Medicare Supplement Plans in Colorado: A 2025 Guide

Choosing a health plan can feel like you’ve been handed a complex puzzle with no picture on the box. With terms like Part A, Part B, Medigap, and Advantage, it’s easy to feel lost. A Medigap plan, also called a Medicare Supplement, is simply a policy that works with your Original Medicare to pay for out-of-pocket costs. If you’ve typed Colorado Medigap plans 2022 into a search bar hoping for a simple explanation, you’ve come to the right place. Our goal is to give you a straightforward guide to what these plans cover, how much they cost, and how to choose one.

Key Takeaways

Medigap provides predictable costs and doctor choice: A Medigap plan works with Original Medicare to cover out-of-pocket expenses, making your healthcare budget easier to manage. It also gives you the freedom to see any doctor or visit any hospital in the U.S. that accepts Medicare.
Focus on price, not benefits, when comparing plans: All Medigap plans with the same letter offer identical benefits, no matter which company sells them. This allows you to shop based on the monthly premium and the insurance company’s reputation for stable rates.
Your Open Enrollment Period guarantees your acceptance: The best time to buy a plan is during your one-time, six-month Medigap Open Enrollment Period, which starts when you’re 65 and enrolled in Part B. During this window, you have a guaranteed right to buy any plan, regardless of your health history.

How Medigap Works in Colorado

Think of Medigap, also known as Medicare Supplement insurance, as a partner to your Original Medicare plan. It’s designed to help pay for some of the healthcare costs that Medicare Parts A and B don’t cover on their own. When you have a medical bill, Medicare pays its share first, and then your Medigap plan steps in to pay for costs that would otherwise come out of your pocket.

This structure gives many people peace of mind by making their healthcare expenses more predictable. Instead of facing potentially large, unexpected bills for things like hospital stays or doctor visits, you pay a monthly premium for your Medigap plan. Understanding how this partnership works is the first step in deciding if a Medigap plan is the right fit for your health and financial needs in Colorado.

What Does a Medigap Plan Cover?

Original Medicare is a great foundation, but it leaves some “gaps” in coverage that you are responsible for paying. These gaps include deductibles, copayments, and the 20% coinsurance for most services covered under Part B. A Medigap plan helps fill these gaps. For example, a popular option like Medigap Plan G covers nearly all of your out-of-pocket costs once you’ve met the annual Part B deductible. This includes your Part A hospital deductible, coinsurance for hospital and skilled nursing facility stays, and even the 20% you’d typically owe for doctor visits. By covering these expenses, a Medigap plan protects you from high, uncapped medical bills and provides a clearer picture of your yearly healthcare spending.

How Medigap Pairs with Original Medicare

Medigap plans are specifically designed to work alongside Original Medicare (Part A and Part B). You must be enrolled in both Part A and Part B to purchase a Medigap policy. It’s important to know that Medigap plans are supplemental insurance; they don’t replace your Original Medicare. Instead, they pick up costs after Medicare has paid its portion. One of the most critical things to remember is that Medigap plans do not work with Medicare Advantage (Part C) plans. You can have one or the other, but not both. If you have a Medigap plan, you’ll use your red, white, and blue Medicare card first when you get care, and your Medigap plan will handle many of the remaining costs.

Clearing Up Common Medigap Myths

Many people believe Original Medicare covers all their healthcare costs, but this is a common myth. In reality, you’re responsible for deductibles and a 20% coinsurance with no annual limit on what you might have to pay. A Medigap plan is designed to protect you from these potentially high costs. Another myth is that you can sign up for a Medigap plan anytime you want. The best time to enroll is during your six-month Medigap Open Enrollment Period, which starts when you’re 65 and enrolled in Part B. During this window, you have a guaranteed right to buy any plan sold in Colorado, regardless of your health history. Outside of this period, insurance companies can use medical underwriting, which might affect your ability to get a plan or how much it costs.

