by Russell Noga | Updated August 15th, 2024
The Medicare landscape is constantly changing, so being aware of various Medicare Supplement plans and their benefits, as well as costs and eligibility moving into the 2026 year is vital.
This article will walk you through everything you need to know regarding Medicare Supplement Plans for the 2026 year.
Key Takeaways
- Medicare Supplement (Medigap) plans help to cover the gaps left by Original Medicare, providing benefits that go beyond Medicare Parts A and B.
- Rate increase changes may occur entering the new year, making it imperative for Medicare-eligible beneficiaries to understand plan specifics when comparing benefits.
- Medigap plan’s various benefits and costs will ensure beneficiaries can get the most out of their coverage while comparing providers and enrollment periods will aid them in joining the plans during periods with no medical underwriting.
Respected Medicare Supplement plans in 2026 that beneficiaries have joined in the past are:
- Medicare Plan G
- Medicare Plan N
- Medicare Plan F*
- High-deductible Plan G
*Plan F is only available to seniors who were eligible for Medicare prior to January 1, 2020
Medicare Supplement Plan G 2026
Respected by beneficiaries in past years for its comprehensive coverage, Medicare Plan G covers a range of costs not paid for by Original Medicare. Essentially, Plan G covers everything except for the Part B deductible, leaving beneficiaries a safety net for their healthcare.
For example, Plan G covers Part A coinsurance and hospital costs for up to 365 days after the Medicare benefits are exhausted, Part A hospice care coinsurance and copayment, Part B coinsurance and copayment, Part B excess charges, and more. It offers predictability in coverage after beneficiaries pay the Part B deductible.
Premiums for this plan vary depending on the beneficiaries’ factors, such as location and age, but they typically cost less than Medicare Plan F.
Medicare Supplement Plan N 2026
Medicare Supplement Plan N, an option that beneficiaries have gravitated towards in the recent past for its balance between coverage and cost. Medigap Plan N is a helpful option for those who are looking for a more cost-effective plan that do not have to visit the doctor as much.
Plan N covers all of the same benefits as Plan G except for Part B excess charges, meaning individuals may have to pay $20 for doctor visits and $50 dollars for emergency room visits that do not end in admission. As such, beneficiaries that don’t require visiting the doctor as much may see this as a cost-effective plan.
The premiums for Plan N tend to be lower than those for Plan G, making it a budget-conscious choice for those that don’t require as many medical visits. Plan N covers everything except Part B deductible and Part B excess charges.
High Deductible Medicare Plan G 2026
If you’re looking for a plan with lower monthly premiums, High Deductible Medicare Supplement Plan G may be the option for you! Taking the benefits of standard Plan G, this plan offers it at a higher deductible for those with lower healthcare usage, while coverage for medical expenses.
The coverage for this plan includes everything that Plan G covers, not including the Part B deductible. Once this deductible is met, the coverage kicks in. The initial out-of-pocket cost is higher than standard Plan G, marking its primary difference.
The Part B deductible for the 2026 calendar year has not been announced yet. Please check back onto this website for updated information.
Medicare Supplement Plan F 2026
One of oldest respected plans in Medicare Supplement Plan F, which is now only available to beneficiaries who were eligible for Medicare before January 1, 2020. For those eligible, Plan F is a great option for those seeking comprehensive coverage.
Plan F is singular in its coverage as it covers all of the gaps left by Medicare Parts A and B. Everything from Part A hospital coinsurance, to the first three pints of blood, to the Part B deductible, to 80% of foreign travel coverage, Medicare Plan F covers it all.
This all-inclusive coverage does come with a higher cost, but beneficiaries don’t have to pay any out-of-pocket expenses.
Understanding Medicare Supplement Plans in 2026
Medicare Supplement (or Medigap) plans help cover the expenses Original Medicare does not cover. While Original Medicare covers 80% of your healthcare needs, Medigap swoops in to cover the remaining 20% to ensure you are receiving all-inclusive coverage.
This being said, the Medicare Supplement industry is constantly changing. This makes it imperative that Medicare-eligible beneficiaries understand the various plan options, benefits, costs, and coverage of Medigap.
What is a Medicare Supplement Plan?
Medicare Supplement plans are policies sold by private insurance companies that cover the remainer of what Original Medicare does not cover.
Medicare Supplement plans in 2026 cover out-of-pocket expenses like copayments, coinsurance, and deductibles, part of the 20% not covered by Original Medicare (or Medicare Parts A & B).
Medicare Advantage is an alternative to Original Medicare, requiring you to give up Medicare Parts A & B in order to receive Medicare Part C. Alternatively, Medigap works hand-in-hand with Medicare Parts A & B, supplementing your coverage.
Who Can Benefit from Medicare Supplement Plans?
