Why Do People Choose Medigap Over Medicare Advantage?

People often opt for Medigap because it offers a wider network, allowing you to choose any doctor or hospital that accepts Medicare patients. However, Medicare Advantage plans limit your choice to providers and hospitals within your network.

Is Medigap More Expensive Than Medicare Advantage?

Medicare Advantage bundles all your coverage into one policy, making it less expensive, while Medigap is purchased on top of an existing Medicare policy. However, Medigap sometimes offers more coverage than Medicare Advantage. So, determining which option works best for you just depends on whether the additional coverage is worth the extra cost.

Do Medigap Premiums Increase With Age?

Medigap premiums can be based on age depending on which type of policy you choose. There are three types, the first being a "community-rated" policy which charges everyone the same premium and does not increase with age. The second is called an "issue-age-rated" policy and charges premiums based on the age you enrolled in Medigap, with lower costs for younger policyholders. "Attained-age-rated" is the final policy type and premiums are based on your current age, meaning they do increase as you get older.

What Is Medicare Supplement Plan G?

Medicare Supplement Plan G covers every gap in Original Medicare except the Part B deductible, which is $226 for 2023. You won’t pay any copayments or coinsurance with Plan G and it provides some coverage for international emergency care. However, unlike Plans K and L and Medicare Advantage plans , it does not limit your maximum out-of-pocket expenses. Some states also offer a high-deductible Plan G. This plan has lower premiums, but you must pay your Original Medicare coinsurance, copays, and deductibles until you’ve spent enough to meet the Plan G deductible, which is $2,700 in 2023.

Can You Enroll in Medicare Supplement Plans at Any Time?

The best time to enroll in a Medicare supplement plan is during Medigap open enrollment. This period begins the first month you are enrolled in Medicare Part B and are 65 years of age or older. It lasts six months and can’t be repeated. If you apply outside of open enrollment, you’ll have to meet medical underwriting requirements. In most states, insurers can deny you a policy outside of open enrollment if you have pre-existing conditions.

Best Medicare Supplement (Medigap) Companies of 2023

UnitedHealthcare is our top choice for its high ratings and great pricing

Lindsay Frankel

Updated April 30, 2023

Reviewed by

Anthony Battle

Fact checked by

Michael Rosenston

We independently evaluate all recommended products and services. If you click on links we provide, we may receive compensation. Learn more.

Medicare supplement plans, also known as Medigap policies, are designed to fill coverage gaps in Original Medicare. These policies are sold by private companies and are standardized to follow Medicare rules. They help cover coinsurance, copayments, and deductibles that would otherwise be the member’s responsibility. There are 10 different types of Medigap plans, designed to cover different costs and services.

To determine the best Medigap companies, we compared pricing, available plans, extra features, financial stability assessments from the credit ratings agency AM Best, and ratings from the National Committee for Quality Assurance (NCQA), which measure member experiences across all Medicare plans.

Best Medicare Supplement (Medigap) Companies of 2023

Best Medigap High-Deductible Plan G Provider: Mutual of Omaha
Lowest Cost High-Deductible Plan G: Humana
Most Medigap Plan Types: Blue Cross Blue Shield
Best Pricing Medicare Supplement Plan G: AARP / UnitedHealthcare
Best for Financial Strength: State Farm

Compare Medigap quotes from multiple Medicare supplement companies with a licensed Medicare representative before buying.

Best Medigap High-Deductible Plan G Provider : Mutual of Omaha

Ratings: A+ from AM Best
Discounts: Discounts on vision, hearing, and fitness
Additional Features: Offers dental insurance

Get a Quote

Why We Chose It

Mutual of Omaha offers an affordable, high-deductible Plan G that is also widely available. This makes it our pick as the best Medigap high-deductible Plan G provider.