Compare Colorado Medigap Plans and Benefits

Choosing a Medigap plan can feel like you’re staring at a bowl of alphabet soup. The good news is that you only need to focus on a few popular options to find the right fit. Once you understand how these plans are structured, you can confidently compare costs and find a policy that protects both your health and your budget. Let’s walk through what you need to know to compare plans in Colorado.

A Look at Popular Plans: G, N, and F

In Colorado, most people find that Plan G or Plan N meets their needs perfectly. Think of Plan G as your go-to for comprehensive coverage. Once you pay your annual Medicare Part B deductible, Plan G covers nearly all of your remaining costs, which means fewer surprise bills. If you prefer lower monthly premiums and don’t mind small copayments for some doctor or ER visits, Plan N is an excellent choice. It’s a great fit if you don’t visit the doctor very often. You might also hear about Plan F, but it’s important to know that Plan F and Plan C are no longer available if you became eligible for Medicare after January 1, 2020.

What “Standardized Benefits” Really Means

Here’s a key piece of information that makes shopping for Medigap much simpler: plans are standardized by the federal government. This means the benefits for a specific plan letter are the same, no matter which insurance company you buy it from. A Plan G from one company in Denver offers the exact same medical benefits as a Plan G from another company in Durango. The only real difference between them is the price you pay for your monthly premium. This allows you to shop based on cost and company reputation without worrying that you’re getting a lesser version of the plan.

Side-by-Side Plan Comparison

Because benefits are standardized, your main task is to compare costs. Insurance companies set their own monthly premiums, and prices can vary quite a bit for the same exact plan. The rate you’re offered depends on factors like your age, gender, location, and whether you use tobacco. For example, a 65-year-old non-smoking woman in Fort Collins might find Plan G premiums ranging from $105 to $145 per month. A man of the same age could see quotes from $120 to $165. This is why it’s so important to get quotes from multiple insurance companies before making a decision.

Does Your Plan Cover You While Traveling?

If you have plans to travel the world, this is a question you’ll want to ask. Original Medicare offers very limited coverage outside of the United States. However, several Medigap plans can help fill this gap by providing foreign travel coverage for medical emergencies. Typically, these plans cover 80% of your emergency care costs after you meet a small deductible, up to a lifetime limit of $50,000. For frequent travelers, this benefit can provide invaluable peace of mind, ensuring you’re protected no matter where your adventures take you. Be sure to check the details of the specific plan you’re considering.

How Medigap Premiums Are Calculated

One of the most common questions we hear is, “How much is this going to cost?” It’s a fair question, and the answer isn’t one-size-fits-all. While Medigap plans are standardized by the government—meaning a Plan G from one company is identical to a Plan G from another—the prices are not. Insurance companies set their own monthly premiums. Understanding what goes into that calculation will help you find the right coverage at the best possible price for your budget.

What to Expect for Monthly Premiums

In Colorado, you can generally expect monthly Medigap premiums to fall somewhere between $50 and $210. Think of this as a ballpark range. Your actual cost will depend on the specific plan you choose (for example, Plan G is typically more comprehensive and thus more expensive than Plan N) and several personal factors. This range gives you a starting point for budgeting, but the key is to get personalized quotes. You can explore our guide to Colorado Medicare Supplement plans to see how different options might fit your financial picture and health needs.

What Influences Your Premium Cost?

Insurance companies look at a few key details to determine your specific monthly premium. These factors typically include your age, gender, whether you use tobacco, and your ZIP code. Your age is a primary factor, as healthcare needs often increase over time. Your location matters because healthcare costs can vary significantly from one part of Colorado to another. Answering questions about your health and lifestyle is a standard part of the application process. It helps the insurance company accurately assess risk and set a premium that reflects the coverage you’ll receive, ensuring the plan remains stable for all its members.

How Insurance Companies Set Your Rate

Here’s a crucial point to remember: each insurance company sets its own prices for the exact same lettered plan. This means you could get five different quotes for a Plan G, and all five could have different monthly premiums. Why the difference? Each company uses its own data and financial models to calculate risk and operating costs. Some may have more members in a certain area or a different business strategy. This is why simply picking a plan letter isn’t enough. You have to compare the companies that offer it. This competition is good for you, as it creates an opportunity to find significant savings on your supplemental insurance.

