Medicare Supplement Cost Calculator 2026

Plan G is the most popular Medicare Supplement plan in 2026 because it provides the most comprehensive coverage available to new enrollees. It covers everything except the Part B deductible ($257 in 2026) — meaning your only predictable out-of-pocket cost is that one annual payment. Plan N is a good alternative if you're healthy and rarely visit doctors — it costs 15–25% less but adds $20 copays per office visit. Both plans work with any doctor that accepts Medicare.

The best time is during your Medigap Open Enrollment Period — the 6-month period starting the month you turn 65 AND are enrolled in Part B. During this window, insurers cannot deny coverage, charge more for health conditions, or require waiting periods. After this period, insurers can deny you coverage or charge higher rates based on your health history in most states (MA, NY, CT have year-round guaranteed issue). Waiting significantly narrows your options.

Medicare Supplement Plan G costs $100–$200/month for a 65-year-old non-tobacco user in 2026, depending on the insurance company and state. The same plan from different insurers can vary by $60–$80/month — the coverage is federally standardized so the only difference is price and customer service. Annual premiums range from $1,200–$2,400 for Plan G. Adding the Part B premium ($185/month in 2026) and Part B deductible ($257/year), your total Medicare costs are approximately $3,600–$5,100/year.

Medicare Supplement plans fill most Original Medicare gaps, but they do NOT cover: (1) Long-term care or custodial care (nursing home, assisted living). (2) Dental, vision, and hearing — you need separate coverage. (3) Prescription drugs — you need a standalone Part D plan ($15–$80/month). (4) Care outside the US (except Plans C, D, F, G, M, N which cover 80% of emergency care abroad up to $50,000 lifetime). (5) Cosmetic surgery. Total cost of care not covered: add Part D ($20–$80/month) and dental/vision ($50–$150/month).

Medicare Supplement (Medigap) + Original Medicare: Monthly cost = Part B premium ($185) + Medigap premium ($100–$200) = $285–$385/month. No network restrictions. Zero surprise bills (typically). Medicare Advantage (Part C): Monthly cost = Part B premium ($185) + $0–$80 plan premium = $185–$265/month. BUT: network restrictions, $20–$50 copays per visit, out-of-pocket maximum $4,000–$8,300/year. For people who use healthcare frequently (multiple specialists, chronic conditions), Medigap typically costs less total. For healthy seniors who rarely use care, Medicare Advantage often costs less.

Yes, but outside your 6-month open enrollment, you can be denied or charged more based on health history in most states. To switch: (1) Apply for the new plan while keeping your current one. (2) Don't cancel your current plan until approved for the new one. (3) Underwriting may disqualify you for pre-existing conditions. Exceptions: some states (MA, NY, CT, WA) guarantee-issue Medigap year-round. If you want to switch from Medicare Advantage back to Medigap, a trial-right period exists for new enrollees (usually within 12 months of enrollment).

Plan G and Plan N are the two most popular Medigap plans for new enrollees. Plan G is the most comprehensive — it covers all Original Medicare gaps except the Part B annual deductible ($257 in 2026). After you pay that once per year, you typically have zero out-of-pocket costs for covered services. Plan G average cost: $130–$170/month for a 65-year-old. Plan N offers similar comprehensive coverage but costs 15–25% less ($100–$135/month) with two small cost-sharing requirements: up to $20 copay per doctor office visit and up to $50 for ER visits (waived if admitted). Plan G is ideal for: frequent healthcare users, those with chronic conditions, or anyone who wants the simplicity of no copays. Plan N is better for: relatively healthy seniors who rarely visit doctors and want to bank $300–$500/year in premium savings. Annual break-even: if you make more than 15–20 doctor office visits per year, Plan G's higher premium pays for itself.

How your Medigap premium increases over time depends on how the policy is 'rated': (1) Community (no-age) rating: everyone pays the same premium regardless of age — premiums increase only due to medical cost inflation, not your birthday. Best long-term value for younger enrollees. States with community-rating: CT, MA, NY, MN. (2) Issue-age rating: premium is set based on your age at purchase and never increases solely due to aging, though inflation adjustments still apply. (3) Attained-age rating: the most common type — premiums increase annually as you age. A plan costing $130/month at 65 may cost $200/month at 75 and $300+/month at 85. Often the cheapest at 65 but most expensive long-term. Always ask what rating method applies before purchasing. The rating method is often more important than the initial premium — a community-rated plan at $150/month may cost far less than an attained-age plan at $120/month over a 20-year period.

The cheapest Medicare Supplement options in 2026: High-Deductible Plan G (HD-G) costs $30–$70/month but has a $2,870 annual deductible you pay before benefits kick in — best for healthy seniors with minimal medical needs who want catastrophic protection. Plan N costs $100–$135/month for a 65-year-old — cheaper than standard Plan G but requires $20 copays for office visits and $50 for ER visits. Plan K is cheaper still ($60–$100/month) but pays only 50% of most Part B costs after the deductible. For most people who want meaningful coverage, Plan N offers the best balance of low premium and comprehensive protection.