Medicare • Medigap • 2026
Medicare Supplement Plans (Medigap) — 2026 Comparison Guide
Medicare Supplement (Medigap) plans help pay the gaps in Original Medicare. The right Medigap plan can reduce or virtually eliminate bills from Part A and Part B—while letting you see any provider that accepts Medicare. We compare Plan G, Plan N and other standardized Medigap options and show how they pair with a standalone Part D drug plan, so you can choose a simple, predictable way to handle 2026 healthcare costs.
Medicare Supplement coverage snapshot
Medigap plans are standardized by letter in most states (A, B, D, G, K, L, M, N). The chart below focuses on the most popular options used with 2026 Original Medicare.
| Plan | Key features | Who it may fit |
|---|---|---|
| Plan G | After you pay the Part B deductible, Plan G generally picks up nearly all approved Part A & B costs for the rest of the year. | Beneficiaries who want very predictable bills and are comfortable paying the Part B deductible out of pocket. |
| Plan N | Similar to Plan G but with small office visit copays and potential ER copay; may not cover certain Part B excess charges. | Those who want strong coverage with a lower monthly premium and don’t mind modest copays when they use care. |
| High-deductible Plan G (where available) | Lower monthly premium in exchange for a higher annual deductible before benefits fully kick in. | Healthy beneficiaries who want a safety net for big claims but can handle more upfront risk. |
| Plans K & L | Pay a percentage of costs until you reach an annual out-of-pocket limit. | People who want lower premiums, are comfortable sharing more of costs, and like the idea of an annual cap. |
You’ll generally pair any Medigap plan with a standalone Part D prescription drug plan and can add standalone dental/vision coverage if desired.
What affects your Medicare Supplement premium
| Factor | How it impacts premium | Planning tip |
|---|---|---|
| Age & rating method | Issue-age, attained-age, or community rating can all change how your premium moves over time. | Ask how the company sets rates today and how they typically increase with age or inflation. |
| Location | County and state influence costs due to local healthcare pricing and competition. | We compare multiple Medigap carriers in your ZIP code instead of only one brand. |
| Gender & tobacco use | Some carriers price differently based on gender and tobacco status. | Non-tobacco discounts and household discounts may be available—worth asking about. |
| Enrollment timing | Buying during your Medigap Open Enrollment Period usually means no health questions. | Whenever possible, enroll when you first become eligible to access the broadest set of options. |
| Household discounts & carriers | Some insurers offer discounts if more than one person in the home has a policy with them. | We’ll quote multiple carriers and apply any available household or EFT discounts. |
Enrollment timing & guaranteed issue opportunities
- Medigap Open Enrollment Period: Starts when you’re both 65 or older and enrolled in Part B. Lasts six months. You typically have the broadest choice with fewer health questions.
- Guaranteed issue events: Certain moves, plan terminations, or losing other coverage can create windows where some Medigap plans must accept you.
- Underwritten applications: Outside special windows, carriers may review your health history and can decline or rate up.
- Switching plans: You can apply to move from one Medigap plan or carrier to another, but underwriting rules may apply depending on your state and situation.
We’ll walk through your specific timing—initial eligibility, any guaranteed issue rights, and what underwriting could look like if you change plans later.
Medicare Supplement vs Medicare Advantage
| Feature | Medigap + Part D | Medicare Advantage (Part C) |
|---|---|---|
| Provider choice | Any provider that accepts Medicare, nationwide. | Usually network-based (HMO/PPO) with specific service areas. |
| Referrals & networks | No network referrals; Medicare rules apply. | May require referrals or prior authorization for some services. |
| Out-of-pocket predictability | Often fewer surprise bills once premiums are set, especially with Plan G. | Copays and coinsurance can vary by service, with an annual maximum out-of-pocket. |
| Extras (dental/vision, etc.) | Typically added via separate plans (dental, vision, hearing). | Many MA plans include extra benefits; details vary by plan. |
| Travel | Generally strong coverage anywhere in the U.S. that accepts Medicare. | Emergency coverage when traveling, but routine care may be tied to network. |
We don’t “push” one path. We’ll walk through your doctors, prescriptions, and travel habits to decide whether Medigap, Medicare Advantage, or a combination of options best fits your situation.
Medicare Supplement (Medigap) — FAQs
Do Medicare Supplement plans replace Original Medicare?
No. Medigap plans work with Original Medicare. You stay enrolled in Parts A and B, and the Medigap plan helps pay some of the costs that Medicare doesn’t cover.
What’s the difference between Plan G and Plan N?
Plan G usually has higher premiums but fewer bills when you use care after the Part B deductible. Plan N often has a lower premium but adds small copays for certain doctor and ER visits and may not cover some Part B excess charges.
Can I change Medigap plans later?
Sometimes. In many cases you may need to answer health questions after your first enrollment window. We’ll review your options, including any state-specific rules that may make switching easier.
Do Medicare Supplement plans include Part D prescription coverage?
No. Medigap plans do not include Part D. You’ll generally enroll in a separate Part D plan to cover prescriptions.
Where can I get official Medicare information?
For official information on Medicare, visit Medicare.gov or call 1-800-MEDICARE (1-800-633-4227) TTY users can call 1-877-486-2048.
Important: Blake Insurance Group LLC is not connected with or endorsed by the U.S. government or the federal Medicare program. We offer plans from multiple insurance companies. Plan availability, premiums, and benefits vary by carrier and location. This information is not a complete description of benefits. For more details, visit Medicare.gov or call 1-800-MEDICARE. Calling the number listed on this page will connect you with a licensed insurance agent. Licensed insurance producer (NPN 16944666).