Will Your Rate Increase Over Time?

Yes, it’s very likely that your monthly premium will increase as you get older. Most Medigap plans in Colorado are “attained-age rated,” which means the premium is based on your current age and will go up as you age. These increases are predictable and happen for a few reasons, including your age and general inflation in healthcare costs. While no one likes to see their bills go up, these adjustments are what allow the insurance company to continue paying out claims for all its members. When you’re comparing plans, it’s wise to ask about a company’s history of rate increases to get a sense of how stable their pricing is over the long term.

Smart Ways to Compare Plan Costs

Since all Medigap plans with the same letter offer identical benefits, your primary focus should be comparing monthly premiums. The best strategy is to gather quotes from several different insurance companies for the specific plan you’re interested in, like a Plan G or Plan N. Don’t just jump at the lowest initial price, though. It’s also smart to consider the company’s reputation for customer service and its history of rate increases. A plan that seems cheap today could become expensive with large annual rate hikes. Comparing these factors helps you find a plan that offers true long-term value, ensuring your Medigap plan is worth it for years to come.

When Can You Enroll in a Medigap Plan?

Timing is a critical piece of the puzzle when you’re ready to buy a Medigap plan. While you can apply anytime, one specific window gives you the most power as a consumer. Missing it can make getting a policy harder and more expensive. Understanding these enrollment rules is the best way to ensure you can get the plan you want at the best possible price, regardless of your health history.

Your One-Time Medigap Open Enrollment Window

Think of this as your golden opportunity. The best time to buy a Medigap plan is during your Medigap Open Enrollment Period. This six-month window starts the first day of the month you are 65 or older and enrolled in Medicare Part B. During this protected time, insurance companies must sell you any Medigap plan they offer. They cannot deny you coverage or charge you more because of your health history. This is your one-time chance to get any plan you choose.

Qualifying for a Special Enrollment Period

If you miss your six-month Open Enrollment window, you still have options. In certain situations, you may qualify for a Special Enrollment Period. These are triggered by specific life events, like losing employer health coverage after you’ve enrolled in Medicare. If you find yourself in a qualifying situation, you will be granted guaranteed issue rights to buy a Medigap plan. These situations are very specific, so it’s important to understand if your circumstances grant you this special opportunity.

What Are Guaranteed Issue Rights?

This term may sound technical, but it’s a powerful protection. Having guaranteed issue rights means an insurance company cannot legally refuse to sell you a Medigap policy. You have these rights during your Medigap Open Enrollment Period and during a qualifying Special Enrollment Period. This rule prevents insurers from using medical underwriting, where they examine your health history to decide whether to accept your application or how much to charge. It’s the key that ensures you have fair access to Medigap coverage.

How Pre-existing Conditions Affect Your Options

If you have an ongoing health issue, applying during your Open Enrollment Period is especially important. An insurer cannot deny you a policy because of a pre-existing condition. However, they may enforce a waiting period of up to six months before covering costs related to that specific condition. The good news? If you had at least six months of continuous creditable health coverage before your new policy started, you can often shorten or completely avoid this waiting period.

How to Choose the Right Medigap Plan

Picking the right Medigap plan can feel like a huge decision, but you don’t have to make it in the dark. By breaking it down into a few manageable steps, you can find a plan that fits your health needs and your budget without all the stress. It’s all about knowing what to look for and where to find reliable information. Think of it as a simple checklist: start with your own needs, look at the companies offering the plans, get some expert advice, and use the official tools at your disposal. This approach will help you move forward with confidence and clarity.

Assess Your Personal Health Needs

Before you start comparing plans, take a moment to think about your own situation. Consider how often you visit the doctor, if you have any ongoing health conditions, and what you can comfortably afford for a monthly premium. This personal inventory is your best starting point. Medigap plans are designed to fill the gaps left by Original Medicare, helping to cover costs like Part A hospital deductibles and Part B coinsurance. Some plans even offer coverage for emergency care when you travel outside the U.S. By understanding your potential healthcare usage, you can better match a plan’s benefits to your life.