Medicare Supplement plans in 2026 are available to those enrolled in Medicare Part A and Part B (Original Medicare). These individuals are typically 65 or older, but some can be younger due to exceptions such as disability or specific health conditions.
Changes to Medicare Supplement Plans in 2026
In recent years, there has been new proposals on how to improve the Medicare system that may change Medigap plan benefits or costs depending on the new legislation or regulations.
These potential changes are listed below.
New Legislation Impacting Medicare Supplement Plans
There has been new legislation proposed in recent years that will focus on ensuring more comprehensive behavioral services as well as chronic illness supplemental benefits that may effect changes to plans in upcoming years.
Additionally, the Inflation Reduction Act introduced a $2,000 cap on Medicare Part D, which may create alterations in how Medicare Supplement plans in 2026 work.
Plan Modifications and Discontinuations
Some discontinuations in the past years have also impacted Medicare, most notably the ineligibility for beneficiaries who want to join Medicare Supplement Plan C or Plan F, but who became eligible for Medicare after January 1, 2020. If you were eligible before that date however, you are still able to enroll in one of those plans.
Conversely, high-deductible versions of Plans F and G have been introduced, which enables beneficiaries to pay lower premiums in exchange for a higher deductible payment.
Medicare Plan N’s enrollment has been increasing recently as it offers a lower premium cost than Plans F and G, providing a balanced approach between coverage and cost.
Comparing Medicare Supplement Plans in 2026
Comparing plan options and coverage for the 2026 year is vital to ensuring you get the best plans suited to your healthcare needs. When you compare plan options, you can find which letter plan will work with your needs, from choosing an option with a lower cost but less coverage if you don’t need medical treatment as often, or for a plan with more comprehensive coverage with a higher cost for those who need more treatment.
Searching for the same plans across various providers can also help individuals narrow down the choices to find a more cost-effective plan.
Reviewing the different benefits and providers and staying up-to-date on the changes in Medicare will help beneficiaries stay ahead of their healthcare needs.
Key Factors to Consider
There are a few key factors to consider for Medicare Supplement plans in 2026. The first factor to consider is the benefits of the various Medigap plans.
Medicare Supplement plans don’t cover long-term care, vision, or dental care. However, they provide great coverage for costs not associated with Original Medicare and do not have network providers, meaning you can see any doctor who accepts Medicare.
Additionally, consider the cost of the plan. Costs can vary with the plan type, provider, your location, your age, and more so it’s important you understand the monthly premium rate and the deductible cost when choosing a plan.
Top Medicare Supplement Plans in 2026
Some respectable plan providers in the past years have been:
- Mutual of Omaha
- Blue Cross Blue Shield
- Humana
- Allstate
- UnitedHealthcare
- Cigna
- Aetna
These plan providers tend to have good feedback and reviews with their Medicare Supplement plans. The plans they offer are also standardized, meaning each company offers the same coverage.
Enrollment Process for Medicare Supplement Plans
There are a few different enrollment periods for Medigap, but the Open Enrollment Period is one of the best times to buy a Medigap policy.
But because comparing all the different plans is hard, we’re here to help! At Medisupps.com, you can join a free consultation with one of our knowledgeable and licensed insurance agents, helping you find the best plan.
We work with you, and as an independent agency, the decision for your best plan will never be swayed by an insurance company trying to sell you a specific plan, but by finding the best plan for your needs. You can call 1-888-891-0229 or schedule a call with the link below to speak to an agent!
Once you have a plan in mind that you’d like to join, you will complete an application with one of our insurance agents by phone, making this process straightforward.
When to Enroll in a Medicare Supplement Plan
The Medigap Open Enrollment Period begins on the first day of the month when an individual turns 65 (or is eligible for Medicare due to other reasons) and enrolled in Medicare Part B. This period lasts for 6 months.
This is the best time to enroll in a Medigap policy because you do not have to undergo medical underwriting.
There are, however, specific circumstances to enroll in a plan outside the Open Enrollment period. Some examples of special circumstances include applying for a new Medigap policy within 63 days of SELECT coverage ending or switching from Medicare Advantage back to Original Medicare with a guaranteed issue right (within 63 days).
If you miss the Open Enrollment Period, you may face limited options and higher premiums due to health, as well as medical underwriting.
How to Apply for a Medicare Supplement Plan
To apply for a Medicare Supplement plan, it’s as easy as calling 1-888-891-0229 and consulting with one of our licensed agents.
It only takes 10 minutes! Call today!
Understanding Costs Associated with Medicare Supplement Plans
Costs for Medigap plans include copayments, deductibles, and premiums, with private insurance companies setting their own premiums.
This causes the price of your plan to vary depending on factors such as the individual, the insurance company, and the chosen policy.
