Best Medigap Plans for Low-Income Seniors
Humana is our top pick, as they offer excellent value, various plan options, online enrollment discounts, reasonable premiums, and additional perks.
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- K, L, N, and high-deductible G plans available
- Affordable Part D plan
- Free plan comparison tool
- A, B, G, and N plans available
- Part D with copays as low as $1
- Free SilverSneakers fitness membership
- A, G, and N plans available
- Multiple Part D plans with low premiums
- Discounts available to eligible enrollees
- Fast claims fulfillment
- Up to 12 percent household discount
- Guaranteed renewal
- 5 percent household discount offered in most states
- Variety of plans available
- Health and wellness benefits
Our team researched a dozen Medigap carriers and narrowed down the list to our top picks for low-income seniors and other Medicare beneficiaries.
Our team researched a dozen Medigap carriers and narrowed down the list to our top picks for low-income seniors and other Medicare beneficiaries.
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Health care should never be a luxury. Medicare supplement plans, also known as Medigap plans, are designed to fill in the gaps Original Medicare doesn’t cover. You may experience sticker shock, as some Medigap plans cost hundreds of dollars each month. The good news is not all plans will break the bank!
There are budget-friendly options, as well as federal and state cost assistance programs to help ensure your health and well-being remain a priority. We’ve researched and narrowed down our top picks for affordable Medigap plans, with Humana taking our top spot thanks to their wide selection of Medicare Supplement plans, affordable Part D plans, and easy-to-use plan comparison tool.
The Best Medigap Plans for Low-Income Seniors
Our Methodology
How We Researched the Best Medigap Plans for Low-Income Seniors
Here’s how we evaluated each Medicare Supplement carrier.
- Our team visited each carrier’s website to see what they offered. We gave priority to Medigap carriers who made it easy to see which plans were available in our area and provided instant quotes. For those on a budget, getting a general idea of the costs of a Medigap plan is crucial, so we prioritized this step.
- We read through each plan carefully (including the fine print) to weed out plans that don’t offer as much coverage or include high copays for specific services.
- We spoke to representatives from each carrier on the phone to ask questions about pricing and coverage, particularly for carriers that did not offer as much information on their websites.
- We compared notes and narrowed down our list to the top Medicare Supplement carriers and plans for low-income Medicare beneficiaries.
How We Chose the Best Medigap Plans for Low-Income Seniors
Medicare Supplement plans must meet certain criteria set by Medicare, so some of the biggest question marks are related to monthly premiums, plan availability, and additional benefits (i.e., benefits not included in the standard coverage for each plan type). Here are the most important factors we considered for Medicare beneficiaries shopping for a Medigap plan on a budget:
- Medigap plans offered: There are 10 Medigap plans on the market, four of which are no longer offered to new Medicare beneficiaries. Additionally, insurance carriers vary in the number and type of plans they offer. We looked for carriers that offered more plans, giving consumers more options to choose a plan within their price range.
- Plan premiums and deductibles: Medicare Supplement plans are designed to reduce out-of-pocket Medicare costs like deductibles, coinsurance, and copays. However, if a Medigap plan has a deductible (as some do) and a high premium, beneficiaries may not be saving as much on out-of-pocket costs. So we looked for carriers that offered plans with low premiums and low or no deductibles.
- Cost transparency: We appreciate transparency when it comes to monthly premiums and deductibles, as well as coverage for Medicare deductibles, copays, and coinsurance. We primarily focused on carriers with websites that offered fast quotes and price comparison tools.
- Discounts and perks: Many carriers entice consumers by offering specific discounts for a wide variety of things. For example, some carriers will reduce your premium just for enrolling online, while others will offer a household discount if at least two people in your home enroll. Other discounts and benefits include free gym memberships, 24/7 nurse helplines, and discounts when adding additional plans (like prescription drug plans).
- Plan availability: Not all Medigap plans are available in every state, and some carriers don’t operate in all 50 states. We looked for carriers that offered a wide network. Keep in mind that even if a carrier offers Medigap in your state, they may not offer it in your specific ZIP code.
