Medicare Supplement Cost by Age 2026
See estimated Medigap premiums at ages 65, 67, 70, 73, 75, 78, and 80 for Plan G, Plan N, and High-Deductible Plan G. Learn how the three pricing methods affect what you pay over time, and why enrolling during your Open Enrollment Period at 65 matters.
How Age Affects Medicare Supplement Premiums
Age is one of the most significant factors in Medigap pricing. Under attained-age pricing — the most common method used by insurers in most states — your premium increases as you get older. This reflects the statistical reality that healthcare utilization tends to rise with age.
However, not all Medigap pricing works the same way. There are three distinct pricing methods, each with different implications for how your costs change over time. Understanding these methods is essential because the pricing method often matters more than the starting premium when evaluating long-term cost.
Regardless of pricing method, the most favorable time to enroll is during your Medigap Open Enrollment Period (OEP) — the 6-month window that begins the month you turn 65 and are enrolled in Medicare Part B. During this period, insurers must accept you regardless of health status, cannot charge more based on pre-existing conditions, and cannot impose waiting periods.
Estimated Medigap Premiums by Age — 2026
Monthly premium ranges for non-tobacco users under attained-age pricing. These are modeled estimates — actual carrier rates vary by insurer, state, and individual factors.
| Age | Plan G | Plan N | HD Plan G |
|---|---|---|---|
| 65 (OEP) | $100–$250/mo | $80–$200/mo | $25–$75/mo |
| 67 | $108–$270/mo | $86–$216/mo | $27–$81/mo |
| 70 | $118–$295/mo | $94–$236/mo | $30–$89/mo |
| 73 | $130–$325/mo | $104–$260/mo | $33–$98/mo |
| 75 | $140–$350/mo | $112–$280/mo | $35–$105/mo |
| 78 | $155–$388/mo | $124–$310/mo | $39–$116/mo |
| 80 | $165–$413/mo | $132–$330/mo | $41–$124/mo |
Note: Ranges shown assume attained-age pricing and non-tobacco status. Tobacco users may pay an estimated 10–25% surcharge. Community-rated and issue-age-rated plans do not follow this age progression. Actual premiums depend on the insurance carrier, your state, and your individual profile. OEP = Open Enrollment Period (guaranteed issue).
Three Medigap Pricing Methods Explained
1. Attained-Age Rated (Most Common)
Your premium is based on your current age and increases as you get older. Each birthday (or age band change) triggers a rate increase in addition to any general inflation adjustments. This method is used by the majority of insurers in most states.
Pros: Typically the lowest starting premium at age 65. Cons: Becomes the most expensive method over time. By age 80, premiums may be 60–70% higher than your starting rate — plus cumulative inflation increases.
Example: If Plan G starts at an estimated $155/month at 65, it could be approximately $195/month at 70, $215/month at 75, and $255/month at 80 with attained-age pricing (plus inflation adjustments).
2. Issue-Age Rated
Your premium is set based on the age when you first purchase the policy and does not increase due to aging. Premiums still increase for general medical inflation, but your birthday does not trigger a rate hike.
Pros: Predictable — you know aging will not increase your rate. Can save significantly over 15–20 years compared to attained-age. Cons: Starting premium is typically 10–20% higher than attained-age at the same age. Fewer carriers offer this method.
If you enroll at 65, your base rate is locked to the 65-year-old rate. If you enroll at 70, you get the (higher) 70-year-old base rate, locked from that point forward.
3. Community-Rated (Age-Unrelated)
Everyone pays the same premium regardless of age. A 65-year-old and an 80-year-old with the same plan and carrier pay identical rates. Increases occur only for general inflation across the entire risk pool.
Pros: Most predictable long-term cost. Best value over 20+ years. Cons: Highest starting premium — typically 15–30% more than attained-age at 65. Limited availability — mandated in CT, MA, MN, NY; available from some carriers in other states.
States with mandated community rating: Connecticut, Massachusetts, Minnesota, New York. Some carriers in other states voluntarily offer community-rated plans.