Premiums
Premiums can vary based on underwriting methods such as:
- Community-rated: Premiums are the same for everyone, not increasing with age.
- Issue-age-rated: Premiums are based on the age of the individual when the policy is first purchased, causing no increase in price due to age but only to inflation
- Attained-age-rated: Price is based on the beneficiary’s current age and will increase the older the individual gets
Additional factors that affect premium costs may include inflation, total benefits paid in previous years, and general increases in medical costs. Moreover, the age of the policyholder and the location of the individual can make premium costs fluctuate.
Deductibles and Co-payments
Deductibles and co-payments are also costs to consider with your Medigap plan. Past changes to Medicare are an example of these costs.
Last year, Medicare introduced an annual cap of $2,000 for Medicare Part D out-of-pocket prescription drug costs. Additionally, Medigap Plans K and L have out-of-pocket limits.
Various plans also offer various expenses. Plan N for example does not cover Part B copayments, leaving beneficiaries the cost of $20 for doctor visits and $50 for emergency room visits that don’t end in admission.
Tips for Maximizing Medicare Supplement Plan Benefits
Maximizing Medigap benefits involves:
- Researching the benefits various plans offer
- Ensuring the plan’s benefits are aligned with your individual healthcare needs
- Reviewing Medicare Supplement plans annually to confirm it continues to match your medical requirements, adjusting the plan if necessary
Additionally, discounts and wellness programs offered through Medigap plans can help you maximize your benefits and lead to additional savings.
Staying Informed About Plan Changes
Our licensed insurance agents can help you review your rates annually to save you money.
This will aid you in making informed choices about your healthcare. Call today to get started!
Summary
Navigating Medicare Supplement (Medigap) plans in 2026 involves understanding plan specifics, changes to plans, the enrollment process, and costs.
Staying informed and reviewing annually will enable you to navigate your healthcare coverage with ease.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What are Medicare Parts A and Part B Medicare?
Medicare Part A covers hospitalization and Medicare Part B covers doctor services.
What is a Medicare Supplement Plan?
A Medicare Supplement (or Medigap) plan is an insurance produce that covers the gaps left in Original Medicare.
Who can benefit from a Medicare Supplement Plan?
Those who can benefit from a Medigap plan are those enrolled in Original Medicare (Parts A and B).
What are some changes to Medicare Supplement Plans in 2026?
The information for the 2026 year has not been released yet. Please check back to this website for updated information.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Medicare Plan N?
Medicare Plan. N is a coverage option that helps pay for out-of-pocket expenses not covered by Medicare Parts A and B. It covers the Part A deductible, coinsurance for Parts A and B, three pints of blood and 80% of medical costs incurred during foreign travel, with lower premiums than other Medigap Plans.
Plan N is a great option for those who want to save money on their premiums while still having some coverage for out-of-pocket expenses. It is important to note that Plan N does not cover Part B excess charges.
What are the disadvantages of Plan N?
Plan N does not cover Part B excess charges, the first three pints of blood you receive each year, or skilled nursing facility care after a hospital stay, making it an inadequate option for those needing additional medical coverage.
This lack of coverage means that those who need additional medical coverage should look for other options.
What is the difference between N & G for Medicare?
The main difference between Medicare Plans N and G is that Plan G covers excess charges while Plan N does not.
Additionally, Plan N has copays for certain medical office and emergency department visits while Plan G does not, making Plan N potentially less costly overall.
Does Plan N include prescription coverage?
Medicare Plan. N does not include prescription coverage and other services such as vision or dental care, hearing aids, long-term care, and private nursing care.
To get prescription drug coverage, one would need to purchase a Medicare Part D plan.
What are the key benefits of Medicare Plan N in Tennessee?
Plan N in Tennessee provides comprehensive coverage for various healthcare expenses, including Part A and Part B co-insurance, hospice care co-insurance, skilled nursing facility care co-insurance, the Part A deductible, the Part B deductible, and foreign travel exchange up to plan limits.
Find the Right Medicare Plan for You
Finding the right Medicare Plan 2026 doesn’t have to be confusing. Whether it’s a Medigap plan, or you want to know more about Medicare Plan N in Tennessee, we can help.
Call us today at 1-888-891-0229 and one of our knowledgeable, licensed insurance agents will be happy to assist you!
Russell Noga is the CEO and Medicare editor of Medisupps.com. His 15 years of experience in the Medicare insurance market includes being a licensed Medicare insurance broker in all 50 states. He is frequently featured as a featured as a keynote Medicare event speaker, has authored hundreds of Medicare content pages, and hosts the very popular Medisupps.com Medicare Youtube channel. His expertise includes Medicare, Medigap insurance, Medicare Advantage plans, and Medicare Part D.