- Customer service: Since Medigap is only offered through private insurance companies, it’s important to consider their customer service. We contacted each carrier and spoke with representatives to ensure that they offered helpful and friendly customer service. We also read through reviews of each carrier to see what real customers had to say.
- Carrier reputation: We considered the carrier’s reputation as a dependable insurance company. We researched their ratings from trusted organizations like the Better Business Bureau, AM Best, and S&P Global.
Why Trust Us?
Our experts have spent hundreds of hours reviewing and evaluating Medicare Advantage and Medigap plans for eligible beneficiaries. We also consulted with low-income seniors and households to learn about their personal experiences with different carriers and gain better insights into the advantages and disadvantages of choosing a certain carrier over another.
Which Medigap Plans Are the Most Affordable for Low-Income Seniors?
Before we dive into the specifics of our top carriers, below is a highlight of some of the most popular Medigap plans for older adults and other Medicare beneficiaries on a limited income.
High-deductible and cost-sharing Medigap plans are popular with low-income adults, as these options have lower monthly premiums. While these Medigap plans cost less each month, the deductibles, copayments, and coinsurance not paid by Medicare can add up, especially if you have a chronic illness or other medical condition.
As you research the best Medigap plan to meet your health care needs (without putting a strain on your finances), take time to explore these plans with lower premiums:
- High-Deductible Plan G
- Plan K
- Plan L
- Plan N
*High-Deductible Plan F is another plan with a low premium. However, it is not available to new beneficiaries who became eligible for Medicare on or after January 1, 2020.
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1. Humana - Best Value
See Plans Links to HumanaWhat we like most
- K, L, N, and high-deductible G plans available
- Affordable Part D plan
- Free plan comparison tool
HumanaSee Plans Links to HumanaOverview:Humana offers several budget-friendly options for low-income beneficiaries, including Medigap plans K, L, and N, along with High-Deductible Plan G. For those needing an affordable Medicare Part D prescription drug plan, Humana’s value plan also delivers. While Humana’s premiums can’t quite compete with Cigna’s, they still offer one of the best combinations of affordable Medigap and Part D plans.
Pro Tip: Want to combine Original Medicare, Part D, and additional benefits from Humana? Check out our Humana Medicare Advantage review to learn more.
We were impressed with Humana’s competitive rates and wide range of wallet-friendly health coverage options. In addition to Medigap and Medicare Part D prescription drug plans, Humana offers dental and vision plans, making it a one-stop shop for your health care needs. The website was easy to navigate, and comparing plans and pricing was straightforward.
» Our Take: Humana Medigap Plan Reviews
Humana Medigap Plans*
- Plan A
- Plan B
- Plan D
- Plan G
- High-Deductible Plan G
- Plan K
- Plan L
- Plan N
*Plan C, Plan F, and High-Deductible Plan F also have low premiums. However, they are not available to new beneficiaries who became eligible for Medicare on or after January 1, 2020.
Humana Prescription Drug Plan
Humana offers two lower-cost prescription drug plans:
- Humana Value Rx: Affordable monthly premiums that can cost as little as $25 (on average). Copays can be as low as $0 depending on the region, and there is a $0 deductible on Tier 1 and Tier 2 drugs. This Part D plan is best for those who want more robust coverage for generic drugs, but don’t require as many Tier 3 through Tier 5 medications.
- Humana Basic Rx: This plan is designed for limited-income individuals who are eligible for Medicare’s Extra Help program. It’s also suitable for those seeking basic prescription drug plan (PDP) coverage ($35 per month on average) with access to a preferred cost-sharing network.
