Choosing a Medigap provider is a bit like buying a new car. Two different models might have the same engine and features, but the manufacturer’s reputation for reliability and service makes all the difference in your long-term satisfaction. The same is true for Medigap. A Plan N is a Plan N no matter who sells it, but the company behind the policy determines your experience. You want a provider that is financially stable, has a history of fair rate increases, and will be there to answer your questions when you need them. We’ve spent years helping people with this decision, and we’ve identified the best medigap insurance companies that consistently stand out for their service, stability, and value.
Key Takeaways
- Enroll during your Open Enrollment Period for the best rates: This one-time, six-month window guarantees you can get any Medigap plan without being denied or charged more for pre-existing health conditions. Missing it can make coverage more expensive or harder to get later.
- Compare companies, not just plan letters: A Plan G is a Plan G everywhere, but the monthly premium, rate increase history, and customer service can vary widely between insurers. Shopping around is the key to finding the best long-term value.
- Match the right plan to your lifestyle: Your choice often comes down to a few popular options. Plan G offers comprehensive coverage for predictable costs, while Plan N is a great fit if you prefer a lower monthly premium and are comfortable with small copays.
What Is Medigap and How Does It Work?
Navigating Medicare can feel like learning a new language, but understanding your options doesn’t have to be complicated. If you’ve chosen Original Medicare (Part A and Part B), you might notice it doesn’t cover everything. That’s where Medigap comes in. Think of it as a partner to your Original Medicare plan, designed to help with some of the costs that Medicare doesn’t pay. It helps create more predictable healthcare expenses, which can be a huge relief when you’re managing a budget in retirement. Let’s break down exactly what these plans are and how they can work for you.
What Are Medicare Supplement Plans?
Medicare Supplement Insurance, often called Medigap, is extra insurance you can buy from a private company. Its job is to help pay for some of the out-of-pocket costs that Original Medicare doesn’t cover. These “gaps” in coverage can include things like your Part A hospital deductible, your Part B deductible, and the 20% coinsurance you typically owe for doctor visits and other outpatient services. By covering these expenses, a Medigap plan can significantly lower the amount you have to pay for your medical care. It’s a straightforward way to make your healthcare costs more predictable from month to month.
How Medigap Works with Original Medicare
Medigap policies are designed to seamlessly fill in gaps in coverage left by Original Medicare. Here’s a simple example: Medicare Part B generally covers 80% of your outpatient medical costs. Without a Medigap plan, you’re responsible for the remaining 20%. With a Medigap plan, the policy pays that 20% for you. The plans are standardized and named by letters (like Plan G or Plan N). This means that a Plan G from one company offers the exact same basic benefits as a Plan G from another. The main differences you’ll find between companies are the monthly premium, customer service quality, and rate increase history. This standardization makes it easier to compare plans based on cost and company reputation.
When to Enroll in a Medigap Plan
Timing is everything when it comes to buying a Medigap policy. The best time to enroll is during your six-month Medigap Open Enrollment Period. This one-time window starts on the first day of the month you are both 65 or older and enrolled in Medicare Part B. During this period, insurance companies are required to sell you any Medigap policy they offer, regardless of your health history. They can’t charge you a higher premium or deny you coverage because of pre-existing conditions. If you miss this enrollment period, you might not be able to buy a policy later, or it could cost you much more. That’s why understanding your personal Medigap enrollment period is one of the most important steps in your Medicare journey.
Who Are the Best Medigap Insurance Companies?
One of the most common questions I hear is, “Does it matter which company I buy my Medigap plan from?” The answer is a resounding yes. While the government standardizes Medigap plans—meaning a Plan G from one company has the exact same basic benefits as a Plan G from another—the companies themselves are very different. The price you pay, the quality of customer service you receive, and how much your premiums increase over time can vary dramatically from one insurer to the next.
Choosing the right company is just as important as choosing the right plan. You want a provider that is financially stable, has a history of fair rate increases, and will be there to answer your questions when you need them. Think of it like buying a car. Two cars might have the same engine and features, but the manufacturer’s reputation for reliability and service makes all the difference. We’ve spent years helping people with this decision, and we’ve identified a handful of companies that consistently stand out for their service, stability, and value.
