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Medicare Supplement (Medigap) Plans: The Complete 2026 Guide
A Medicare Supplement (Medigap) plan pairs with Original Medicare to cover most of what Parts A and B leave behind — the deductibles, copays, and 20% coinsurance that otherwise have no annual limit. Plans are standardized by letter (G, N, and the grandfathered F), so the coverage is identical across insurers and only the price and service differ. The catch: your one guaranteed-issue window opens once, and timing is everything.
What does a Medicare Supplement plan cover?
Medigap pays the out-of-pocket costs Original Medicare leaves you — Part A and B coinsurance, copays, and deductibles. Plan G, the most popular today, covers nearly everything except the annual Part B deductible, giving you predictable costs and access to any provider nationwide that accepts Medicare.
- Plans are standardized by letter, so Plan G is the same benefits at every insurer.
- There are no networks — any provider that accepts Medicare accepts your Medigap plan.
- Premiums rise over time and most plans require underwriting outside your initial window.
Key Takeaways
- Medigap plans are standardized by letter — Plan G and Plan N are the most common choices for new enrollees.
- Plan F is closed to people who became eligible for Medicare on or after January 1, 2020.
- There are no networks: any provider nationwide that accepts Medicare accepts your plan.
- You buy a separate Part D drug plan alongside a Supplement — drug coverage is not included.
The costly mistakes to avoid
Where people in this situation lose the most money.
Missing the guaranteed-issue window
Your 6-month Medigap Open Enrollment Period (starting when Part B begins) is the only time you can buy any plan with no health questions. Miss it and most states let insurers underwrite, surcharge, or deny you.
Annual premium increases catch people off guard
Medigap premiums typically rise each year with age and inflation. Choosing a financially strong insurer and the right rating method up front matters as much as the first-year price.
Medical underwriting after your initial window
Want to switch plans or insurers later to save money? Outside guaranteed-issue periods, you usually have to pass health underwriting — so a new diagnosis can lock you into your current plan.
Guides, tools & resources
Learn the plans
Time it right
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between Medigap Plan G and Plan N?
Plan G covers everything except the annual Part B deductible, so after that deductible you have essentially no out-of-pocket costs for Medicare-covered care. Plan N has a lower premium but adds small copays for some office and ER visits and does not cover Part B excess charges. Both offer nationwide access with no networks.
Can I be denied a Medicare Supplement plan?
During your 6-month Medigap Open Enrollment Period you cannot be denied or charged more for health reasons. Outside that window — and outside specific guaranteed-issue situations — most states allow insurers to use medical underwriting, which means they can charge more or decline coverage based on your health.
Why do Medigap premiums increase every year?
Medigap premiums generally rise over time due to your age, medical inflation, and the insurer’s claims experience. The benefits never change because plans are standardized, but the price does — which is why choosing a financially strong insurer with a stable rating history matters.
Does a Medicare Supplement include prescription drug coverage?
No. Medigap plans sold today do not include drug coverage. You enroll in a standalone Part D prescription drug plan alongside your Supplement. Going without creditable drug coverage can trigger a permanent Part D late-enrollment penalty.
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Get My Free ReviewThis information is for educational purposes only and is not legal, tax, or insurance advice. Medicare rules, premiums, and income thresholds change annually — confirm current figures with Medicare.gov, the Social Security Administration, or a licensed advisor. HealthPlan Connect is not affiliated with or endorsed by the federal Medicare program or any government agency. Last reviewed 2026-06-12 by Lynsey Brennan, Licensed Medicare Advisor (FL License #G007269).