Pros & Cons:Pros About Humana
- Carries lower premium Medigap plans
- Instant quote provided
- Plan comparison tool makes it easy to view plan details
- Online enrollment discount
- Offers dental, prescription, and vision plans
- The MyHumana mobile app makes it simple to access ID cards, claims, in-network providers, and drug pricing right from your cell phone
Cons About Humana
- Plan options vary depending on your ZIP code
- The most affordable plans come with a deductible
Plans and Pricing:We researched plans available to 65-year-old men and women living in Atlanta, Georgia. We found lower premiums with zero-deductible plans from Anthem, but Humana offers more plan options than both Anthem and Cigna — including the Plan G High Deductible, which offers the lowest monthly premiums. Here’s what we found from Humana:
*Plan Monthly premium (male) Monthly premium (female) Annual deductible Part A coinsurance and hospital coverage Part B coinsurance or copay coverage Part A deductible coverage Part B deductible coverage Plan G High Deductible $56.46 $50.18 $2,870 Yes Yes Yes No Plan N $135.83 $120.41 $0 Yes Yes (up to $20 for office visits; $50 for ER) Yes No Plan A $177.19 $157.02 $0 Yes Yes No No Plan G $178.96 $158.59 $0 Yes Yes Yes No *Plan availability and monthly premiums will vary based on your age, gender, and location.
While the plans above are somewhat limited in the additional coverage they offer (based on the location), depending on where you live, you could gain access to some or all of the following perks:
- SilverSneakers fitness club service
- Rx discount
- Vision discount
- 24 hour nurse advice line
- Hearing discount
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2. Anthem - Best Member Support
See Plans Links to AnthemWhat we like most
- A, B, G, and N plans available
- Part D with copays as low as $1
- Free SilverSneakers fitness membership
AnthemSee Plans Links to AnthemOverview:Part of the Blue Cross Blue Shield Association, Anthem’s Medigap plan offerings include Plan N, which may be ideal for those with limited financial resources. In addition to Anthem’s Medigap plans, policy discounts, and add-on benefits, we found this carrier’s member support to go above and beyond. Like AARP, Anthem takes care of their members and offers a variety of discounts and resources. However, they don’t offer nearly as many plan options as Humana or Mutual of Omaha.
» Save More: Senior Discounts in 2025
Anthem’s Medigap plans and optional prescription, dental, and vision coverage help optimize member health and wellness. Anthem’s app, available for both iOS and Android, makes finding care, managing prescriptions, checking benefits, and tracking claims a breeze. For individuals with dual Medicare and Medicaid enrollment, Anthem serves state-sponsored programs across seven states.
» Our Take: Anthem Medicare Advantage Plans Review
Anthem Medigap Plans*
- Plan A
- Plan B
- Plan G
- Plan N
*For individuals first eligible for Medicare before 2020, Plan F is also available.
Anthem Prescription Drug Plan
Anthem offers one lower-cost prescription drug plan:
- Anthem Blue Cross MediBlue Rx Standard offers copays as low as $1 at preferred in-network pharmacies. Anthem’s Part D plan premiums tend to be higher than other carriers, with the lowest available premium just below $50 per month. Your monthly costs may be reduced if you’re eligible for Medicare’s Extra Help program. Anthem’s user-friendly website makes it easy to confirm if a prescription drug is covered by the plan and if preapproval is needed for new medications.
Pros & Cons:Pros About Anthem
- Virtual and in-person Medicare educational seminars
- Customer support available through phone, email, chat, and health app
- Household and automatic bank withdrawal discounts
- Instant plan pricing provided
- SilverSneakers fitness membership
- Medicare Part D, vision, and dental plans
Cons About Anthem
- Medigap plans only available in 14 states
- Discounts and plan perks depend on ZIP code
- Only one low-cost Part D plan
Plans and Pricing:Despite only being available in 14 states (and select ZIP codes), we researched several Medigap plans available to 65-year-old men and women in Atlanta, Georgia. While Anthem doesn’t offer High-Deductible Plan G, which typically has the lowest premiums, they do have some of the lowest premiums of any carrier on this list for Plan A. Here’s what we found with Anthem:
*Plan Monthly premium (male) Monthly premium (female) Annual deductible Part A coinsurance and hospital coverage Part B coinsurance or copay coverage Part A deductible coverage Part B deductible coverage Plan A $122 $111 $0 Yes Yes No No Plan G $182 $168 $0 Yes Yes Yes No Plan N $198 $179 $0 Yes Yes (up to $20 for office visits; $50 for ER) Yes No *Plan availability and monthly premiums will vary based on your location.