Our Top-Rated Medigap Providers
When you start shopping for a Medigap plan, the number of options can feel overwhelming. To help you cut through the noise, we’ve put together a list of providers that have earned a strong reputation in the industry. We selected these companies based on their financial strength, customer satisfaction ratings, plan availability, and overall value. This isn’t an exhaustive list, but it’s a fantastic starting point for finding a reliable company you can count on for your healthcare coverage. Let’s take a look at some of the names you’ll likely come across in your search.
AARP/UnitedHealthcare
AARP/UnitedHealthcare is one of the biggest and most recognized names in the Medigap world, and for good reason. They are often considered the best overall Medigap provider because they offer a wide variety of plans in all 50 states. This nationwide availability makes them a dependable choice no matter where you live. What truly sets them apart is their consistently low number of customer complaints. For seniors who want a stable, reliable company with a vast network, AARP/UnitedHealthcare is an excellent and trustworthy option to consider for your Medigap coverage.
Mutual of Omaha
If you’re looking for ways to save on your premiums, Mutual of Omaha should be on your radar. They are well-known for offering excellent premium discounts, which can make their plans very affordable. One of their most popular perks is a household discount that can save you up to 12% if you live with your spouse or another adult—even if they don’t have a plan with Mutual of Omaha. With a strong reputation and a history of very few customer complaints, they represent a great blend of value and reliable service for budget-conscious seniors.
Blue Cross Blue Shield
Blue Cross Blue Shield (BCBS) is a household name, and its strength lies in its local presence. BCBS is actually a federation of 34 separate, locally operated companies, so you’ll be working with a plan specific to your state. This is a huge plus for people who prefer a local company with deep roots in their community and a strong, trusted reputation. Doctors and hospitals widely accept BCBS plans across the country, and the company is known for providing good claims support, making it a solid choice for anyone who values local service and reliability.
Humana
For those who are comfortable managing their healthcare online, Humana is a fantastic option. They are praised for their user-friendly website and straightforward online signup process, which makes getting started simple and stress-free. A major advantage of choosing Humana is the ability to add dental, vision, or hearing coverage to your plan, allowing you to bundle your benefits with one company. Available in most states, Humana is a great fit for seniors who want comprehensive coverage with the convenience of modern, accessible online tools to manage their plan.
Cigna Healthcare
Cigna stands out for its commitment to member satisfaction and has earned a reputation for excellent customer service. If you value being able to easily reach a helpful representative when you have a question, Cigna is a company worth considering. Beyond great service, they also offer valuable wellness benefits and other health perks that go beyond standard Medigap coverage. These extras make Cigna an attractive choice for seniors who are not only looking for solid medical coverage but also want a partner in their overall health and well-being.
How to Choose the Right Medigap Company
Since Medigap plans are standardized, you might think it doesn’t matter which insurance company you choose. But the company behind the plan is just as important as the plan itself. You’ll want a provider that is reliable, easy to work with, and offers competitive, stable pricing. When you’re comparing your options, keep these four key factors in mind to find a company you can count on for years to come.
Check for Financial Stability
Think of financial stability as a company’s health report. You want to choose an insurer that is financially strong and can reliably pay your claims now and in the future. The easiest way to check this is by looking at their ratings from independent agencies like A.M. Best, Moody’s, or Standard & Poor’s. These firms specialize in evaluating the financial strength of insurance companies. A high rating, like an “A” from A.M. Best, is a good indicator that the company has a solid financial foundation and is likely to meet its obligations to you as a policyholder.
Review Customer Service Ratings
When you have a question about a claim or need help with your policy, you want to talk to a person who is helpful and efficient, not get stuck in a frustrating phone tree. That’s why checking customer service ratings is so important. You can get a sense of a company’s reputation by looking at its profile on the Better Business Bureau (BBB) website. A high number of unresolved complaints can be a red flag, signaling that you might face headaches down the road. Reading reviews can give you a real-world picture of what it’s like to be a customer.
