Best Medicare Supplement Plans for Low-Income Seniors
If you’re a low-income Medicare beneficiary, figuring out your healthcare coverage can feel like a lot, but there are plenty of budget-friendly Medicare Supplement (Medigap) options to help with your out-of-pocket costs.
These plans work alongside Original Medicare (Parts A and B) to cover things like deductibles, copayments, and coinsurance.
For seniors looking for an affordable and reliable Medigap plan, here are three top picks:
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Plan N:
- Best value plan
- Requires copays for some services
- Monthly premium: $100 to $250
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Plan K:
- Lower monthly premium
- Higher out-of-pocket limit
- Monthly premium: $70 to $130
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High Deductible G:
- Lowest monthly premium
- $2,870 annual deductible
- Monthly premium: $65 to $100
While these plans may seem affordable on the surface, it’s important to remember that they often involve higher out-of-pocket expenses.
Other forms of financial assistance may be more appropriate for seniors with very limited income or substantial healthcare needs. Options such as Medicaid and Medicare Savings Programs (MSPs) can offer additional cost relief, sometimes even making Medigap unnecessary.
This guide explores the most affordable Medigap plans, compares costs by age and gender, reviews top-rated insurance carriers, and offers expert tips to help you make the most informed choice for your budget and health needs.
What Are the Most Affordable Medigap Plans?
While all Medigap plans are standardized by the federal government, each plan offers a unique balance of premiums, coverage, and out-of-pocket responsibilities.
Below is an in-depth look at four of the most budget-friendly Medigap plans: Plan N, High Deductible Plan G, Plan K, and Plan L.
#1. Medigap Plan N: Balanced Value with Copays
Imagine you see your doctor a few times a year and occasionally head to the ER – but overall, your health is stable. You want solid coverage that won’t break the bank. That’s where Plan N shines.
Medigap Plan N is a cost-effective choice for low-income seniors. This plan includes most of the same benefits as Plan G but requires a copayment for some services. Specifically, you may have to pay up to $20 for office visits and up to $50 for emergency room visits that don’t result in an inpatient admission.
Here’s what Plan N covers:
- 100% of Part A coinsurance and hospital costs
- 100% of Part B coinsurance (except copays)
- 100% of blood (first 3 pints)
- 100% of Part A hospice care coinsurance or copayment
- 100% of Skilled Nursing Facility (SNF) care coinsurance
- 100% of Part A deductible
- Emergency foreign travel coverage (80% up to plan limits)
Cost-Sharing Notes:
- You may pay up to $20 for some office visits
- You may pay up to $50 for emergency room visits that do not result in hospital admission
- Does not cover Part B deductible or Part B excess charges
#2. Medigap High Deductible Plan G: Low Premiums, Higher Risk
Now picture someone in relatively good health – maybe you, or someone you know, who rarely visits the doctor and wants to keep their monthly insurance costs as low as possible. That person might look at High Deductible Plan G.
It’s the leanest Medigap plan for premiums, making it very appealing for low-income seniors. However, it comes with a catch: you’ll need to pay out-of-pocket for all your medical expenses until you reach a high annual deductible, which is set at $2,870 for 2025.
Only after that point does the plan start to cover what the standard Plan G would, which includes:
- Part A and B coinsurance
- Blood (3 pints)
- Hospice and SNF care
- Part A deductible
- Part B excess charges
- Emergency foreign travel
Annual Deductible:
- In 2025, you must pay $2,870 out of pocket before the plan begins paying
This plan is a bit like paying for catastrophic protection – you’re betting you won’t need much care, but if something serious happens, you’ll have a safety net. It’s best suited for seniors who are healthy and don’t expect ongoing medical treatment.
#3. Medigap Plan K: Low Premium, Cost-Sharing, and Safety Net
Suppose you’re more concerned about managing your monthly premium than eliminating all out-of-pocket costs. Maybe your income is modest, but you still want reassurance that you won’t be on your own if something major happens. That’s where Plan K might be a good fit.
Plan K helps you with half the cost of many Medicare-approved services. For example, it will cover 50% of your hospital deductible, skilled nursing care, hospice costs, and doctor’s visit copays.
