Medicare / Insurance 2026 Medicare Data

Medicare Supplement Cost Calculator 2026

Estimate your 2026 Medigap premium by plan type (G, N, F, K, L), age, tobacco use, and state. Includes Plan G vs. N break-even analysis, 10/20-year cost projections, and IRMAA calculator.

Data: CMS.gov · Medicare.gov · State DOI Last verified: June 2026 Methodology →

Important: CostPrism is not affiliated with Medicare, CMS, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, or any insurance company. This calculator provides estimates for planning purposes — not insurance quotes. Full disclaimer.

Medicare Supplement cost comparison — 2026 Medigap plan overview

Estimate Your Medicare Supplement Cost

Step 1: Your Profile

Your Age

Your State

Tobacco Use

How Much Does Medicare Supplement Insurance Cost in 2026?

Medicare Supplement (Medigap) premiums depend on your plan type, age, state, tobacco use, and the insurer's pricing method. In 2026, typical monthly premiums for a 65-year-old non-tobacco user range from approximately $100–$250/month for Plan G and $80–$200/month for Plan N.

These are premium costs only. Your total annual Medicare cost also includes the Part B premium ($202.9/month in 2026), the Part B deductible ($283/year), and potentially Part D prescription drug costs.

Because Medigap plans are federally standardized, the benefits for each plan letter are identical regardless of which insurance company you choose. The only differences between insurers are price and customer service. This means comparison shopping can save $600–$1,200/year for the same coverage.

Medigap Plans Compared — 2026

Estimated premiums for a 65-year-old non-tobacco user. Actual rates vary by insurer and state.

Plan	Est. Monthly	Part B Deductible	Copays	Considerations
Plan G	$100–$250	You pay $283/yr	None	Most comprehensive for new enrollees
Plan N	$80–$200	You pay $283/yr	Up to $20 office / $50 ER	Lower premium if you rarely visit doctors
HD Plan G	$25–$75	$2,950 deductible first	None after deductible	Low premium; catastrophic protection
Plan F (pre-2020)	$140–$300	Covered	None	Pre-2020 enrollees only; pool shrinking
Plan K	$45–$110	50% cost-share	$8,000 OOP max	Budget option with annual cap
Plan L	$65–$140	25% cost-share	$4,000 OOP max	Mid-range option; lower cap than K

All plans require Medicare Part B premium ($202.9/month in 2026). Plan F not available to those newly eligible for Medicare on or after January 1, 2020. Estimated ranges based on industry data — actual rates vary by insurer and state.

Estimate Your Total Medicare Budget

Toggle components on/off and adjust values to model your complete annual Medicare cost. Includes premiums, deductibles, copays, and optional coverage.

Part B Premium (CMS: $$202.9/mo)

Medigap Premium /mo

Part D Premium /mo

Part B Deductible (CMS: $$283/yr)

Part D OOP Costs /yr

Dental/Vision/Hearing /mo

Plan G vs. Plan N: Break-Even Calculator

Plan G costs more in premiums but has no copays. Plan N costs less but charges up to $20 per office visit and up to $50 for ER visits. This tool estimates your break-even point.

Your Plan G monthly premium ($)

Your Plan N monthly premium ($)

Expected office visits/year

Expected ER visits/year (not admitted)

Est. Part B excess charges/year ($)

Long-Term Cost Projection

Compare cumulative Medigap premium costs over time. This is a projection, not a forecast — actual premium increases vary by insurer, state, pricing method, claims experience, and inflation.

Starting age

Projection period

Annual premium increase assumption

Age	Plan (Annual / Cumulative)

Projections are illustrative only. Actual premium increases vary by insurer, state, pricing method (community-rated, issue-age, attained-age), claims experience, inflation, and regulatory factors.

How Medigap Premiums Are Priced

Medigap insurers use one of three pricing methods. The method determines how your premium changes over time — it's often more important than the starting price.

Community-Rated

Everyone pays the same premium regardless of age. Increases only for medical inflation. Best long-term value. States: CT, MA, MN, NY.

Issue-Age-Rated

Premium based on your age when you first buy. Does not increase solely due to aging — only inflation adjustments. Good long-term predictability.

