Best Medicare Supplement Plans Comparison: A Complete Guide for 2026
Last reviewed: June 2026
You turned 65 this month and your Medicare Part B bill is $164.90 per month. You also have a $1,200 annual deductible for Part A hospital stays. Those numbers add up fast.
If you fall sick or need a surgery, you could face thousands of dollars in out-of-pocket costs. A Medicare Supplement (Medigap) plan can cap those expenses and give you predictable monthly bills.
This post breaks down the six standardized Medigap plans, shows how they differ in coverage and price, and helps you pick the right one for your health and budget.
This article provides educational information only and does not constitute financial or legal advice.
Key Takeaways
- Plan F offers the most comprehensive coverage but is only available to people who enrolled before 2020
- Plan G is the most popular new choice; it covers everything Plan F does except the Part B deductible.
- Plan N provides lower premiums by adding small copays for office visits and emergency room trips.
- Premiums vary by state, carrier, and your age; expect a range of $120 to $250 per month for the most common plans.
- You cannot combine a Medigap plan with a Medicare Advantage plan.
- Enroll during your seven-day Medigap enrollment window or during the annual Medicare Open Enrollment period (Oct 15-Dec 7).
Understanding the Six Standardized Plans
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Medigap plans are labeled with letters A, B, C, D, F, G, K, L, M, and N. As of 2026, only plans A, B, C, D, F, G, K, L, M, and N remain available for new enrollment. Plans C and D are essentially the same as Plan F but with higher premiums, so most agents steer seniors toward F, G, or N.
All plans work with Original Medicare (Part A and Part B). They do not cover prescription drugs, vision, or dental. You need a separate Part D plan for medication coverage.
Below is a quick snapshot of what each plan pays:
| Plan | Part A Hospital Coinsurance | Part A Hospital Deductible | Part B Deductible | Skilled Nursing Facility Coinsurance | Emergency Room Copay | Doctor Visit Copay |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| A | 100 % up to 365 days | No coverage | No coverage | No coverage | No coverage | No coverage |
| B | 100 % up to 365 days | No coverage | No coverage | No coverage | No coverage | No coverage |
| C | 100 % up to 365 days | No coverage | No coverage | No coverage | No coverage | No coverage |
| D | 100 % up to 365 days | No coverage | No coverage | No coverage | No coverage | No coverage |
| F | 100 % up to 365 days | 100 % | 100 % | 100 % | No copay | No copay |
| G | 100 % up to 365 days | 100 % | No coverage | 100 % | No copay | No copay |
| K | 100 % up to 365 days | 75 % | 50 % | 50 % | $20 after deductible | $20 after deductible |
| L | 100 % up to 365 days | 75 % | 50 % | 50 % | $20 after deductible | $20 after deductible |
| M | 100 % up to 365 days | 75 % | 50 %: | 50 % | $20 after deductible | $20 after deductible |
| N | 100 % up to 365 days | 100 % | No coverage | 100 % | $30 copay (up to 2 visits) | $20 copay (up to 4 visits) |
All percentages are paid after you meet the applicable Medicare deductible.
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Plan F is the “all-in-one” option. It pays the Part B deductible, which is $226 per year in 2026. It also covers the Part A deductible of $1,600 per benefit period. If you have chronic conditions that could lead to frequent hospital stays, Plan F removes the surprise bills.
The downside is cost. Because it covers the most, insurers charge higher premiums. In Florida, a 68-year-old paying for Plan F might see a monthly premium of $250. In a lower-cost market like Iowa, the same plan could be $130.
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Plan G is the next best choice for most seniors. It mirrors Plan F but leaves the Part B deductible to you. You pay $226 out of pocket each year, then the plan covers everything else. The premium gap between F and G is usually $20 to $40 per month, making G a better value for healthy retirees.
Because the Part B deductible is relatively low compared with potential hospital bills, many seniors find the trade-off worth it. If you rarely use medical services, the savings add up over the first three years of enrollment.
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Plan N offers a middle ground. It covers the Part A deductible and most hospital costs, but it adds modest copays for office visits and emergency rooms. The copays are capped at four doctor visits and two emergency room visits per year. After those limits, the plan pays 100 % again.
For a senior who visits the doctor three times a year and rarely needs the ER, Plan N can shave $30 to $50 off the monthly premium compared with Plan G. In Texas, a 70-year-old might pay $155 for Plan N versus $190 for Plan G.
If you exceed the visit limits, you’ll pay $20 per extra doctor visit and $30 per extra ER visit. Those out-of-pocket costs can add up, so track your usage carefully.
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Plans K, L, and M are “partial coverage” options. They each cover a set percentage of certain costs after you meet the deductible. For example, they pay 75 % of the Part A hospital deductible and 50 % of the Part B deductible.
Because they leave a larger share of expenses to you, the premiums are the lowest of the group. In Arizona, a 66-year-old might see $115 per month for Plan K. However, if you need a hospital stay, you could still owe several hundred dollars after the plan’s payments.
These plans suit seniors who have supplemental savings, a health-savings account, or a secondary private insurance that can pick up the remaining costs.
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Plan A is the most basic Medigap option. It only covers the Medicare Part A coinsurance and the first 365 days of hospital care. It does not pay the Part A deductible, Part B deductible, or skilled nursing facility costs.
Premiums for Plan A are the lowest in the market. In Nevada, a 72-year-old might pay $90 per month. The trade-off is that you could still owe the $1,600 Part A deductible and the $226 Part B deductible each year.
If you are in perfect health, have a robust emergency fund, and rarely need medical care, Plan A can be a cost-effective safety net.
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Choosing the right plan depends on three factors: health status, budget, and risk tolerance.
- Health status: If you have multiple chronic conditions, lean toward Plan F or G. If you are healthy and rarely see a doctor, Plan N or a partial-coverage plan may be enough.
- Budget: Calculate your expected out-of-pocket costs for each plan. Multiply the premium difference by 12 months and compare it to the deductible and copay savings.
- Risk tolerance: Some seniors prefer the peace of mind that comes with full coverage, even if it costs more. Others accept a higher deductible to keep monthly bills low.
Use a simple spreadsheet: list each plan’s premium, add any expected copays, and subtract the Part B deductible if the plan does not cover it. The plan with the lowest total cost over a year is your most economical choice.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I switch Medigap plans after I enroll?
Yes. You can change plans during the Medicare Open Enrollment period each year (Oct 15-Dec 7). Some states also allow a “guaranteed issue” window if you move or your carrier raises premiums.
Do Medigap plans cover prescription drugs?
No. Medigap only works with Original Medicare Part A and Part B. For drugs, you need a separate Medicare Part D plan or a private prescription plan.
What happens if I move to another state?
Medigap policies are state-specific. Your current carrier may honor the policy in the new state, but you might have to switch to a local insurer. Premiums can change dramatically, so check rates within 30 days of moving.
Are there age-based premium discounts?
Some insurers offer “non-smoker” or “healthy senior” discounts, but most states require that premiums increase with age. The increase is usually capped at a set percentage per year. Verify the rules with your state insurance department.
Can I have a Medigap plan and a Medicare Advantage plan together?
No. Medigap plans only work with Original Medicare. If you enroll in a Medicare Advantage plan (Part C), you must drop any Medigap coverage.
How long does the enrollment window last after I turn 65?
You have a seven-day “Medigap enrollment period” that starts the day you enroll in Part B. During this time, you can buy any plan without medical underwriting. After the window closes, insurers may require health questions or deny coverage based on pre-existing conditions.
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