Research Insurance Company Reputations

Once you have a plan letter in mind, like Plan G or Plan N, the next step is to look at the companies that offer it. In Colorado, the benefits for each plan letter are standardized, meaning a Plan G from one company is the same as a Plan G from another. This allows you to focus on price and company stability. Don’t just look at this year’s premium; a good agent will also consider a company’s history of rate increases. A stable, reputable insurance company is less likely to have sharp, unexpected premium hikes down the road. You can check company ratings and complaint histories through the Colorado Division of Insurance.

Get Help from a Licensed Agent

You don’t have to do all this research alone. Working with an independent insurance agent can make the process much easier. An independent agent isn’t tied to a single insurance company, so they can shop around with many different carriers to find the best fit for you. They do the legwork of comparing prices and company reputations, saving you time and potential headaches. At The Big 65, we offer free, no-pressure consultations to walk you through your options and help you find a plan that truly meets your needs. An experienced agent can be your most valuable resource in making a confident choice.

Use Official Medicare Tools

Medicare provides an excellent online tool to help you get started. You can visit Medicare.gov and use the official Medigap plan finder to see which plans are available in your ZIP code. This is a great way to get a baseline understanding of your options directly from the source. Remember, the best time to buy a Medigap plan is during your six-month Medigap Open Enrollment period. This window starts the month you’re 65 or older and enrolled in Medicare Part B. During this time, you have a guaranteed right to buy any Medigap plan sold in your state, regardless of your health status.

Medigap vs. Other Medicare Options

When you first become eligible for Medicare, you face a fundamental choice in how you receive your health coverage. You can stick with Original Medicare (Part A and Part B) and add supplemental policies to fill the coverage gaps, or you can choose an all-in-one alternative. Medigap plans fall squarely into that first category—they are private insurance policies designed specifically to work alongside Original Medicare, helping you pay for things like copayments and deductibles.

The main alternative is a Medicare Advantage plan (also known as Part C). These plans are offered by private insurance companies and essentially replace your Original Medicare coverage. They bundle your hospital (Part A), medical (Part B), and often prescription drug (Part D) benefits into a single, managed plan. It’s a critical point to understand: you cannot have both a Medigap plan and a Medicare Advantage plan at the same time. You must choose one path. Making this decision can feel big, but it becomes much clearer when you break it down. Understanding the key differences in how these options handle costs, doctor access, and prescription drugs is the first step in deciding which route is the right fit for your health needs and lifestyle.

Medigap vs. Medicare Advantage: Key Differences

The most significant difference is how these plans function. A Medigap plan is extra insurance you buy to help pay for the costs that Original Medicare doesn’t cover, like your deductibles, copayments, and coinsurance. It supplements your Medicare benefits but doesn’t change them. You’ll still use your red, white, and blue Medicare card first when you get care, and then your Medigap plan helps pay the remaining share.

A Medicare Advantage plan, on the other hand, is a complete replacement for Original Medicare. You are still in the Medicare program, but a private company manages your benefits. These plans must cover everything Original Medicare does, but they can have different rules, costs, and restrictions, often requiring you to use a specific network of doctors and hospitals to get the lowest costs.

Do You Still Need a Part D Plan?

Yes, if you have a Medigap plan, you will almost certainly need a separate prescription drug plan. Medigap policies sold to new Medicare beneficiaries do not include coverage for prescription drugs. To get help paying for your medications, you’ll need to enroll in a separate Medicare Part D plan.

This is a major contrast to Medicare Advantage plans, which very often include prescription drug coverage (these are called MA-PD plans). While having to buy a separate Part D plan might seem like an extra hassle, it also gives you the freedom to choose the specific drug plan that best covers your personal list of medications, which can be a significant advantage for many people.

Can You See Any Doctor You Want?