Pros & Cons

Pros

Widely available high-deductible Plan G
A+ financial strength rating
Offers Part D, dental insurance, and a discount program

Cons

Customer support during business hours only

Overview

Of the companies that offer the affordable high-deductible Plan G, Mutual of Omaha was our top-rated provider. Pricing for the plan varies by state, but Mutual of Omaha’s overall pricing was better than average and standard Plan G pricing was excellent. Part G is one of the most comprehensive Medigap plans available. It covers any Part B excess charges and the Part A deductible but doesn’t cover the Part B deductible.

Mutual of Omaha is also a Part D provider, offers dental insurance, and provides discounts on vision, hearing, and fitness. However, other Medicare Part D plans are better rated, and Blue Cross Blue Shield offers both a more extensive discount program and a more affordable vision, dental, and hearing package. Customer support hours are also limited to business hours, while other companies offer weekend support or even 24/7 customer service.

Lowest Cost High-Deductible Plan G : Humana

Ratings: 3.6 stars from NCQA
Discounts Available: 6% online enrollment discount on Humana.com, 5% - 12% household discount, and electronic payments discount
Additional Features: Live chat support on Humana.com

Get a Quote

Why We Chose It

Humana's high-deductible plan G offers the lowest average premium as well as a discount for online enrollment. This makes Humana the lowest cost high-deductible plan G Medigap provider.

Pros & Cons

Pros

Lowest average premium for high-deductible plan G
Online enrollment discount in most states on Humana.com
Most Medigap plan types available
Highly rated Part D plans are widely available
Live chat support on Humana.com

Cons

Worse than average pricing for Standard Plan G

Overview

Humana’s high-deductible Plan G pricing is the best out of any provider we reviewed. The company also offers several discounts to make your premium even cheaper, including a 6% online enrollment discount in most states, a 5% - 12% household discount, and an electronic payments discount.

Humana’s NCQA rating is 3.6 out of 5 stars, which is better than average. Humana also offers extended customer service hours that include weekend days along with live chat support. And there’s a 24/7 nurse advice line for medical questions.

Humana’s Part D plans are well-rated and widely available, and the company also offers a dental, vision, and hearing package as an add-on, though it’s more expensive than the package offered by Blue Cross Blue Shield.

Learn more in our Humana Medicare Insurance Review.

Most Medigap Plan Types : Blue Cross Blue Shield

Ratings: 3.5 stars from NCQA
Discounts: 5% multi-policy discount and other wellness discounts
Additional Features: Inexpensive dental, vision, and hearing coverage

Get a Quote

Why We Chose It

Blue Cross Blue Shield offers every Medigap plan in addition to a substantial discount program, making it the provider with the most Medigap plan types.

Pros & Cons

Pros

Offers every Medigap plan, letters A through N
Optional dental, hearing, and vision coverage
Extensive discount program included

Cons

Plan availability varies by state

Overview

Blue Cross Blue Shield offers the most Medigap plan options, but since it operates as a group of companies, availability varies by geographical area. For example, the company’s high-deductible Plan G is only available in select states.

However, if the options in your area meet your needs, there are many benefits to being a Blue Cross Blue Shield member. You’ll have access to discounts on wellness-related products and services. You can also enroll in additional dental, vision, and hearing coverage for a little more than $15 per month with your Medigap policy. Blue Cross Blue Shield offers Part D prescription drug coverage to complement your Medigap policy. And most members have access to a 24/7 nurse line.

Pricing for Blue Cross Blue Shield’s Medigap Plan G is better than average relative to the industry, and there’s a 5% multi-policy discount as well. The company’s NCQA rating, which is 3.5 out of 5 stars, is also a little better than average.

Learn more in our Blue Cross Blue Shield Medicare Insurance Review.

Best Pricing Medicare Supplement Plan G : AARP / UnitedHealthcare

Ratings: A+ from AM Best, 3.9 stars from NCQA
Discounts: Multi-policy, electronic funds transfer and annual payer discounts
Additional Features: Online brain health program

Get a Quote

Why We Chose It

AARP / UnitedHealthcare has high third part ratings as well as the best pricing for Medicare Supplement Plan G of the providers we reviewed.

