New York State Medicare Supplement Plans in 2026
What Are New York Medigap Plans?
New York Medigap, also known as Medicare Supplement plans, are private insurance policies that work alongside Original Medicare Parts A and B. These plans help cover the gaps in coverage left by Medicare-primarily out-of-pocket expenses like deductibles, copayments, and coinsurance. While Original Medicare pays for much of your approved health care costs, New York Medigap plans can save you from unpredictable expenses during hospital stays, doctor visits, or skilled nursing care.
Medigap plans in New York are standardized and identified by letter names: A, B, C, D, F, F+, G, G+, K, L, M, and N. Each standardized plan covers a specific set of benefits, making them easy to compare based on what is covered and what you may pay out of pocket. This standardization ensures that Plan G with one insurer offers the same basic benefits as Plan G with another, even if premiums may vary.
Popular Plans: F, G, and N Explained
- Plan F: The most comprehensive Medigap option, covering virtually all out-of-pocket Medicare expenses, including Part A and B deductibles and coinsurance. Note: Only available to those eligible for Medicare before January 1, 2020.
- Plan G: Nearly identical to Plan F, but you are responsible for the annual Part B deductible-projected at $283 for 2026. Coverage is otherwise robust, protecting you from high hospital and physician costs.
- Plan N: Provides lower premiums with the trade-off of copayments (up to $20 for office visits, $50 for ER visits) and no coverage for Medicare Part B excess charges. Good for individuals willing to trade some predictability for lower monthly costs.
Options like high-deductible F+ and G+ offer even lower premiums but require you to pay a sizeable out-of-pocket maximum (up to $2,950 in 2026) before full coverage begins.
Each insurer must offer at least Plan A; other offerings vary, with some focusing on the most popular or cost-effective plans. Discontinued plans (E, H, I, J) are no longer available to new enrollees.
If you need a deeper understanding of how Medigap plans function and compare to other options like Medicare Advantage, visit the guide on Medicare Supplement Plans.
NY’s Unique Rules: Year-Round Enrollment & Protections
New York stands out nationally for its consumer protections regarding Medigap plans. Unlike most states, New Yorkers benefit from year-round open enrollment-which means you can enroll in or switch Medigap plans at any time during the year. Insurers cannot deny you coverage or charge more based on age, gender, or health status. This community-rating system ensures fair premium pricing regardless of when you apply or your medical history.
Guaranteed Issue and Protections
- No medical underwriting: Every applicant is accepted regardless of pre-existing conditions or previous coverage lapses.
- Guaranteed renewal: As long as you pay your premium, your Medigap policy cannot be canceled-ever.
- Community-rated premiums: Rates do not increase based on age or health for new applicants, offering substantial peace of mind and stability.
- Wait periods for pre-existing conditions: Although rare due to these rules, there may be up to a six-month waiting period for coverage of pre-existing conditions if you lacked creditable insurance before enrolling. If you had prior continuous coverage, this wait may be shortened or eliminated.
These state-level protections mean New York residents have unmatched flexibility-enrolling, switching, or dropping coverage outside national open enrollment periods. For more information on Medigap’s relationship to Medicare drug coverage, check out the resource on Medicare Part D.
2026 Rates by Region & Insurer
Medigap premiums in New York fluctuate based on plan, insurer, and region (defined by the first three digits of your zip code). In 2026, average rates in New York trend higher than the national median, with significant variance across areas such as Albany, Buffalo, New York City, Long Island, and Westchester.
Monthly Premiums: Plan F+ (High-Deductible)
| Insurer | Albany | Buffalo | Long Island | NYC Proper | Westchester |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bankers Conseco | $60.25 | $52.53 | $75.69 | $75.69 | $60.25/$75.69 |
| EmblemHealth | $71.46/$67.59 | $67.43 | $74.00 | $74.00 | $67.59/$71.46 |
| Excellus BCBS/Univera | $78.43 | $78.43 | $78.43 | $78.43 | $78.43 |
| Globe Life | $91.00 | $91.00 | $109.00 | $109.00/$122.00 | $109.00 |
| Humana | $81.27 | $81.27 | $118.44 | $118.44 | $118.44 |
Monthly Premiums: Plan G (Most Popular Option)
| Insurer | Albany | Buffalo | Long Island | NYC Proper | Westchester |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Aetna | $305.19 | $264.80/$293.07 | $406.26 | $406.26 | $406.26 |
| Bankers Conseco | $655.48 | $570.28 | $826.24 | $826.24 | $655.48/$826.24 |
| EmblemHealth | $349.97/$331.03 | $330.22 | $362.40 | $362.40 | $331.03/$349.97 |
| Excellus BCBS/Univera | $428.99 | $428.99 | $428.99 | $428.99 | $428.99 |
| Globe Life | $305.00 | $305.00 | $366.00 | $366.00/$410.00 | $366.00 |
| Humana | $441.28 | $441.28 | $647.27 | $647.27 | $647.27 |
| Mutual of Omaha | $384.02/$405.98 | $384.02/$405.98 | $511.36 | $511.36 | $405.98/$511.36 |
| UnitedHealthcare (AARP) | $300.50/$294.75 | $300.50 | $326.75 | $326.75 | $294.75/$326.75 |
High-Deductible Plan G+ Rates
Rates for high-deductible Plan G+ are appealing for those who rarely use medical care and prioritize a low premium. For example, Bankers Conseco offers $60.25/month in Albany, while Humana’s price is $76.33 for most regions but climbs to $111.19 in Long Island, NYC, and Westchester.