One of the most valued benefits of pairing a Medigap plan with Original Medicare is freedom of choice. You can see any doctor or go to any hospital in the United States as long as they accept Medicare patients. You don’t have to worry about staying “in-network” or getting a referral to see a specialist. This flexibility is a primary reason many people choose this path, especially if they travel frequently within the U.S. or want to ensure they can continue seeing a specific doctor or go to a particular medical center. Medicare Advantage plans typically operate with more restrictive networks, like HMOs or PPOs, where going out-of-network can be costly or not covered at all.

Comparing Costs and Coverage Structures

With Medigap, your costs are predictable. You pay your monthly Part B premium to the government and a separate monthly premium for your Medigap plan to a private insurance company. Once those are paid, your out-of-pocket medical costs are minimal or even zero, depending on the plan you choose.

The cost of a Medigap plan can vary based on your age, location, and the insurance company you select. Even though the benefits of a specific plan letter (like Plan G) are identical across all companies, the monthly premiums can differ quite a bit. This is why it’s so important to compare quotes from several insurers before making a decision. It’s the only way to ensure you aren’t overpaying for the exact same coverage.

How to Apply for and Keep Your Coverage

Getting your Medigap plan in place is a major milestone. Once you’ve found the right fit, the application process is refreshingly straightforward. But your work isn’t quite done after you enroll. Your health needs and financial picture can change over time, and your Medigap plan should be able to keep up. Think of your coverage as a long-term tool that needs a quick check-up every now and then to make sure it’s still doing its job effectively.

Keeping your plan is just as important as choosing it in the first place. This means knowing when to review your coverage, understanding what might trigger a change, and recognizing when it’s time to ask for help. Staying proactive ensures you won’t face surprises down the road, like unexpected rate hikes or finding out your plan is no longer the best value for you. Let’s walk through the simple steps for applying and the key moments to revisit your coverage to keep it working for you.

The Simple Steps to Apply

The absolute best time to buy a Medigap plan is during your Medigap Open Enrollment Period. This is a one-time, six-month window that starts on the first day of the month you are both 65 or older and enrolled in Medicare Part B. Think of this as your golden ticket. During this period, you have the right to buy any Medigap plan sold in Colorado. An insurance company cannot use your health history to deny you a policy or charge you a higher premium. This is why timing is so important—it’s your chance to get the coverage you want without any hurdles.

What Paperwork Will You Need?

When you’re ready to apply, the main thing you’ll need is your Medicare card, which has your Medicare number and your Part A and Part B start dates. The application itself will ask for basic personal information. What’s more important is what you don’t need during your Open Enrollment Period: a perfect bill of health. Because your acceptance is guaranteed during this window, insurance companies are not allowed to ask you health questions or require a medical exam. They must sell you any plan they offer, giving you the freedom to choose based on your needs, not your pre-existing conditions.

Why You Should Review Your Plan Annually

While your Medigap benefits are standardized, the premiums are not. The price you pay for your plan can, and likely will, increase over time. An annual review is a smart way to make sure you aren’t overpaying for the same coverage you could get for less elsewhere. Working with an independent insurance broker is incredibly helpful here. Since they aren’t tied to a single company, they can compare rates from multiple insurers to see if a better deal is available. This yearly check-in gives you peace of mind that your plan is still the most cost-effective option for your budget.

Signs It’s Time to Re-evaluate Your Plan

It’s wise to review your plan every year, but certain events should definitely prompt a closer look. If you receive notice of a significant rate increase, it’s time to shop around. Other signs include major changes to your health or finances. It’s also important to remember that switching plans can be difficult outside of your initial enrollment window. If your health declines, an insurance company can use medical underwriting to charge you more or even deny coverage for a new plan. This makes it crucial to assess your options carefully and regularly, ensuring your plan remains a good fit for the long haul.

Where to Find More Help and Information

Figuring out your Medicare options can feel like a big project, but you don’t have to do it alone. Colorado offers several fantastic, free resources to help you get clear answers and find the right path for your needs. Think of these as your support system for making confident decisions about your health coverage. From state-run programs to official online tools, here are some of the best places to turn for reliable information and personalized guidance.