Attained-Age-Rated

Most common. Premium increases annually as you age, plus inflation. Often cheapest at 65 but most expensive by 80+. Compare carefully.

Hypothetical Premium Comparison Over Time

Starting premium ($/mo)

Annual increase (%)

Age	Community-Rated	Issue-Age	Attained-Age

Hypothetical illustration only. Actual increases depend on insurer, state regulations, and market conditions. Community-rated and issue-age plans may still experience non-age-related increases.

IRMAA Calculator — Part B Premium Surcharge

Higher-income Medicare beneficiaries pay an Income-Related Monthly Adjustment Amount (IRMAA) in addition to the standard Part B premium. Medicare generally uses your tax return from 2 years prior.

Filing status

Modified Adjusted Gross Income ($)

This is not tax advice. IRMAA brackets are estimated — verify at ssa.gov or cms.gov. Life-changing events (retirement, marriage, divorce, death of spouse) may qualify for an IRMAA reduction.

Medigap vs. Medicare Advantage: Which Fits You?

Answer a few questions about your preferences and this tool will show which approach may be a better fit. Neither option is universally better.

Healthcare utilization

Travel habits

Prescription drug needs

Cost predictability preference

Provider/network flexibility

Side-by-Side Comparison

Factor	Original Medicare + Medigap	Medicare Advantage (Part C)
Monthly premium	Part B + Medigap ($300–$450)	Part B + plan ($200–$280)
Provider network	Any doctor accepting Medicare, nationwide	Network required (HMO/PPO); referrals may be needed
Copays per visit	None (Plan G) or up to $20 (Plan N)	$15–$50 per visit typical
Annual OOP max	Effectively $283/yr (Plan G)	$4,000–$8,300/yr typically
Prescription drugs	Separate Part D plan needed	Usually included in plan
Dental/vision/hearing	Separate coverage needed	Often included (basic level)
Travel coverage	Foreign emergency covered (Plans G, N)	Usually no coverage outside US
Cost predictability	Very predictable; minimal surprises	Variable; depends on usage

This is a general comparison. Plan features, costs, and availability vary by location, carrier, and year. Review specific plans at Medicare.gov Plan Finder.

Medigap Enrollment Timeline Calculator

Enter your date of birth and Part B start date to find your Medigap Open Enrollment Period (OEP) — the 6-month window when you have guaranteed-issue rights.

Date of birth

Part B effective date (if known)

State (for state protections)

Medigap Birthday Rule & Switching Checker

Some states offer annual windows to switch Medigap plans without medical underwriting. Select your state to check if you have a birthday rule, anniversary rule, or year-round guaranteed issue.

Your state

Quick Reference: States with Switching Protections

Year-Round Guaranteed Issue

CT, MA, ME, MN, NY, VT, WA, WI

Birthday/Anniversary Rule

CA, ID, IL, LA, MO, NV, OR

State rules can change. Last verified: June 2026. Always confirm with your state's Department of Insurance.

2026 Medicare Cost Updates

Medicare Component	2026 Amount	Source
Part B monthly premium	$202.9/mo	CMS.gov
Part B annual deductible	$283/yr	CMS.gov
Part B coinsurance	20%	Medicare.gov
Part A inpatient deductible	$1,762/benefit period	CMS.gov (est.)
Part D max deductible	$615/yr	CMS.gov
Part D OOP cap	$2,100/yr	CMS.gov (IRA)
HD Plan G deductible	$2,950/yr	CMS.gov
Plan K OOP limit	$8,000/yr	CMS.gov
Plan L OOP limit	$4,000/yr	CMS.gov

Figures based on published 2026 Medicare data. Values marked "(est.)" are estimated pending final CMS confirmation. Last verified: June 2026.

Medicare Supplement Costs by State

Medigap premiums vary by state due to differences in insurance regulations, competition, pricing methods, and consumer protections. Select a state for detailed information.

State pages include estimated Medigap rates, consumer protections, guaranteed-issue rules, and official state insurance department links.

Compare Available Medigap Plans in Your Area

Rates for identical Plan G coverage vary $60–$100/month between carriers. Comparing quotes from multiple insurers takes minutes and could save hundreds per year.