Pros & Cons

Pros

Highest NCQA rating of any Medigap provider
A+ financial strength rating
24/7 nurse line
Generous new enrollment discount
Top provider of Part D plans

Cons

Only available to AARP members
Plans D, M, and high-deductible Plans G and F not available

Overview

With UnitedHealthcare, you may be eligible for a new enrollment discount of up to 45%, depending on where you live. It also has very favorable third-party ratings—the company’s National Committee for Quality Assurance (NCQA) rating, which measures member experiences across all Medicare plans, is 3.9 out of 5 stars, beating every competitor offering Medigap policies. UnitedHealthcare has an A+ (Superior) financial strength rating from AM Best.

AARP Medigap policies also come with robust additional benefits in most geographical areas, including a free gym membership; an online brain health program; discounts on dental, vision, and hearing; a driver safety course; and access to a 24/7 nurse line.

UnitedHealthcare is our top pick for the Best Medicare Part D Insurance Companies, so you can get complete coverage from the company. And there’s a multi-policy discount, electronic funds transfer discount, and annual payer discount as well. Still, some budget-conscious applicants may be better served by another company, since UnitedHealthcare doesn’t offer the affordable high-deductible Plan G.

Learn more in our UnitedHealthcare Medicare Insurance Review.

Best for Financial Strength : State Farm

Ratings: A++ from AM Best
Discounts: Not advertised
Additional Features: High customer satisfaction

Get a Quote

Why We Chose It

State Farm has an incredibly high financial strength rating from AM Best as well as a strong customer satisfaction record, making it the best Medigap provider for financial strength.

Pros & Cons

Pros

Highest possible financial strength rating from AM Best
Far fewer complaints than expected with the NAIC

Cons

Limited information without an agent
Pricing is about average

Overview

State Farm has an A++ (Superior) financial strength rating from AM Best, which is the highest rating available. This means the company is highly unlikely to default on its financial obligations and has a superior ability to pay claims. What’s more, the company had an average complaint index of 0.1 over the last three years, indicating far fewer complaints than expected given the company’s size. This suggests that State Farm customers are generally satisfied with their policies.

However, pricing is about average for Plan G policies, and the company doesn’t offer all plan types, including high-deductible Plan G. And while other companies offer extra benefits and discounts with their plans, State Farm doesn’t advertise similar programs. Information about State Farm’s Medigap plans is very limited in general, and you’ll need to speak with an agent to get a quote.

Final Verdict

For Medicare Supplement Plan G, an AARP membership is worth it if UnitedHealthcare’s Medigap plans meet your needs since the company has excellent pricing, receives very strong third-party reviews, and offers many benefits. But if you’re looking for the high-deductible Plan G, you should compare plans between Humana and Mutual of Omaha. For other lettered Medigap plans, Blue Cross Blue Shield has the most options. The company also stands out for its affordable dental, vision, and hearing package. But if your primary concern is choosing a financially strong company with satisfied customers, State Farm may be the best option for you, assuming you’re willing to work with an agent.

Compare the Best Medicare Supplement (Medigap) Companies

Company	Ratings	Discounts	Additional Features
AARP / UnitedHealthcare Best Priced Medicare Supplement Plan G	A+ from AM Best, 3.9 stars from NCQA	Multi-policy, electronic funds transfer and annual payer discounts	Online brain health program
Blue Cross Blue Shield Most Medigap Plan Types	3.5 stars from NCQA	5% multi-policy discount and other wellness discounts	Inexpensive dental, vision, and hearing coverage
Mutual of Omaha Best Medigap High-Deductible Plan G Provider	A+ from AM Best	Discounts on vision, hearing, and fitness	Offers dental insurance
Humana Lowest Cost High-Deductible Plan G	3.6 stars from NCQA	6% online enrollment discount, 5% - 12% household discount, and electronic payments discount	Live chat support
State Farm Best for Financial Strength	A++ from AM Best	Not advertised	High customer satisfaction

Frequently Asked Questions

Why Do People Choose Medigap Over Medicare Advantage?