Confirm Plan Availability in Your Area
This may sound obvious, but it’s a crucial step. Not every company offers every Medigap plan in every state or even every county. You might find a company with stellar ratings and great prices, but it won’t do you any good if they don’t offer the specific plan you need where you live. Before you get too far into your research on a particular company, make sure to confirm that they provide coverage in your ZIP code. Most company websites have a tool where you can enter your location to see which plans are available to you.
Compare Premium Costs and Rate Histories
While Plan G is Plan G no matter who sells it, the price you pay can vary significantly from one company to another. It’s always smart to compare premium quotes for the same plan across several insurers. But don’t stop at the initial price. You should also ask about the company’s rate increase history. Some companies attract new customers with low introductory rates, only to implement steep price hikes later on. A company with a history of stable, predictable rate increases is often a better long-term choice for your budget.
Finding the Right Medigap Plan for You
Once you’ve picked a company, the next step is choosing a specific plan. This part can feel tricky with all the different letters, but there’s a key piece of information that makes it much simpler: Medigap plans are standardized. This is a rule set by the federal government, and it means that a Plan G from one company must offer the exact same basic benefits as a Plan G from another. The only things that will differ between companies are the monthly premium and their customer service reputation.
This standardization is great news for you. It means you can focus on finding the plan letter that best matches your health needs and budget, without getting bogged down in confusing benefit variations between insurers. You can confidently compare apples to apples. While there are up to 10 different plans available in most states (labeled A through N), most people find that their needs are met by one of a few popular options. These plans have become favorites because they strike a great balance between comprehensive coverage and manageable costs. Let’s look at the plans that consistently offer the best value to help you find the right fit for your life.
Plan G: The Go-To for Comprehensive Coverage
Medigap Plan G has become one of the most popular choices for new Medicare members, and for good reason. It offers very comprehensive coverage, picking up the tab for nearly all of your out-of-pocket costs that Original Medicare doesn’t cover. This includes your Part A deductible, coinsurance for hospital stays, and skilled nursing facility care. The only significant cost you’re responsible for is the annual Part B deductible. Once you’ve paid that, Plan G covers the rest. It also covers Part B “excess charges,” which can happen if a doctor charges more than the Medicare-approved amount. This makes Plan G a fantastic option if you want predictable healthcare costs and minimal surprise bills.
Plan N: A Lower-Premium Option with Small Copays
If you’re looking for a balance between solid coverage and a lower monthly premium, Plan N is worth considering. It provides much of the same coverage as Plan G but asks you to share a small portion of the costs. In exchange for a lower premium, you’ll pay a copay of up to $20 for some doctor’s office visits and up to $50 for emergency room visits (if you aren’t admitted to the hospital). It’s important to know that Plan N does not cover Part B excess charges. For many people, these predictable copays are a worthwhile trade-off for the monthly savings, especially if they don’t visit the doctor frequently.
Plan F: Grandfathered Coverage for Those Eligible
You may have heard about Plan F, as it was once the most comprehensive plan available. However, federal law changed how Medigap plans work. If you became eligible for Medicare on or after January 1, 2020, you can no longer purchase Plan F. For those who were eligible for Medicare before that date, Plan F may still be an option. It’s known for its first-dollar coverage, meaning it covers both the Part A and Part B deductibles. While this comprehensive coverage is appealing, it often comes with a higher premium. If you are eligible, it’s still wise to compare its cost against other options like Plan G.
High-Deductible Plans: A Lower-Cost Alternative
For those who are generally healthy and want to keep their monthly premiums as low as possible, a high-deductible plan might be the perfect solution. Both Plan G and Plan F are available in high-deductible versions. With these plans, you agree to pay all of your Medicare-related costs out-of-pocket up to a certain amount, which is the plan’s deductible. After you meet that deductible, the plan kicks in and provides comprehensive coverage for the rest of the year. This approach gives you a safety net against catastrophic costs while you enjoy significant savings on your monthly premiums, making it a smart financial choice for many.