Medicare.gov Plan Finder — Official Find Free SHIP Counselor

Links above are not paid partnerships. Editorial policy.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does Medicare Supplement Plan G cost per month in 2026?

Medicare Supplement Plan G typically costs $100–$250/month for a 65-year-old non-tobacco user in 2026, depending on the insurance company, state, and pricing method. The same Plan G coverage from different insurers can vary by $60–$100/month because Medigap plans are federally standardized — the benefits are identical regardless of carrier. Annual Plan G premiums range from approximately $1,200–$3,000. Adding the Part B premium ($202.9/month) and Part B deductible ($283/year), estimated total Medicare costs with Plan G are approximately $3,700–$5,800/year.

What is the best Medicare Supplement plan in 2026?

Plan G is the most widely chosen Medigap plan for new enrollees in 2026. It covers all Original Medicare gaps except the Part B annual deductible ($283). After paying that once per year, you typically have zero out-of-pocket costs for Medicare-covered services. Plan N is a popular alternative — it costs 15–25% less but adds copays of up to $20 per doctor visit and up to $50 for ER visits not resulting in admission. Neither plan is universally "best" — the right choice depends on your healthcare usage, budget, and risk tolerance.

When is the best time to buy Medicare Supplement insurance?

The best time is during your Medigap Open Enrollment Period — the 6-month window starting the month you turn 65 AND are enrolled in Part B. During this period, insurers cannot deny you coverage, charge higher premiums based on health conditions, or impose waiting periods for pre-existing conditions. After this window, insurers in most states can use medical underwriting and may deny coverage or charge significantly more. A few states (including NY, MA, CT) offer extended or year-round guaranteed-issue rights.

What does Medicare Supplement NOT cover?

Medicare Supplement (Medigap) plans fill gaps in Original Medicare but do NOT cover: (1) Long-term care or custodial care (nursing homes, assisted living); (2) Dental, vision, and hearing services — separate coverage needed; (3) Prescription drugs — you need a standalone Part D plan; (4) Medicare Advantage plan benefits (Medigap works only with Original Medicare); (5) Care outside the US (except Plans C, D, F, G, M, N which cover 80% of foreign travel emergency care up to $50,000 lifetime).

How does Medicare Supplement compare to Medicare Advantage in cost?

Medicare Supplement (Medigap) + Original Medicare: Monthly cost = Part B premium ($202.9) + Medigap premium ($100–$250 for Plan G) = roughly $300–$450/month. You can see any doctor who accepts Medicare nationwide, with minimal out-of-pocket costs. Medicare Advantage (Part C): Monthly cost = Part B premium ($202.9) + plan premium (often $0–$80) = roughly $200–$280/month. However, you face network restrictions, copays per visit, and an annual out-of-pocket maximum (typically $4,000–$8,300). For people who use healthcare frequently, Medigap typically costs less overall. For healthy seniors in strong network areas, Medicare Advantage may cost less.

Can I switch Medicare Supplement plans after enrollment?

Yes, but outside your initial 6-month open enrollment period, you may face medical underwriting in most states. Insurers can deny your application or charge higher premiums based on your health history. Some states offer additional protections: several states have "birthday rule" or anniversary windows that allow switching to equal or lesser coverage without underwriting. If switching from Medicare Advantage back to Medigap, a trial-right period may apply (typically within 12 months of initial MA enrollment). Always apply for the new plan before canceling your existing one.

How do Medicare Supplement premiums change as you age?

How premiums change depends on the pricing method: (1) Community-rated: everyone pays the same regardless of age — increases only for medical inflation, not birthdays. States: CT, MA, MN, NY. (2) Issue-age-rated: premium set by your age at purchase — increases only for inflation, not aging. (3) Attained-age-rated: most common — premiums increase annually as you age. A plan at $140/month at 65 may cost $220/month at 75. Often cheapest initially but most expensive over time. The pricing method matters more than the starting premium — always ask your insurer which method applies.

What is the Part B deductible for 2026?

The Medicare Part B annual deductible for 2026 is $283. This is the amount you pay before Medicare begins covering 80% of Part B services. Most Medigap plans (G, N, K, L, M) do NOT cover this deductible — you pay it out of pocket once per year. Plan F (for those eligible before 2020) and Plan C cover it. After the deductible, Original Medicare pays 80% of approved charges; Medigap covers the remaining 20% coinsurance.