We really like that Anthem provides a full and digestible breakdown of each plan. We could easily scan through the general benefits, see monthly costs, and understand what would be covered without having to click through to an overwhelming document detailing every last benefit (which you can also do).
All of the plans offer optional dental and vision benefits at no additional cost, depending on your location. While Plan A is the most affordable, it may be worth it for some Medicare beneficiaries to pay more for Plan G and get coverage for things like skilled nursing coinsurance, Part B copayments, and even foreign travel emergency care. It all depends on your budget, health, and lifestyle.
» Check Out: Skilled Nursing Costs in 2025
Many Anthem Medigap policyholders can also access benefits like:
- SilverSneakers fitness memberships
- WellRx savings programs
- Household discounts
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3. Cigna - Best Nationwide Availability
See Plans Links to CignaWhat we like most
- A, G, and N plans available
- Multiple Part D plans with low premiums
- Discounts available to eligible enrollees
CignaSee Plans Links to CignaOverview:As a leader in the health insurance industry, Cigna has been in business for more than 225 years. With over 180 million customers, Cigna’s vast coverage area reaches across the United States. With Cigna, individuals in 48 states and Washington, D.C., have access to Medicare supplement insurance. Eligible enrollees may receive deep discounts on premiums.
» Our Take: Cigna Medicare Supplement Plans
With an expansive coverage area and low-cost Medigap and Part D plans, Cigna is an outstanding carrier to explore. Eligible individuals can take advantage of Cigna’s generous enrollment and household discounts. Though they don’t offer as many plans as Humana or Mutual of Omaha, they have some of the best discounts to help keep monthly premiums affordable.
Cigna Medigap Plans*
- Plan A
- Plan G
- Plan N
*For individuals first eligible for Medicare before 2020, Plan F and High-Deductible Plan F are also available.
Cigna Prescription Drug Plan
Cigna offers two lower-cost prescription drug plans:
- Cigna Saver Rx offers valuable coverage on generic drugs, a low monthly premium ($15 to $20 on average), and moderate Part D coverage. Cigna contracts with about 62,000 network pharmacies.
- Cigna Secure Rx offers basic coverage, low premiums ($40 to $60 on average), and low copays. This plan may be a solid choice if you receive financial assistance through Medicare Part D Extra Help. Cigna’s Part D plans are offered in all 50 states and Washington, D.C.
Pros & Cons:Pros About Cigna
- Low-premium Medigap and Part D plans
- Up to 25 percent in enrollment discounts
- Hearing, vision care, and fitness discounts
- 24/7 health advocate hotline
- Add-on dental plans
- PDP copays as low as $0 at preferred retail pharmacies
Cons About Cigna
- Discounts not available in all states
- Limited plan options
Plans and Pricing:We love that Cigna offers a variety of ways for seniors and other Medicare beneficiaries to increase their coverage on out-of-pocket expenses. With availability in 48 states and even more ZIP codes than Humana, Cigna is available to a large percentage of low-income Americans. To get an idea of what their Medigap costs look like, here are the plans available to 65-year-old men and women in Atlanta, Georgia.
*Plan Monthly premium (male) Monthly premium (female) Annual deductible Part A coinsurance and hospital coverage Part B coinsurance or copay coverage Part A deductible coverage Part B deductible coverage Plan G High Deductible $44.99 $39.12 $2,870 Yes Yes Yes No Plan N $89.69 $77.99 $0 Yes Yes (up to $20 for office visits; $50 for ER) Yes No Plan A $111.09 $96.60 $0 Yes Yes No No Plan G $127.52 $110.89 $0 Yes Yes Yes No *Plan availability and monthly premiums will vary based on your age, gender, and location. These premiums include the 25 percent premium and online enrollment discounts.
