Cost
A comparison of Medigap plans wouldn't be complete without looking at quotes offered by different insurance companies all selling the same plan. The cost of a Medigap plan can differ from one company to the next and each company is free to offer their own discounts and pricing models.
Medicare Supplement Insurance companies can charge different premiums for policies depending on a number of factors, including age and location.
Monthly premiums can change over time, especially if you purchase a plan that factors your age into its pricing strategy. Ask a licensed insurance agent about how the company determines its rates before you purchase a plan. Medigap policies can be priced in one of three ways:
- Community-rated
Also called no-age-rated, these policies cost the same amount for everybody on that particular type of Medigap plan, regardless of how old you were when you bought it. Older people are not charged more per month with these plans.
- Issue-age-rated
Premiums are lower for younger buyers of these types of Medicare Supplement Insurance plans, as they are priced according to when you purchase the policy (or when the policy was issued to you). Your monthly premium is determined at the start of your policy and does not continue to go up over time due to age.
- Attained-age-rated
With these plans, premiums always correspond to your current age (or the age you have “attained”). Premiums increase over time to reflect the increased risk to the insurer as you get older. These may start out relatively inexpensive, but they often become the most expensive Medigap plans over time.
Note: Premiums can always go up over time due to inflation or other factors, regardless of the company’s pricing structure.
Popular Medigap Plan Comparisons
Plan F is the most popular Medigap plan, with Plan C coming in second place. Plan F is the most comprehensive plan with coverage for all nine of the benefit areas Medigap plans can offer.
Plan C is one of the most comprehensive plans, but it does not include coverage for Medicare Part B excess charges.
Enrolling in a Medigap Plan
If you enroll in Medigap during your Medigap open enrollment period (the six months after you are at least age 65 and enrolled in Medicare Part B), insurance companies cannot refuse to sell you a Medigap policy or charge you more for a plan based on your health history.
Some people who are under 65 are also eligible for Medicare and Medigap, such as people with End-Stage Renal Disease or other qualifying disabilities. However, you don’t have the same blanket guaranteed-issue rights that pertain to people over 65.
The easiest way to compare Medigap plans and rates in your area is with the help of a licensed insurance agent. Agents can answer questions and help you find the right plan for your needs.
Connect with an agent online or give us a call at 1-800-995-4219 today to compare Medigap plans in your area.