Medicare Supplement Calculator
Calculate the true cost of Medigap insurance vs Original Medicare alone. Compare Plan G and Plan N costs based on your age, state, and expected medical usage. See if the premium is worth it.
How Medicare Supplement Insurance Works
Medicare Supplement Insurance (Medigap) fills the "gaps" in Original Medicare (Part A + Part B). Medicare covers about 80% of costs - Medigap covers most or all of the remaining 20% (deductibles, copays, coinsurance). This calculator compares your total annual costs WITH vs WITHOUT Medigap.
What We Calculate
- Medigap Premium: Monthly cost by age, state, and plan type (G or N)
- Out-of-Pocket Without Medigap: Estimated Medicare deductibles + 20% coinsurance
- Total Annual Cost: Premiums + remaining out-of-pocket (if any)
- Net Savings: How much Medigap saves you vs Medicare-only
- Recommendation: Based on usage - is Medigap worth it for you?
Most Popular Medigap Plans (2025)
Covers everything except Part B deductible ($240/year). Best overall value. $150-250/month.
Covers most but has small copays ($20 office, $50 ER). Good if healthy. $120-180/month.
Covers 100% (including Part B deductible). Only available if you qualified for Medicare before 2020.
Plans A, B, C, D, K, L, M - worse coverage or poor value vs Plan G/N.
What Original Medicare Doesn't Cover
- • Part A deductible: $1,632 per hospital benefit period (2025)
- • Part B deductible: $240 per year (2025)
- • 20% coinsurance: You pay 20% of ALL Part B services (doctor visits, outpatient, tests) - NO limit
- • Hospital stays beyond 60 days: $408/day (days 61-90), $816/day (lifetime reserve days)
- • Skilled nursing: $204/day (days 21-100)
- • Foreign travel emergency: Not covered (Medigap Plans C, D, F, G, M, N cover 80% after $250 deductible)
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a Medigap plan or should I stick with Original Medicare?
Get Medigap if:
- You have chronic conditions: Frequent doctor visits, ongoing treatments mean 20% coinsurance adds up fast
- You want budget predictability: Medigap = fixed monthly premium vs unpredictable 20% bills
- You travel: Medigap works nationwide + foreign emergency coverage (G, N)
- You see specialists: No referrals needed, any doctor accepting Medicare
- You can afford $150-250/month: Premium is worth it for peace of mind
Skip Medigap if:
- You're very healthy with minimal medical needs
- You have other coverage (employer retiree plan, VA, Tricare)
- You qualify for Medicaid or Medicare Savings Programs (helps pay costs)
- You prefer Medicare Advantage (different option - includes drug coverage, often $0 premium)
What's the difference between Plan G and Plan N?
Plan G (Recommended for most people):
- Covers 100% of Medicare-approved costs EXCEPT Part B deductible ($240/year)
- No copays, no coinsurance, no surprises
- Premium: $150-250/month depending on age/state
- Best for: Anyone who wants comprehensive coverage with no hassle
Plan N (Budget option):
- Covers most costs, but has small copays: $20 office visit, $50 ER visit (waived if admitted)
- You pay Part B deductible ($240/year) + Part B excess charges (if doctor doesn't accept Medicare assignment - rare)
- Premium: $120-180/month (30-40% cheaper than Plan G)
- Best for: Healthy people who rarely see doctors and want to save on premiums
Which to choose? If you see doctors 10+ times/year, Plan G is better (copays add up). If you're healthy (2-5 visits/year), Plan N saves money.
When should I buy Medigap?
Best time: During your 6-month Medigap Open Enrollment Period
What is Medigap Open Enrollment?
- Starts the month you turn 65 AND enroll in Medicare Part B
- Lasts 6 months
- Guaranteed issue rights: Insurance companies CANNOT deny you or charge more for pre-existing conditions
- You can buy ANY Medigap plan available in your state
- Premiums based only on age, location, tobacco use (NOT health)
After Open Enrollment:
- Insurance companies CAN require medical underwriting (health questions)
- You may be denied for pre-existing conditions
- Premiums may be higher or coverage limited
- Exception: Guaranteed issue rights in certain situations (lose employer coverage, move out of Medicare Advantage service area)
Bottom line: Buy Medigap during your 6-month Open Enrollment window. If you wait, you may not qualify or pay much more.
How much does Medigap cost per month?
Average monthly premiums by age (2025):
Plan G:
- • Age 65: $125-175/month
- • Age 70: $140-200/month
- • Age 75: $160-230/month
- • Age 80: $180-270/month
Plan N:
- • Age 65: $95-140/month
- • Age 70: $110-160/month
- • Age 75: $125-180/month
- • Age 80: $140-210/month
Cost varies by:
- State (NY, CA, FL more expensive; rural states cheaper)
- Pricing method (community-rated, issue-age, attained-age)
- Insurance company (shop around - same plan, different prices)
- Household discounts (some insurers offer 5-12% if spouse has Medigap)
- Tobacco use (+15-30% for smokers)
Can I switch Medigap plans later?
Yes, but it may be difficult:
Switching IS possible:
- You can apply to switch plans or companies anytime
- No waiting periods or enrollment windows
- Can switch for better price, better company, or different plan
The catch - medical underwriting:
- After your 6-month Open Enrollment, most states allow medical underwriting
- New insurer can ask health questions and deny you or charge more
- If you have health conditions, you may be stuck with current plan
- Exception states: MA, ME, CT, NY allow switching without underwriting during certain periods
Best strategy: Choose the right plan during Open Enrollment. If you must switch later, get approved by new company BEFORE canceling current plan.