In addition to their affordable Part D plans, Cigna really stands out for their premium discounts. By enrolling in a plan at age 65, you’re eligible for a 20 percent discount (eligibility varies by age and ZIP code). This discount decreases each year and is completely eliminated by the age of 90. Additionally, if you enroll online, you can get an extra 5 percent off your premium — meaning you could get a 25 percent discount in total.
» Also Check Out: Cigna and Senior Care Coverage
Even without the discounts, Cigna’s premiums are relatively competitive, but if you’re eligible for discounts, Cigna Medigap is one of the most affordable ways to get coverage for out-of-pocket medical expenses. As an extra bonus, they’re available in 48 states and more ZIP codes than any other carrier on this list, so there’s a good chance that if you’re eligible for Medicare, you could be eligible for a cost-friendly Medigap plan from Cigna.
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4. Mutual of Omaha - Best Multiplan Options
See Plans Links to Mutual of OmahaWhat we like most
- Fast claims fulfillment
- Up to 12 percent household discount
- Guaranteed renewal
Mutual of OmahaSee Plans Links to Mutual of OmahaOverview:Mutual of Omaha was founded in 1909 as the Mutual Benefit Health & Accident Association. The carrier has been providing Medigap insurance since Medicare started in 1966. Offering Plan N and High-Deductible Plan G makes this Medicare insurance company popular with low-income older adults.
Money-Tip: Need help organizing your finances? Check out our guide to building a budget on a fixed income.
Mutual of Omaha provides an impressive number of educational resources for Medigap enrollees, though AARP still offers the most resources for seniors and other Medicare beneficiaries. Mutual of Omaha’s user-friendly website, transparent pricing and plan details, and uncomplicated online application process stood out. We loved that all Mutual of Omaha Medigap plans, including the lower premium options, promote nutrition, fitness, and well-being.
» Our Take: Mutual of Omaha Medigap Plans Review
Mutual of Omaha Medigap Plans*
- Plan A
- Plan D
- Plan G
- High-Deductible Plan G
- Plan N
*For individuals first eligible for Medicare before 2020, Plan C, Plan F, and High-Deductible Plan F are also available.
Mutual of Omaha Prescription Drug Plan
Mutual of Omaha offers one lower-cost prescription drug plan:
- Mutual of Omaha Rx Premier offers low premiums for cost-conscious enrollees ($35 on average). Coverage includes access to more than 65,000 pharmacies and major chains, including local grocery stores.
Pros & Cons:Pros About Mutual of Omaha
- Offers lower premium Medigap plans
- Instant quote provided
- Pays 98 percent of Medicare claims within 12 hours
- Up to a 12 percent household discount
- Prescription, dental, life insurance, and long-term care insurance plans
- Fitness, hearing, and vision care discounts
Cons About Mutual of Omaha
- High-Deductible Plan G not offered in all states
- Only one low-cost Part D plan
Plans and Pricing:Mutual of Omaha’s Medigap premiums aren’t as low as Cigna’s, but they still beat out Anthem and compete well with larger carriers like Humana. We love that Mutual of Omaha offers High Deductible Plan G, as this is one of the best plans for those who want coverage but still want to keep their monthly costs low and predictable. Here are estimated costs for 65-year-old men and women living in Atlanta, Georgia.
*Plan Monthly premium (male) Monthly premium (female) Annual deductible Part A coinsurance and hospital coverage Part B coinsurance or copay coverage Part A deductible coverage Part B deductible coverage Plan G High Deductible $50.80 $45.71 $2,870 Yes Yes Yes No Plan N $108.25 $94.13 $101.62 Yes Yes (up to $20 for office visits; $50 for ER) Yes No Plan A $116.86 $101.62 $0 Yes Yes No No Plan G $169.48 $147.38 $0 Yes Yes Yes No *Plan availability and monthly premiums will vary based on your age, gender, and location. These premiums include the 12 percent household discount and five percent online enrollment discount.
