Frequently Asked Questions
Are all Medigap Plan G policies the same?
Yes — within each plan letter (A through N), coverage is standardized by federal law. Every company's Plan G covers exactly the same benefits: Part A deductible, Part B coinsurance, skilled nursing copays, Part B excess charges, and foreign travel emergency coverage. The only differences between companies are: monthly premium, pricing method (how fast premiums increase with age), company financial stability, and any additional perks offered.
What are the three Medigap pricing methods?
Community-rated: everyone pays the same premium regardless of age — premiums only change with general inflation. Issue-age rated: premium is set based on your age when you first buy the policy and only increases with inflation — not with your age. Attained-age rated: premium increases as you get older — cheapest at first but becomes the most expensive over time. Always ask which method a policy uses. Avoid attained-age rated policies for long-term value.
How do I find Medigap plans in my area?
Use Medicare.gov Medigap Policy Search (medicare.gov/find-a-plan) to see all plans available in your state with starting premiums by age. Your State Health Insurance Assistance Program (SHIP) can also provide a free comparison of all available plans — they have no financial interest in which plan you choose. Licensed Medicare brokers compare multiple companies but are compensated by insurers.
Is a cheaper Medigap premium always better?
Not necessarily. A cheaper attained-age rated premium may cost less than a community-rated plan at age 65 but significantly more by age 75 or 80. Calculate total expected cost over 10–20 years, not just the current premium. Also consider the insurer's financial stability (AM Best rating) and history of premium increases — some companies raise premiums more aggressively than others.
Can Medigap premiums increase over time?
Yes — all Medigap premiums can increase over time regardless of pricing method. Community-rated and issue-age rated policies increase with general medical inflation; attained-age rated policies also increase with your age. If you find your premium is increasing significantly, you can apply to switch to a different Medigap insurer — but outside your Open Enrollment Period, you'll be subject to medical underwriting, which may result in denial or higher rates if your health has changed.
Since all Medigap Plan G policies cover the same benefits, choosing the right one is entirely about price — but price has more variables than most seniors realize. The premium you see today is not necessarily what you'll pay at 75 or 80. Understanding pricing methods is the key to choosing a policy that stays affordable throughout retirement.
What's the Same: Standardized Coverage
Federal law standardizes Medigap plan benefits. Every Plan G from every company covers:
- Medicare Part A hospital deductible — $1,736 in 2026
- Medicare Part A daily copays — days 61–90 ($434/day) and lifetime reserve days
- Medicare Part B coinsurance — the 20% you'd otherwise pay
- Skilled nursing facility copays — days 21–100
- Part B excess charges — 100% covered
- Foreign travel emergency — 80% after $250 deductible, up to $50,000 lifetime
After paying your $283 annual Part B deductible, you pay $0 for all Medicare-covered services for the rest of the year — regardless of how much care you receive or which company issued your Plan G.
What's Different: Three Pricing Methods
Community-Rated — Best Long-Term Value
Everyone in your state pays the same premium regardless of age. A 65-year-old and a 75-year-old pay identically. Premiums change only based on general medical inflation — not because you're getting older. Typically most expensive at enrollment (age 65) but often becomes the best long-term value.
Issue-Age Rated — Good Long-Term Value
Premium is set based on your age when you first buy. A 65-year-old gets a lower rate than a 70-year-old starting the same policy. Premiums increase only with medical inflation, not with your age. Generally good long-term value — lock in at your youngest age for the best rate.
Attained-Age Rated — Cheapest Now, Most Expensive Later
Premium increases annually as you age. Often the lowest premium at 65 but becomes the highest by 75–80. The total lifetime cost of an attained-age policy typically exceeds community-rated or issue-age policies by age 75. Avoid attained-age rated policies unless you specifically need the lowest premium now and plan to switch later (though switching later involves underwriting risk).
How to Compare Properly
- Identify all available insurers in your state using Medicare.gov Medigap Policy Search or your SHIP counselor
- Ask each insurer which pricing method they use — community, issue-age, or attained-age
- Compare current premiums among same pricing-method policies — comparing a community-rated to an attained-age policy directly is misleading
- Ask about the company's history of premium increases — some companies are known for aggressive increases
- Check AM Best financial strength rating — A or higher is preferred
- Consider household discounts — many insurers offer 5–7% discounts if both spouses enroll
High-Deductible Plan G — A Viable Alternative
High-Deductible Plan G (HDPG) offers the same ultimate protection as standard Plan G but with a much lower monthly premium — typically $40–70/month versus $100–200/month. The trade-off: you pay the first $2,950 (2026 deductible) in Medicare costs before Plan G coverage kicks in. Best for: seniors who are generally healthy, have emergency funds to cover the deductible if needed, and want to lower monthly costs while maintaining catastrophic protection.
- All Plan G policies cover identically — comparison is purely about price and pricing method
- Ask which pricing method before comparing premiums — don't compare across methods
- Avoid attained-age rated unless you have a specific short-term reason for lowest premium
- Use your SHIP counselor for free comparison — they see all available plans with no sales bias
- Enroll during your 6-month Medigap OEP — guaranteed acceptance at standard rates