What is the Medicare Part B premium for 2026?

The standard Medicare Part B monthly premium for 2026 is $202.9. This is the amount most beneficiaries pay. Higher-income beneficiaries pay an additional Income-Related Monthly Adjustment Amount (IRMAA) based on their modified adjusted gross income from two years prior. Part B premiums are typically deducted from Social Security benefits. The Part B premium applies whether you have Original Medicare alone, Medigap, or Medicare Advantage.

Is Medicare Supplement Plan G worth the cost?

Plan G is worth evaluating for beneficiaries who use healthcare regularly. The math: Plan G costs approximately $140–$190/month ($1,680–$2,280/year). It covers all Part B coinsurance, excess charges, foreign travel emergency, and skilled nursing facility coinsurance — after the $283 Part B deductible. Without Medigap, one hospitalization can cost $5,000–$20,000+ in Medicare gaps (Part A deductible alone is estimated at $1762 per benefit period in 2026). Plan G is particularly valuable for people with chronic conditions, multiple specialist visits, or who travel internationally.

What is High-Deductible Plan G?

High-Deductible Plan G (HD Plan G) offers the same comprehensive coverage as standard Plan G, but you must meet a $2950 annual deductible before the plan begins paying. Premiums are significantly lower — typically $25–$75/month at age 65. After meeting the deductible, coverage is identical to Plan G (all Medicare gaps covered except Part B deductible). HD Plan G is best for healthy seniors with low healthcare utilization who want catastrophic protection at a lower monthly cost. Your maximum annual risk is the deductible ($2950) plus the Part B deductible ($283).

Methodology & Data Sources

Premium estimates: Based on published state insurance department rate filings, industry surveys, and publicly available Medigap market data. Premium ranges represent typical low to high across major carriers for the specified age and plan type. They are modeled approximations — not actual insurance quotes from any specific carrier.

Medicare figures: Part B premium, deductible, Part D costs, Plan K/L limits, and HD Plan G deductible sourced from official CMS.gov announcements for the 2026 benefit year.

IRMAA brackets: Estimated based on CMS methodology — verify against the official CMS announcement for 2026.

State adjustments: Approximate factors reflecting general cost-of-living, regulatory environment, and market competition differences. They are NOT actual carrier rates for any specific state.

Data Sources

• Medicare.gov — Official Medicare information
• CMS.gov — Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services
• Medicare.gov Plan Finder — Official plan comparison tool
• State Health Insurance Assistance Programs (SHIP) — Free counseling for Medicare beneficiaries
• National Association of Insurance Commissioners — Insurance regulation and consumer information

Medigap Plan Cost Guides

Plan G Cost Guide $100–$250/mo Most popular plan Plan N Cost Guide $80–$200/mo Lower premium + copays HD Plan G Guide $25–$75/mo $$2,950 deductible Cost by Age Guide 65–85 years How age affects premiums

Related Guides & Calculators

Medicare Supplement Cost Guide 2026

In-depth guide: Plan G vs N, pricing methods, state-by-state rates, how to choose

→

Assisted Living Cost $4,500/mo avg Life Insurance Cost $25–$200/mo Hearing Aid Cost $1,000–$6,000 Dental Implant Cost $3,000–$6,000

Important Disclaimer

CostPrism is not affiliated with Medicare, CMS, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, or any insurance company.

This calculator provides estimates for educational and planning purposes only. It does not constitute insurance advice, an insurance quote, or an offer of insurance coverage.

Always verify current Medicare costs, eligibility, and enrollment information at Medicare.gov or by calling 1-800-MEDICARE (1-800-633-4227).

Consider consulting a licensed insurance agent or State Health Insurance Assistance Program (SHIP) counselor for personalized guidance.

Actual premiums vary by insurance company, state, county, age, health status, tobacco use, and other factors. The estimates shown are modeled approximations, not actual insurance quotes.

Medicare premiums, deductibles, and rules change annually. The information on this page is based on 2026 Medicare data as published by CMS. Carrier-specific premium information is not provided — use the Medicare.gov Plan Finder or contact a licensed insurance agent for actual quotes.