---|
| Monthly Premium | $120-$220 + $202.90 (Part B) | $0+ (often just Part B premium) |
| Out-of-Pocket Max | Low/none after deductibles | $3,000-$8,000/year avg. |
| Provider Network | Any doctor accepting Medicare | HMO/PPO restrictions |
| Best For | Frequent users, travelers, those wanting predictability | Healthy, low users needing extras (vision, dental) |
Medigap is usually preferred by those seeking predictable spending and freedom to choose providers nationwide. Medicare Advantage plans offer lower up-front premiums (sometimes $0 beyond Part B), include extras but have higher out-of-pocket limits and network restrictions. Each approach serves different needs and budgets.