Medigap vs. Medicare Advantage: What’s the Difference?
When you first enroll in Original Medicare (Part A and Part B), you reach a fork in the road. You have to decide how you’ll handle the costs that Medicare doesn’t cover, and this is where two main paths emerge: Medigap and Medicare Advantage. Understanding the fundamental difference between them is the first step to making a confident choice for your healthcare.
Think of it this way: Medigap plans work with Original Medicare. They are supplemental policies sold by private companies that help pay for your share of the costs, like deductibles and coinsurance. You keep Original Medicare as your primary coverage, and your Medigap plan acts as a reliable partner to fill in the financial gaps.
Medicare Advantage plans, on the other hand, are an alternative to Original Medicare. Also known as Part C, these are bundled plans from private insurers that replace your Original Medicare coverage. They must provide at least the same level of coverage as Part A and Part B, but they do so with different rules, costs, and restrictions. Many also include extra benefits like prescription drug, dental, and vision coverage. You’re essentially choosing to receive your Medicare benefits through a private plan instead of the federal government.
How Coverage and Provider Networks Compare
One of the biggest distinctions between these two options is your freedom to choose doctors and hospitals. Because a Medigap plan supplements Original Medicare, you can see any doctor or specialist in the U.S. who accepts Medicare. There are no restrictive networks to worry about, which is a major plus if you travel frequently or have specific doctors you want to continue seeing.
Medicare Advantage plans operate more like the employer-sponsored health insurance you may be used to. Most plans have a local or regional provider network, such as an HMO or PPO. To keep your costs down, you’ll generally need to use doctors, hospitals, and specialists within that network. While these plans often bundle extra benefits like dental and vision, you trade the broad access of Original Medicare for the managed care structure of a private plan.
A Look at Costs and Out-of-Pocket Limits
Your monthly budget and tolerance for unpredictable expenses will play a big role in this decision. With a Medigap plan, you pay a separate monthly premium to the insurance company in addition to your Medicare Part B premium. In exchange, your Medigap policy covers most of your remaining healthcare costs. For example, if Medicare Part B covers 80% of a doctor’s visit, your Medigap plan pays the other 20%. This makes your out-of-pocket spending highly predictable.
Medicare Advantage plans often have low or even $0 monthly premiums (though you must still pay your Part B premium). However, you’ll pay copayments and coinsurance as you use services. These plans have an annual out-of-pocket maximum, which protects you from catastrophic costs. But your year-to-year expenses can vary depending on how much care you need, making your healthcare budget less predictable than with a Medigap plan.
Deciding Which Option Fits Your Life
Choosing between Medigap and Medicare Advantage is a personal decision that depends on your health, finances, and lifestyle. If you value freedom of choice and predictable costs, a Medigap plan might be the right fit. You’ll pay a higher monthly premium, but you’ll have peace of mind knowing you can see any Medicare doctor and face minimal out-of-pocket bills.
If you’re healthy, don’t mind using a provider network, and want a lower monthly premium with bundled benefits, a Medicare Advantage plan could be a good option. It’s important to remember that your initial enrollment window is the best time to buy a Medigap plan. Later on, insurers can use medical underwriting to deny you coverage or charge more based on your health. Thinking through these trade-offs now will help you find the path that works for you.
Common Medigap Myths, Debunked
Medicare can feel like a puzzle, and with so much information out there, it’s easy to get things mixed up. Medigap plans, in particular, are surrounded by a lot of confusion. Let’s clear the air and tackle some of the most common myths you might have heard. Understanding the facts will help you make a confident choice for your healthcare coverage. Getting these details right is key to finding a plan that truly works for you and your budget, without any surprises down the road.
Myth: All Medigap Plans Are the Same
This is a classic case of “almost, but not quite.” It’s true that Medigap plans are standardized by the government. This means a Plan G from one company offers the exact same basic benefits as a Plan G from another. That standardization is helpful because it allows you to compare apples to apples on coverage.