People often opt for Medigap because it offers a wider network, allowing you to choose any doctor or hospital that accepts Medicare patients. However, Medicare Advantage plans limit your choice to providers and hospitals within your network.
Is Medigap More Expensive Than Medicare Advantage?

Medicare Advantage bundles all your coverage into one policy, making it less expensive, while Medigap is purchased on top of an existing Medicare policy. However, Medigap sometimes offers more coverage than Medicare Advantage. So, determining which option works best for you just depends on whether the additional coverage is worth the extra cost.
Do Medigap Premiums Increase With Age?

Medigap premiums can be based on age depending on which type of policy you choose. There are three types, the first being a "community-rated" policy which charges everyone the same premium and does not increase with age. The second is called an "issue-age-rated" policy and charges premiums based on the age you enrolled in Medigap, with lower costs for younger policyholders. "Attained-age-rated" is the final policy type and premiums are based on your current age, meaning they do increase as you get older.
What Is Medicare Supplement Plan G?

Medicare Supplement Plan G covers every gap in Original Medicare except the Part B deductible, which is $226 for 2023. You won’t pay any copayments or coinsurance with Plan G and it provides some coverage for international emergency care. However, unlike Plans K and L and Medicare Advantage plans, it does not limit your maximum out-of-pocket expenses.
Some states also offer a high-deductible Plan G. This plan has lower premiums, but you must pay your Original Medicare coinsurance, copays, and deductibles until you’ve spent enough to meet the Plan G deductible, which is $2,700 in 2023.
Can You Enroll in Medicare Supplement Plans at Any Time?

The best time to enroll in a Medicare supplement plan is during Medigap open enrollment. This period begins the first month you are enrolled in Medicare Part B and are 65 years of age or older. It lasts six months and can’t be repeated. If you apply outside of open enrollment, you’ll have to meet medical underwriting requirements. In most states, insurers can deny you a policy outside of open enrollment if you have pre-existing conditions.

Methodology

Literature Review

We identified top companies by market share within the industry offering Medicare plans from various business and market insight databases including Statistia, Plunkett, and Gale. We also considered user-generated data from Google to determine public interest and trends in Medicare plans.

Data Collection and Verification

Our data was collected from third-party rating agencies, official government websites and databases, and directly from companies via websites, media contacts, and existing partnerships. Our sources include AM Best, the National Committee for Quality Assurance (NCQA), J.D. Power, and the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS).

Data was verified to ensure data integrity and accuracy by cross-referencing the records and citation corresponding to each data point with our primary sources.

Ratings Methodology

We calculated star ratings for the quality of each company’s different plan types. Factors considered for companies offering Medicare supplement plans include:

Plan quality and customer satisfaction: NCQA ratings were considered to measure this criteria. The NCQA independently rates the quality of Medicare plans on a one-to-five scale based on HEDIS and CAHPS scores to help people compare plans during open enrollment.
Cost: This is a measure of plan cost for different Medigap plan types for 65-year-old males and females living in regions with the highest Medicare enrollment.
Types of plans available and benefits: We considered the number of Medigap plans available per company. There are 12 types of standardized Medicare supplement plans, including high-deductible G and F plans.
Financial stability: We considered financial strength ratings to assess a company’s ability to honor its financial obligations, such as paying claims.

Doctor discussing with senior couple in clinic — Morsa Images / Getty Images

Research and analysis by Shanker Narayan

Article Sources

Investopedia requires writers to use primary sources to support their work. These include white papers, government data, original reporting, and interviews with industry experts. We also reference original research from other reputable publishers where appropriate. You can learn more about the standards we follow in producing accurate, unbiased content in our editorial policy.

WPS Health Insurance. "Questions and Answers: Medicare Advantage vs. Medicare Supplement."
Medicare.gov. "Costs of Medigap Policies."
CMS.gov. "2023 Medicare Parts A & B Premiums and Deductibles 2023 Medicare Part D Income-Related Monthly Adjustment Amounts."
CMS.gov. "F, G & J Deductible Announcements."