Medicare Supplement Plans (Medigap) for 2025–2026

Nov 29, 2025

What to Know About Filling the Gaps in Original Medicare

If you’re approaching Medicare or already enrolled, you’ve probably noticed something surprising:
Original Medicare (Parts A & B) doesn’t cover everything.

That’s where Medicare Supplement Insurance (also called Medigap) comes in. As we move through 2025 and into 2026, understanding how Medigap works can help you protect your budget from unexpected medical bills and keep your coverage as predictable as possible.

What Is a Medicare Supplement (Medigap) Plan?

Original Medicare helps with many hospital and medical costs, but you’re still responsible for things like:

  • Part A & Part B deductibles

  • Coinsurance and copays

  • Certain excess charges

  • Some out-of-pocket costs when you travel

A Medicare Supplement plan is extra insurance offered by private companies that is designed to help pay some or most of these out-of-pocket expenses. You keep Original Medicare as your primary coverage, and your Medigap plan works alongside it.

Key points:

  • You must be enrolled in Medicare Parts A and B.

  • Medigap policies are standardized (Plans A, B, D, G, K, L, M, N, etc.).

  • You pay a monthly premium to the Medigap insurance company.

  • You can use any doctor or hospital that accepts Medicare — no networks.

Why People Consider Medigap in 2025–2026

Healthcare costs continue to change from year to year, and Medicare cost-sharing amounts (like deductibles and coinsurance) can be updated annually. For many retirees, that introduces uncertainty into the budget.

Here are some reasons people are looking closely at Medigap coverage for 2025–2026:

  1. Predictable Out-of-Pocket Costs
    Medigap can dramatically reduce surprise bills, especially for those who see specialists or have ongoing health conditions.

  2. Freedom to Choose Providers
    Most Medigap plans let you see any provider nationwide that accepts Medicare — helpful if you travel or split time between states.

  3. Simplicity
    With Original Medicare plus a Medigap plan and a separate Part D prescription drug plan, you avoid networks, referrals, and many of the rules found in some Medicare Advantage plans.

  4. Planning for the “What Ifs”
    Even if you’re healthy today, a serious illness, surgery, or accident could be very expensive. Many people choose a Medigap plan for peace of mind.

How Medigap Plans Are Standardized

While different insurance companies may offer different premiums and extras, the core benefits of each Medigap letter plan are the same nationwide (with a few state exceptions like Massachusetts, Minnesota, and Wisconsin).

Some of the most commonly discussed plans include:

  • Plan A – Basic benefits; covers core coinsurance amounts.

  • Plan G – One of the most popular options for those first eligible for Medicare after 2020; covers many out-of-pocket costs except the Part B annual deductible.

  • Plan N – Often has a lower premium with cost-sharing such as small copays and certain limitations.

Note: Plans C and F are no longer available to people who became eligible for Medicare on or after January 1, 2020. Those who were eligible before that date may still have or enroll in those plans, depending on availability.

Medigap vs. Medicare Advantage: What’s the Difference?

Many people compare Medicare Supplement (Medigap) to Medicare Advantage (Part C) when choosing their coverage.

Here’s a simple way to think about it:

Medigap (with Original Medicare)

  • You stay in Original Medicare.

  • You add a Medigap policy to help cover deductibles, coinsurance, and copays.

  • You can see any doctor or hospital that takes Medicare, nationwide.

  • You typically pay:

    • Part B premium

    • Medigap premium

    • Part D drug plan premium (if you enroll in one)

Medicare Advantage (Part C)

  • You receive benefits through a private plan instead of Original Medicare directly.

  • Plans may include networks, referrals, and prior authorizations.

  • Many include built-in prescription drug coverage and extra benefits like dental, vision, or hearing.

  • You pay copays, coinsurance, and possibly a premium, depending on the plan.

Neither option is “better” for everyone. It comes down to your health needs, budget, and preferences for flexibility and simplicity.