However, the insurance companies that sell these plans are all different. The biggest difference you’ll see is the price. Premiums for the same exact plan can vary significantly from one insurer to the next. You’ll also find differences in customer service quality and rate increase histories. So, while the coverage is the same, the company you choose matters a great deal for your wallet and your peace of mind.
Myth: You Can Enroll Whenever You Want
This is one of the most critical misunderstandings about Medigap. While you technically can apply for a plan at any time, there’s a special window you don’t want to miss: your Medigap Open Enrollment Period. This six-month period starts on the first day of the month you’re both 65 or older and enrolled in Medicare Part B.
During this time, insurance companies cannot use medical underwriting. That means they can’t deny you coverage or charge you more based on your health history. If you miss this window and try to enroll later, you could be denied coverage or face much higher premiums. Timing your enrollment correctly is the single best way to secure your plan at the best possible rate.
Myth: Medigap Covers Everything
Medigap plans are fantastic for filling the cost-sharing “gaps” in Original Medicare, like deductibles and coinsurance. But they are not designed to be all-inclusive health insurance. A common misconception is that they cover services that Original Medicare doesn’t, but that’s not the case.
For example, Medigap policies do not cover long-term care, vision, or dental services. Most importantly, they do not include prescription drug coverage. To get your medications covered, you will need to enroll in a separate Medicare Part D plan. Understanding these limitations helps you build a complete coverage package that addresses all of your health needs.
Myth: Medigap and Medicare Advantage Are the Same Thing
It’s easy to confuse these two, but they work in fundamentally different ways. A Medigap plan is supplemental insurance that works with Original Medicare (Part A and Part B). You keep Original Medicare as your primary coverage, and Medigap helps pay your share of the costs.
A Medicare Advantage plan, also known as Part C, is an alternative way to get your Medicare benefits. It replaces Original Medicare. These plans are offered by private insurance companies and often bundle hospital, medical, and drug coverage into one plan, usually with network restrictions. They are primary insurance plans, not supplemental ones.
How Can You Save Money on Medigap?
Finding the right Medigap plan is about more than just coverage—it’s also about finding a price that fits your budget. While the benefits for each plan letter (like Plan G or Plan N) are standardized by the government, the monthly premiums are not. This means two different companies can charge completely different prices for the exact same Plan G. This is actually good news for you, because it means you have the power to save money by being a savvy shopper. A little bit of research can lead to significant savings on your monthly premiums without sacrificing the quality of your coverage. Let’s walk through a few key ways you can find the most affordable Medigap policy for your needs.
Compare Premiums from Different Companies
The single most effective way to save money on Medigap is to compare quotes from multiple insurance companies. Because all plans of the same letter offer identical basic benefits, you don’t need to worry that a lower-priced Plan N from one carrier is “worse” than a more expensive Plan N from another. The only difference is the price you pay and the company’s customer service and reputation. As one Medicare guide notes, prices can vary a lot between companies for the same plan. Don’t just get one quote and call it a day. By shopping around, you can see which insurer offers the most competitive rate in your area, potentially saving you hundreds of dollars a year.
Understand How Premiums Are Priced
When you see a low premium, it’s tempting to sign up immediately. However, it’s important to understand how that premium might change over time. Insurance companies use different methods to set their prices, which affects how much your rate will increase as you get older. Some policies have low starting prices that jump up significantly later on. A better approach is to look for companies that have a history of steady, predictable price increases. This shows stability and suggests your premium won’t suddenly become unaffordable in a few years. A slightly higher premium today from a stable company might save you more money in the long run.
Look for State-Specific Discounts
An often-overlooked way to save is by asking about available discounts. Many insurance companies offer a household discount if you and your spouse or partner both enroll in a Medigap plan with them. This can often save you anywhere from 5% to 12% on your monthly premiums. Some companies may also offer discounts for paying annually or for setting up automatic bank withdrawals. These discounts aren’t available from every company or in every state, so it’s always worth asking your insurance agent what you might qualify for. It’s a simple question that could lead to easy, consistent savings.