It’s important to consider that, similar to Cigna, Mutual of Omaha offers substantial discounts on premiums. The quotes above include 17 percent off the standard premiums — five percent for online enrollees and 12 percent for those who have an additional Mutual of Omaha Medigap policyholder in the same household. The online enrollment discount is pretty easy to qualify for, but if you don’t have someone else in your home who wants a Mutual of Omaha Medigap plan, you can expect higher premiums.
Like Anthem and AARP, Mutual of Omaha offers emergency travel coverage with some plans, including the low-premium, High Deductible Plan G. This makes it a great solution for seniors on a tight budget who still want protection if and when they leave their network.
» Also Check Out: Senior Travel and Vacations
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5. AARP - Best Plan Perks and Discounts
See Plans Links to AARPWhat we like most
- 5 percent household discount offered in most states
- Variety of plans available
- Health and wellness benefits
AARPSee Plans Links to AARPOverview:Two decades ago, AARP joined forces with UnitedHealthcare. UnitedHealthcare is one of the largest health care insurance companies in the world. AARP’s partnership with UnitedHealthcare delivers an impressive range of benefits, including lower-cost plan options.
Since 1958, AARP has been dedicated to empowering people to choose how they live as they age. In addition to offering lower premiums, their top-notch discounts, rewards, and dedication to health and wellness make AARP Medigap plans from UnitedHealthcare a strong contender for lower-income individuals.
» Our Take: UnitedHealthcare Medicare Supplement Plans
AARP Medigap Plans from UnitedHealthcare*
- Plan A
- Plan B
- Plan D
- Plan G
- Plan K
- Plan L
- Plan N
*For individuals first eligible for Medicare before 2020, Plan C and Plan F are also available.
AARP Part D Prescription Drug Plans Offered through UnitedHealthcare
AARP offers two lower-cost prescription drug plans:
- AARP MedicareRx Walgreens has a relatively low monthly plan premium ($72 on average). It’s an excellent option for customers who fill their prescriptions at Walgreens.
- AARP MedicareRx Saver Plus has lower monthly premiums ($67 on average) and a wide range of pharmacy network options. It is geared toward older adults who don’t currently take many prescriptions.
Pros & Cons:Pros About AARP
- Enrollment discount up to 39 percent
- Wide range of Medigap plans offered
- Instant plan pricing available
- Only Medicare Supplement plans endorsed by AARP
- Discounts for dental, vision, and hearing
- Preventive benefits, including Renew Active fitness membership
- Health, financial, and housing resources for older adults
Cons About AARP
- Does not offer Medigap High-Deductible Plan G
- Not the most affordable carrier on the market
- AARP membership is required, adding a $16 annual fee
Plans and Pricing:Like Humana, AARP and UnitedHealthcare have a lot of plans available, many of which are good fits for seniors and other Medicare beneficiaries on a budget. However, you do have to be an AARP member to be eligible, which adds $16 per year to the cost. This isn’t a huge amount, but when you’re trying to save as much as possible on out-of-pocket expenses, every cent counts.
Here are the AARP Medigap plans and prices we found for 65-year-old men and women in Atlanta, Georgia.
*Plan Monthly premium (male) Monthly premium (female) Annual deductible Part A coinsurance and hospital coverage Part B coinsurance or copay coverage Part A deductible coverage Part B deductible coverage Plan K $61 $61 $0 Yes Yes Yes No Plan N $138.50 $138.50 $0 Yes Yes (up to $20 for office visits; $50 for ER) Yes No Plan A $138.50 $138.50 $0 Yes Yes No No Plan L $140 $140 $0 Yes Yes Yes No Plan G $155 $155 $0 Yes Yes Yes No Plan B $211.75 $211.75 $0 Yes Yes Yes No *Plan availability and monthly premiums will vary based on your age, gender, and location.
AARP is the only carrier that doesn’t offer differentiated quotes based on gender. Additionally, it’s important to point out that the quotes above do not include the enrollment discount, which can be as high as 39 percent. While the lack of a High-Deductible Plan G option is disappointing, Plan K is a highly affordable alternative (for those who are eligible) and major discounts will apply for most applicants. Just remember that you’ll also need to add the AARP membership fee to the total.