Timing Matters: When You Can Enroll in a Medigap Plan

One of the most important aspects of Medigap planning in 2025–2026 is enrollment timing.

Medigap Open Enrollment Period

Your Medigap Open Enrollment Period is a once-in-a-lifetime window:

  • It starts the month you are 65 or older and enrolled in Medicare Part B, and

  • It lasts six months.

During this period:

  • You have the right to buy any Medigap plan offered in your state, regardless of your health.

  • Insurance companies cannot use medical underwriting to deny you coverage or charge you more based on health conditions.

After this window closes, in most states:

  • You may be required to answer health questions.

  • You could be denied coverage, charged more, or face waiting periods for pre-existing conditions, depending on the situation and state rules.

There are also certain “guaranteed issue” rights (for example, if you lose other coverage) that may give you another opportunity to get a Medigap plan without underwriting.

What to Watch for in 2025–2026

While Medigap benefits themselves don’t usually change dramatically year to year, a few things do:

  1. Premium Adjustments
    Insurance companies can adjust Medigap premiums over time. Premiums may vary by age, location, tobacco use, and how the policy is priced (attained age, issue age, or community rated).

  2. Medicare Cost Changes
    The amounts Medicare charges for Part A & B deductibles, coinsurance, and Part B premiums can change annually. A good Medigap plan helps you manage those changes.

  3. State-Specific Rules
    Some states have special rules or additional enrollment rights. For example, certain states allow annual Medigap “birthday rules” or other switching opportunities. Be sure to check what applies where you live.

Because of these moving pieces, it’s wise to review your coverage each year, even if you don’t end up changing your plan.

How to Choose a Medigap Plan That Fits You

Here are a few practical steps if you’re considering a Medicare Supplement plan for 2025–2026:

  1. Take Inventory of Your Health Needs

    • How often do you see doctors or specialists?

    • Do you anticipate surgeries, therapies, or ongoing treatments?

  2. Think About Your Budget

    • How much can you comfortably spend on premiums each month?

    • Would you rather pay a higher premium for lower out-of-pocket costs, or vice versa?

  3. Consider Your Lifestyle

    • Do you travel frequently or live in more than one state during the year?

    • Do you want the freedom to see specialists without referrals?

  4. Compare Plans by Letter, Then by Company

    • Start by deciding which letter plan (G, N, etc.) fits your needs.

    • Then compare different insurance companies’ premiums and reputations for that same letter.

  5. Don’t Forget Part D
    Medigap policies do not include prescription drug coverage. You’ll generally want to enroll in a stand-alone Medicare Part D plan to help with medications.

Common Questions About Medigap

“Can I have a Medicare Advantage plan and a Medigap plan at the same time?”
No. It’s illegal for an insurance company to sell you a Medigap policy if you already have a Medicare Advantage plan, unless you’re moving back to Original Medicare.

“Do Medigap plans cover dental, vision, or hearing?”
Generally, no. Medigap is focused on Medicare cost-sharing (deductibles, coinsurance, copays). Some companies may offer separate dental/vision/hearing plans.

“Will my Medigap plan work if I move?”
Medigap plans are usually portable within the United States, but premiums can change by region, and rules vary by state. If you’re planning a move, it’s a good idea to review your options.

Final Thoughts: Planning Ahead for 2025–2026

Medicare Supplement (Medigap) plans continue to be a popular way for retirees to:

  • Reduce surprise medical bills

  • Keep coverage simple and predictable

  • Maintain flexibility with doctors and hospitals

As you look toward 2025 and 2026, taking the time to understand how Medigap works — and how it fits alongside Original Medicare and a Part D plan — can make a big difference in your long-term financial comfort and peace of mind.

This article is for general educational purposes only and is not intended as individual tax, legal, or healthcare advice. Medicare rules can change, and your situation is unique. Before making any decision about Medicare coverage, you should review the most current information from Medicare and consider speaking with a licensed insurance professional or advisor.