Time Your Enrollment to Get the Best Rate
Timing is everything when it comes to getting the best price for Medigap. The best time to buy a policy is during your one-time, six-month Medigap Open Enrollment Period. This window starts on the first day of the month you are both 65 or older and enrolled in Medicare Part B. During this period, insurance companies cannot use medical underwriting to decide what to charge you. This means they can’t deny you coverage or charge you a higher premium because of pre-existing health conditions. As Kiplinger explains, this is your golden ticket to any plan you want. If you miss this window, you may face higher costs or even be denied coverage altogether.
Putting It All Together: Choose Your Medigap Plan
Choosing a Medigap plan is the final piece of the puzzle. It all comes down to matching a plan to your personal needs. By looking closely at your health, your budget, and your future, you can find a policy that offers both security and peace of mind. Let’s walk through the three key areas to consider so you can make a confident choice.
Assess Your Current and Future Health Needs
First, take a moment to think about your health. Are you generally healthy and only visit the doctor for annual check-ups? Or do you have chronic conditions that require regular specialist visits and treatments? The best Medigap plan for you depends on how much medical care you expect to need. Plans with more comprehensive coverage, like Plan G, often come with higher monthly premiums but leave you with very few out-of-pocket costs. If you’re in excellent health, a plan with a lower premium, like Plan N, might be more appealing. It’s also wise to consider your family’s health history to anticipate potential future needs.
Align a Plan with Your Budget
Your budget is a major factor in this decision. While it’s tempting to simply choose the plan with the lowest monthly premium, it’s important to look at the bigger picture. Insurance companies can price the exact same Medigap plan differently, so you should always compare quotes from several providers. Pay attention to a company’s rate history, too. Some insurers attract customers with low introductory rates, only to implement significant price increases later on. A company with a history of steady, predictable rate increases is often a more stable choice for your long-term financial health.
Plan Ahead for Healthcare Costs
Finally, it’s crucial to understand what Medigap does and doesn’t cover. These policies won’t pay for everything, like long-term care or prescription drugs—you’ll still need a separate Part D plan for medications. Timing is also critical. Your six-month Medigap Open Enrollment Period is your golden ticket. During this time, which starts when you’re 65 and enrolled in Part B, companies cannot deny you coverage or charge more due to pre-existing health conditions. Missing this window can make it much harder and more expensive to get a policy later.
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Frequently Asked Questions
If all plans with the same letter are identical, why does the company I choose matter? While it’s true that a Plan G from one company has the same basic medical benefits as a Plan G from another, the companies themselves are very different. The price you pay for that plan can vary dramatically, as can the quality of their customer service. It’s also important to look at their history of rate increases. Choosing a financially stable company with a reputation for fair pricing is just as crucial as picking the right plan letter.
Do I still need to buy a prescription drug plan if I have Medigap? Yes, you absolutely do. Medigap policies are designed to help with the costs that Original Medicare doesn’t cover, like deductibles and coinsurance, but they do not include prescription drug coverage. To get help paying for your medications, you will need to enroll in a separate, standalone Medicare Part D plan.
What happens if I miss my Medigap Open Enrollment Period? Your six-month Medigap Open Enrollment Period is a one-time opportunity. During this window, you have a guaranteed right to buy any Medigap policy sold in your state, regardless of your health. If you apply for a plan after this period ends, insurance companies can require you to answer health questions and may charge you a higher premium or deny you coverage altogether based on your medical history.
Can I switch my Medigap plan to a different one later on? You can apply to switch plans at any time, but it’s not always a simple process. Unless you have a special circumstance, you will likely have to go through medical underwriting to get approved for a new plan. This means the insurance company can review your health history and decide whether to accept your application. This is why making a careful, informed choice during your initial enrollment period is so important.
Which Medigap plan is the most popular? For new Medicare members, Plan G is by far the most popular choice. It offers the most comprehensive coverage you can buy, taking care of nearly all your out-of-pocket costs after you meet the annual Part B deductible. Plan N is another excellent option that is gaining popularity for people who want a lower monthly premium and are comfortable with small copays for doctor and emergency room visits.