FYI: Not interested in AARP’s Medigap offerings? Consider AARP’s Medicare Advantage plans as a potential alternative.
In addition to the plethora of AARP resources you’ll get with that membership, most of AARP’s Medigap plans come with additional benefits, similar to those offered by Humana and Anthem:
- Dental, vision, and hearing discounts
- Free gym membership
- 24/7 nurse advice line
How Much Does Medigap Cost?
While Medigap plan coverage is federally mandated to be the same across all insurance companies, policy pricing is not. This is because your Medigap policy is purchased through a private insurance company. The bottom line? There can be a big difference in insurance company plan premiums for identical coverage.
How Are Medigap Plans Priced?
Insurance companies can price Medigap policies in three different ways. This is essential to keep in mind as you review Medigap insurance carriers. What appears to be the most cost-effective plan could end up putting a major financial strain on your wallet. As you shop for a budget-friendly Medigap plan, ask each insurance company how they rate their policies.
Did You Know? In some states, you can buy a type of Medigap plan called Medicare Select, which allows you to switch to a standard Medigap plan within the first 12 months.1
Attained-Age Rated
With attained-age Medigap policies, your age at the time of enrollment determines your premium. Premiums are lower for “younger” older adults and increase as you age. In addition to age, inflation will affect attained-age policies.
Community-Rated
Your age isn’t a factor for community-rated Medigap policies. At this time, eight states require premiums to be community-rated among policyholders ages 65 and older:
- Arkansas
- Connecticut
- Massachusetts
- Maine
- New York
- Vermont
- Washington
This means that Medigap insurers cannot charge higher premiums to people because they are older or have more health conditions. Therefore, they must charge an 80-year-old policyholder the same as a 70-year-old policyholder regardless of health. The remaining 38 states and Washington, D.C., have the option to offer community-rated premiums, but most don’t.
Did You Know? Every Medigap policy must follow federal and state laws designed to protect you, and it must be clearly identified as “Medicare Supplement Insurance.”2
Issue-Age Rated
Issue-age Medigap policies are unique, as the premium is locked in at the time you purchase the policy. As with attained-age and community-rated Medigap policies, the younger your age during enrollment, the lower your premium. However, the difference with issue-age Medigap plans is the premium won’t change as you age.
7 Factors That Affect Medigap Pricing
It’s federally mandated that what’s included in each Medigap plan is the same across all insurance companies. For example, Plan N at one company is identical to Plan N at another. However, since Medigap is sold through private insurance companies, the carriers dictate their pricing (premiums), discounts offered, and annual increases.
Medigap pricing can be affected by factors such as:
- How the policy is rated (attained-age, community-rated, or issue-age-rated)
- Your age at enrollment
- Your gender
- The state and ZIP code where you reside
- Marital status
- If you are a smoker
- If you are enrolling after your six-month Medigap open enrollment window has passed
Tip From the Experts: It’s important to remember that if you enroll after your six-month open enrollment period, insurance companies can charge you a late penalty, higher rates, or deny coverage.3
Medigap Plan Pricing Comparison
Let’s compare policy prices for one Medigap plan from various carriers to give you a better idea of how pricing varies. The prices below are based on a 65-year-old nonsmoking female (born January 1, 1959) electing Medicare Part A and B, along with Medigap Part N coverage beginning March 2025.
| Medigap insurance company | Plan type | Mercer, NJ (08690) | Polk, IA (50317) | San Francisco, CA (94111) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mutual of Omaha | Plan N | $104.70 | $86.51 | $139.05 |
| Humana | Plan N | $153.31 | $188.71 | $152.29 |
| Cigna | Plan N | $88.08 | N/A | $109.81 |
| AARP UnitedHealthcare | Plan N | $109.95 | $121.55 | $129.92 |
| Anthem | Plan N | N/A | N/A | $188.85 |
It’s important to note the websites for the insurance carriers listed in the above table provided quotes that included discounts. This can be misleading, as not everyone will be eligible for discounts, so make sure you are indeed eligible for the discount and can take advantage of it.
