Medicare Supplement premiums vary widely by plan, location, and age, but you can expect to pay anywhere from $100 to $300+ per month depending on which plan you choose and your state
A Medicare Supplement (also called Medigap) plan covers costs that Original Medicare leaves behind — copayments, coinsurance, and deductibles. The price you pay each month depends on three main things: which of the ten standardized plans you pick, where you live, and how old you are when you first enroll. There is no single "Medicare Supplement cost" because the same plan costs different amounts in different states and with different insurance companies.
The ten plans are labeled A through N, and each one covers a different set of gaps in Original Medicare. Plan A is the least expensive but covers fewer costs. Plan G and Plan N are popular middle-ground choices. Plan F (the most comprehensive) is no longer sold to people new to Medicare, though those who had it before 2020 can keep it. The plan you choose will be your biggest cost driver — Plan A might run $120 a month while Plan G might run $180 in the same state.
Key Takeaways
- Medicare Supplement premiums typically range from $100 to $300+ per month, but the exact amount depends on your plan choice, your state, and your age.
- The ten standardized plans (A through N) all cover different combinations of Medicare's gaps, and choosing a less comprehensive plan lowers your monthly cost.
- Insurance companies in your state set their own prices for the same plan, so comparing quotes from multiple carriers can save you $50 or more per month.
- Your age when you first enroll affects your rate — enrolling during your initial enrollment window (the six months after you turn 65 or go on Medicare Part B) usually locks in lower rates than enrolling later.
How age affects what you pay
Most insurance companies use one of three pricing methods: attained age, issue age, or community rating. Under attained age pricing (the most common), your premium goes up every year as you get older. Under issue age pricing, your rate is set based on your age when you first buy the plan, and it stays tied to that age even as you get older — though it still rises each year for inflation and other reasons. Under community rating, everyone in your state pays the same premium regardless of age.
The timing of your enrollment matters more than you might think. If you enroll during your initial enrollment window — the six-month period that starts the month you turn 65 or the month you first become may be able to access for Medicare Part B — you have may provide issue rights. That means insurance companies cannot turn you down or charge you more based on your health. If you wait and enroll later, some companies can charge you a higher rate or deny you coverage altogether, depending on your state's rules.
What different plans cost in practice
Plan A is usually the cheapest option. In many states, you might find Plan A for $100 to $150 per month. It covers Part A coinsurance and hospital costs, Part B coinsurance, and blood transfusions, but it does not cover the Part B deductible (which is $240 in 2024, though this amount changes yearly).
Plan G is one of the most popular choices because it covers nearly everything except the Part B deductible. Plan G typically costs $160 to $250 per month depending on your state and age. Plan N is similar but slightly cheaper — usually $130 to $200 per month — because it leaves you responsible for some copayments at the doctor's office and emergency room.
Plan F (still available to those who had Medicare before 2020) is the most comprehensive and covers everything, including the Part B deductible. If you have it, you might pay $200 to $350 per month. Plans D, H, I, and J are rarely sold today because they were phased out for new enrollees in 2020.
Why the same plan costs different amounts in different places
Insurance companies set their own prices within each state, so Plan G with Company A might cost $170 per month while Plan G with Company B costs $210 in the same city. This is why getting quotes from multiple carriers is worth your time — the difference can add up to hundreds of dollars per year.
States also regulate how much insurance companies can raise rates each year. Some states cap annual increases; others do not. Your state's rules affect not just what you pay today but how much your premium will climb in future years. A plan that looks cheap now might become expensive quickly if the company's rate increases are steep.
How to find and compare quotes
You can contact insurance companies directly, but a faster route is to use your state's Health Insurance Counseling and information Program (HICAP), which is free and unbiased. HICAP counselors can walk you through the plans available in your area and help you compare prices. You can find your state's HICAP program through the Administration for Community Living website or by calling 1-855-500-0035.
Medicare.gov also has a plan comparison tool where you can enter your state and see which plans are sold near you and which companies offer them. This tool does not show prices directly, but it tells you which companies to contact for quotes. When you call or visit a company's website, have your Medicare card handy and be ready to tell them your age and the date you first enrolled in Medicare Part B — this information affects your rate.
When your premium might increase
Your Medicare Supplement premium can go up for several reasons. The most common is age — if your company uses attained age pricing, your rate rises automatically each year. Companies also raise rates to account for inflation and higher medical costs across their customer base. Some companies raise rates more aggressively than others, which is another reason to shop around every year or two.
If you switch plans or switch insurance companies, your new rate will be based on your current age and health status (unless you have may provide issue rights). may provide issue rights explore during your initial enrollment window and in certain other situations — for example, if you lose employer coverage or if your current plan is no longer sold in your state. Outside those windows, a company can charge you more or deny you based on pre-existing conditions, depending on your state's rules.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I change Medicare Supplement plans if my premium gets too high?
Yes, you can switch to a different plan or a different insurance company at any time. However, if you are outside your initial enrollment window, the new company can charge you more or deny you based on your health history, depending on your state. Your best protection is to shop around every year and switch before your current plan's rates become unaffordable.
Does Medicare Supplement cover prescription drugs?
No. Medicare Supplement covers gaps in Parts A and B (hospital and doctor visits), but not Part D (prescription drugs). You need a separate Part D plan for drug coverage. You can have both a Medicare Supplement and a Part D plan at the same time.
What happens to my Medicare Supplement if I move to a different state?
Your current plan may not be sold in your new state, so you will likely need to switch. When you do, you may lose may provide issue rights depending on your situation and the new state's rules. Contact your current insurance company before you move to find out what options are available in your new location.
Is there a penalty if I do not buy Medicare Supplement right away?
There is no federal penalty, but waiting to enroll outside your initial enrollment window means you lose may provide issue rights in most states. This can result in higher premiums or denial of coverage. Enrolling during your initial window (the six months after you turn 65 or start Part B) protects you from these consequences.
Do I need Medicare Supplement if I have a Medicare Advantage plan instead?
No. Medicare Advantage (Part C) is an alternative to Original Medicare, and you cannot have both Advantage and Supplement at the same time. Advantage plans have their own copayments and coverage rules. Supplement only works with Original Medicare.