On average, Medigap premiums in New York hover near $354/month-the highest state average in the US. The Part B premium (which all Medigap enrollees must pay) increases to $202.90/month in 2026. It’s crucial to compare not only Medigap premiums but also how they mesh with other costs, such as Medicare Part D for drug coverage and Medicare Advantage alternatives (see a provider list here).
To get a customized quote for your exact zip code, use the NY Department of Financial Services tool or ask for a free, no-obligation consult.
How to Choose & Enroll
- Assess your needs: Decide if you prefer comprehensive coverage (Plan F or G), cost savings in exchange for more out-of-pocket (Plan N), or the lowest possible premiums (high-deductible F+ or G+). Review the standardized benefits chart on NY Medicare Supplement Plans Comparison & Benefits.
- Use NY’s DIY tools: The NY Department of Financial Services offers a county-by-county and insurer rate lookup. Compare real 2026 prices by entering your zip code to focus only on plans and prices that are actually available to you.
- Enroll or switch-anytime: Take advantage of NY’s year-round Medigap enrollment. Apply directly through the insurer’s website, call a licensed agent, or request quotes from several insurers at once. No health questions required; no risk of denial or upcharging for medical issues.
- Consider overall costs and provider networks: Factor premium totals, Part B and other out-of-pocket costs, and coverage for extras like international travel. Don’t overlook potential bundled savings when considering dental, vision, or hearing add-ons, or broader managed care options like Medicare Advantage-see Who Offers Medicare Advantage Plans? 2026 Providers List.
Switching plans is straightforward thanks to NY rules: you can change Medigap insurers or plans at any time, without waiting for open enrollment or facing underwriting. This flexibility can be a financial lifesaver if your health or circumstances change-and makes it easy to pursue better deals as premium filings are released in late 2025 or early 2026.
If you need ongoing care for chronic conditions (like diabetes), check how your Medigap pairs with innovations covered under Medicare, such as Continuous Glucose Monitoring Medicare Coverage 2025.
Top Insurers & Premium Examples
The most prominent Medicare Supplement Insurance Carriers in New York for 2026 include Aetna, EmblemHealth, Excellus BlueCross BlueShield (Univera), Globe Life, Highmark (BCBS WNY/NNY), Humana, Mutual of Omaha, Transamerica, and UnitedHealthcare (AARP). Each has its own strengths in price, brand reputation, or specific regional focus.
Sample Monthly Premiums by Carrier (2026 Estimates)
| Carrier | Popular Plan(s) | Low Monthly Premium (Region) | High Monthly Premium (Region) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Aetna | G, N | $264.80 (Buffalo) | $406.26 (NYC/LI) |
| Bankers Conseco | F+, G+ | $52.53 (Buffalo) | $826.24 (Long Island/NYC) |
| EmblemHealth | G | $330.22 (Buffalo) | $362.40 (NYC/LI) |
| Mutual of Omaha | G, N | $384.02 (Upstate) | $511.36 (LI/NYC) |
| UnitedHealthcare (AARP) | G, N | $294.75 (Westchester) | $326.75 (NYC/LI) |
| Excellus BCBS/Univera | G | $428.99 (Statewide) | $428.99 (Statewide) |
Key Note: High-deductible plans (F+, G+) present the most budget-friendly monthly premiums by far, but require acceptance of a $2,950 annual deductible in 2026 before full Medigap coverage kicks in.
Findings compiled directly from the NY DFS and finalized insurer premium filings for the 2026 cycle. For a step-by-step comparison of all plans, and to narrow down your best options, explore comprehensive resources at NY Medicare Supplement Plans Comparison & Benefits.