Pricing Method Comparison Over Time
| Factor | Attained-Age | Issue-Age | Community-Rated |
|---|---|---|---|
| Starting cost at 65 | Lowest | Moderate | Highest |
| Increases with age? | Yes | No | No |
| Increases for inflation? | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Cost at age 75 (relative) | Highest | Moderate | Lowest |
| Total cost over 20 years | Most expensive | Middle | Least expensive |
| Availability | Most states, most carriers | Some carriers | CT, MA, MN, NY + select carriers |
| Best for | Short-term coverage, budget-focused | Long-term predictability | Maximum stability, 20+ year horizon |
Why Your Open Enrollment Period at 65 Matters
Your Medigap Open Enrollment Period (OEP) is a one-time, 6-month window that begins the first day of the month you turn 65 and are enrolled in Medicare Part B. This is the single most important enrollment decision for Medigap because:
- Guaranteed issue: Insurance companies must accept you regardless of health status — no medical underwriting, no health questions, no denial.
- No pre-existing condition exclusions: Carriers cannot impose waiting periods or exclude coverage for conditions you already have.
- Best available rates: You receive the lowest premium tier for your age group without any health-based surcharges.
- Full plan selection: Every Medigap plan offered in your state is available to you.
After this window closes: In most states, insurers can use medical underwriting. They may deny your application, charge higher premiums based on health conditions, or exclude pre-existing conditions. Some states offer additional protections (birthday rules, anniversary windows, or year-round guaranteed issue), but most do not.
If you are approaching 65 and are not sure whether to choose Medigap or Medicare Advantage, consider enrolling in Medigap during your OEP even if you plan to evaluate Advantage plans. You have a trial right to return to Medigap within 12 months of your first Medicare Advantage enrollment.
Medicare Supplement Under Age 65: Disability Medicare
Some people qualify for Medicare before age 65 due to disability (after receiving Social Security Disability Insurance for 24 months), ALS (Lou Gehrig's disease — eligible from the first month of disability benefits), or End-Stage Renal Disease (ESRD).
Federal law does not require Medigap insurers to sell policies to Medicare beneficiaries under age 65. However, approximately 30 states have enacted laws requiring some level of Medigap access for under-65 beneficiaries. The specifics vary widely:
- Some states require all Medigap carriers to sell to under-65 enrollees at the same rates as 65-year-olds.
- Some states allow carriers to charge higher premiums for under-65 enrollees (often 20–50% more than the age-65 rate).
- Some states require only certain plans to be available, or only certain carriers to participate.
- Some states have no under-65 Medigap requirement at all — you may need to rely on Medicare Advantage if you want supplemental coverage.
If you are under 65 and on Medicare, contact your State Health Insurance Assistance Program (SHIP) for free counseling on your specific options. SHIP counselors can tell you which carriers offer under-65 Medigap in your state and what the estimated premiums are.
Other Factors That Affect Premiums Beyond Age
While age is a major factor, several other variables affect your Medigap premium:
Tobacco Use
Tobacco users may pay an estimated 10–25% surcharge on their Medigap premium. Some carriers define "tobacco use" broadly (any tobacco in the past 12 months).
State of Residence
Premiums vary significantly by state due to differences in regulations, carrier competition, cost of living, and claims experience. The same plan can cost 50–100% more in high-cost states.
Gender
Some states allow gender-based pricing. Where permitted, women typically pay slightly less than men for the same plan. Several states prohibit gender-based rating.
Household & Payment Discounts
Many carriers offer 5–15% discounts for household (couples), annual payment, or electronic fund transfer (EFT). Always ask about available discounts.
Medicare Supplement Costs by State
Medigap premiums and age-based pricing methods vary by state. Select a state for detailed cost information and state-specific regulations.
Estimate Your Medicare Supplement Cost
Use our full calculator to get a personalized Medigap cost estimate based on your age, plan choice, tobacco status, and state. Includes 10-year and 20-year cost projections.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Related Cost Calculators
Methodology & Data Sources
Premium estimates: Based on published state insurance department rate filings, industry surveys, and publicly available Medigap market data. Age-based premiums are modeled using age multipliers derived from industry data. They are approximations — not actual insurance quotes from any specific carrier.
Age multipliers: Reflect estimated average premium increases under attained-age pricing. Actual age-based increases vary by carrier and state. Community-rated and issue-age-rated plans do not follow these multipliers.
Medicare figures: Part B premium ($202.9/mo), deductible ($283/yr), and other values sourced from official CMS.gov announcements for the 2026 benefit year.
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
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.