For example:
- Mutual of Omaha provides quotes factoring in a household discount of up to 12 percent, which varies by state. The discount in New Jersey, for instance, is 7 percent.
- AARP offers a significant enrollment discount of up to 39 percent.
- Humana’s pricing is at a preferred rate, with an online application discount included.
- Cigna offers premium discounts of up to 25 percent for qualified applicants. However, the premium discount is not available in Hawaii, Idaho, Minnesota, or Vermont.
Always remember that a quote is an estimate, and pricing can change once you complete the actual Medigap application.
Other Ways to Save on Health Care for Low-Income Seniors
Medicaid
Many older adults struggle to pay for adequate health coverage. Medicaid is a federal state assistance program that provides health coverage to 7.2 million low-income seniors enrolled in Medicare.4 Medicaid covers medical costs that Medicare does not (such as hospice or long-term care). It also covers your out-of-pocket Medicare costs.
Qualification for Medicaid is based on several factors, such as:
- Income and assets
- Age
- Household size
- Disability
- Family status
Medicaid guidelines, qualifying factors such as income limits, and coverage vary by state. To determine if you are eligible for your state’s Medicaid program, submit the enrollment application directly to your state Medicaid agency or through Healthcare.gov’s Health Insurance Marketplace.
Medicare Cost Assistance Programs
Medicaid isn’t the only option for individuals on a limited income. There are several federal and state programs in place to help lower or eliminate your out-of-pocket Medicare costs.
Keep in mind that the Medicare assistance programs listed below all vary by state. For more information, contact your State Health Insurance Assistance Program (SHIP) for guidance.
- Medicare Savings Programs (MSPs): Low-income individuals may qualify for a Medicare Savings Program. The type of Medicare assistance you may receive depends on income and asset limits. For example, if you fall under the Qualified Medicare Beneficiary (QMB) guidelines, the Medicare Savings Program will pay Part A and B premiums and eliminate cost-sharing for Medicare-covered services.
- Extra Help: Extra Help is a federal program that helps pay the out-of-pocket costs of your Medicare Part D prescription drug coverage. This includes paying for your Part D plan premium and reducing the cost of your prescription drugs. To receive Extra Help, you must be enrolled in a Medicare Part D prescription drug plan.
- State Pharmaceutical Assistance Programs (SPAPs): SPAPs are state-run programs to help residents pay for prescription drugs. Benefits may include paying for your Part D premium, copayments, or deductibles.
- Government-Funded Health Centers: Government-Funded Health Centers, also known as HRSA Health Centers or Federally Qualified Health Centers, offer reduced-cost medical care across the United States to those in need.
Did You Know? Less than half the people eligible for Extra Help actually sign up. Don’t automatically rule out this option; apply to find out if you qualify.5
Frequently Asked Questions
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Is Medigap being phased out?
No, Medigap is not being phased out. However, some plans that used to be available, like Plans E, H, I, and J, are only available to those who already have one of these plans and wish to renew it.
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What are the two Medigap plans that have out-of-pocket limits?
Medigap Plan K and Plan L have out-of-pocket limits of $7,220 and $3,610, respectively, as of 2025.6
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Which Medigap plan is the most popular?
Among all Medicare beneficiaries with a Medigap plan, Plan G is the most popular, accounting for nearly 40 percent of all active Medicare Supplement plans.
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What is the cheapest Medigap plan?
In most cases, High-Deductible Plan G is the Medigap plan with the lowest monthly premiums.
Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services. (2025). Get Medigap Basics.
Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services. (2024). Medicare Supplement Insurance: Getting Started.
Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services. (2025). When can I buy a Medigap policy?
Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services. (2025). Seniors & Medicare and Medicaid Enrollees.
Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services. (2018). What to do if you no longer automatically qualify for Extra Help with Medicare prescription drug costs.
Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services. (2024). K & L Out-of-Pocket Limits Announcements.