Colorado’s SHIP Program

One of the most valuable resources available is Colorado’s State Health Insurance Assistance Program (SHIP). This program offers free and, most importantly, unbiased help to anyone on Medicare and their families. The trained counselors aren’t trying to sell you anything; their only job is to help you. You can talk to a SHIP counselor to better understand your Medicare options, get help comparing different plans, or work through any problems you might have with your benefits. It’s a great first call to make when you have questions. For one-on-one assistance, you can reach a counselor directly by calling 888-696-7213.

Using the Official Medicare Plan Finder

When you’re ready to see exactly which plans are available in your area, the best place to start is the official Medicare Plan Finder on the Medicare.gov website. This tool is straightforward and easy to use. All you have to do is enter your ZIP code, and it will generate a list of the Medicare plans offered where you live. From there, you can get a solid overview of your options and begin to compare what each one offers. The tool provides the details you need to contact insurance companies for specific quotes and more information, putting you in control of your research process.

Finding Local Colorado Resources

Sometimes, talking to someone in your community can make all the difference. In addition to the statewide SHIP hotline, there are 17 local offices across Colorado that provide in-person assistance. These offices are staffed with people who can help you sort through the details of Medicare and Medigap plans. Having a local point of contact can be incredibly helpful if you prefer face-to-face conversations or need help with paperwork. You can find more information about these offices and the services they provide by visiting the Colorado Department of Regulatory Agencies (DORA) website.

How to Contact Insurance Companies Directly

While you can always call insurance companies one by one, that can be time-consuming. A more efficient approach is to work with an independent insurance broker. A good broker works with multiple insurance companies, not just one, so they can give you a broader view of the market. This strategy allows you to compare different plans and prices all in one place. A broker can offer insights based on your specific health needs and budget, ensuring the advice you receive is tailored to you. It’s a practical way to get expert guidance and find a plan that truly fits your life.

Frequently Asked Questions

If all plans with the same letter are identical, why not just pick the cheapest one? That’s a great question, and it’s smart to be price-conscious. While it’s true that a Plan G from one company has the exact same medical benefits as a Plan G from another, the initial low price doesn’t tell the whole story. You should also consider the company’s financial stability and its history of rate increases. A plan that seems like a bargain today could become expensive if the company implements steep rate hikes year after year. It’s often better to choose a stable, reputable company with a history of moderate increases, even if its initial premium is slightly higher.

I’m over 65 and missed my initial enrollment window. Can I still get a Medigap plan? Yes, you can still apply for a Medigap plan, but the rules are different. Your six-month Medigap Open Enrollment Period is the only time when companies are required to sell you a plan without considering your health history. If you apply outside of that window, they can use medical underwriting. This means they will ask you health questions and can charge you more—or even deny your application—based on your answers. There are some special circumstances that grant you another chance to enroll, but for most people, applying later means you are no longer guaranteed acceptance.

What’s the main reason to choose Medigap over a Medicare Advantage plan? The decision really comes down to what you value most: freedom of choice or a bundled plan. The biggest advantage of pairing a Medigap plan with Original Medicare is the freedom to see any doctor or visit any hospital in the U.S. that accepts Medicare, without needing a referral. Your costs are also highly predictable. Medicare Advantage plans, on the other hand, bundle your benefits into one plan, often with a lower premium, but typically require you to use a specific network of doctors and hospitals to keep costs down.

Does my Medigap plan cover my prescription drugs? No, it does not. Medigap plans sold to new Medicare beneficiaries are designed to help pay for your hospital and medical costs, 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 Prescription Drug Plan. While this is an extra step, it allows you to choose the specific Part D plan that best covers your personal list of medications.

Will my premium go up every year, and is there anything I can do about it? You should expect your Medigap premium to increase over time. Most plans in Colorado are priced based on your current age, so your rate will go up as you get older. General inflation in healthcare costs also plays a role. While you can’t stop the increases, you can be proactive. The best thing to do is review your plan annually. An independent agent can compare your plan’s new rate against what other companies are offering for the exact same coverage, helping you switch to a more affordable option if one is available.