However, unlike the plans mentioned above, you will share the cost more directly with the insurer.
What sets Plan K apart is its built-in protection cap. Once your out-of-pocket costs hit $the maximum ($7,220 in 2025) in a calendar year, the plan steps in and covers all your Medicare-approved expenses after that.
It’s a helpful buffer, especially in a year when unexpected hospital stays or treatments crop up.
#4. Medigap Plan L: Greater Coverage, Still Budget-Friendly
Finally, consider Plan L, a cousin to Plan K, but one that offers more generous coverage. It pays for 75% of the same services, where Plan K only covers 50%.
That extra 25% can make a real difference for someone who needs regular care but still wants to avoid higher monthly premiums.
Plan L also has a lower annual out-of-pocket maximum – $3,610 in 2025. So if your medical expenses start to add up, you’ll reach that cap more quickly than you would under Plan K, and the plan will take over from there.
It’s a plan made for seniors who need balance. Maybe you’re dealing with a chronic condition but still want a monthly premium that leaves room in the budget for essentials like groceries, housing, or supporting a grandchild’s college dreams.
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Important to note:
Medigap plans do not cover prescription drugs. If you require prescription drug coverage, you will need to enroll in a separate Part D drug plan.
How Much Do These Medigap Plans Cost?
We’ve created a chart displaying the monthly costs of Medigap’s most affordable plans for various age groups:
| Age | Plan N | Plan K | Plan L | High Deductible G |
| 65 (f) | $135.61 | $75.20 | $166.65 | $50.84 |
| 65 (m) | $151.89 | $78.36 | $173.57 | $58.43 |
| 68 (f) | $139.00 | $83.98 | $185.85 | $58.00 |
| 70 (m) | $164.36 | $93.88 | $207.47 | $74.62 |
| 74 (f) | $165.17 | $101.56 | $224.26 | $69.00 |
| 75 (m) | $190.54 | $108.80 | $240.06 | $83.72 |
| Quotes are the lowest monthly rate for a nonsmoker living in FL zip code 32506. | ||||
The costs of these plans can vary widely based on factors such as the plan provider, location, gender, tobacco status, and age. Consult with a Medicare expert or conduct thorough research to understand your personalized premium.
What About Medigap Plan G?
If you’re shopping for a Medicare Supplement plan on a limited income, it’s natural to be drawn to lower monthly premiums. But when it comes to long-term value and peace of mind, Medigap Plan G deserves a closer look – even if the price tag is a bit higher upfront.
Plan G is widely considered the gold standard of Medigap coverage for today’s Medicare enrollees. While it’s not the cheapest option on the market (monthly premiums typically range between $150 and $250), it delivers the most comprehensive benefits available to new Medicare beneficiaries.
In fact, aside from the Medicare Part B deductible (which is $257 in 2025), Plan G covers virtually all out-of-pocket costs associated with Medicare-approved care.
That means no worrying about copays for office visits, no surprise coinsurance bills after a hospital stay, and no digging into your savings for lab work, outpatient surgery, or even extended skilled nursing facility care.
Plan G even covers Part B excess charges, something that Plans N and K do not.
So why does this matter for someone on a tight budget? Because predictability is priceless. With Plan G, you’re trading a slightly higher monthly premium for the assurance that unexpected medical expenses won’t derail your finances.
It’s the plan for those who would rather pay a little more each month than risk paying a lot more later.
It’s also a smart pick for individuals who may develop chronic conditions down the road. Once you’re outside your Medigap Open Enrollment Period, switching plans can involve health underwriting, and getting reapproved for a more comprehensive plan later could become difficult or expensive.
Starting with Plan G helps you lock in premium stability and full protection now, while you’re eligible.
Why the Lowest Premium Isn’t Always the Best Choice
Before we dive into comparing Medigap providers, let’s take a moment to rethink a common mistake: choosing a Medigap plan just because it has the lowest monthly premium.
At first glance, a cheaper plan might seem like a win, especially if you’re working with a tight budget. However, in healthcare, low prices can sometimes come with big hidden costs.
Take what happened in 2024, for example. New players like Allstate Health Solutions and ACE (a Chubb subsidiary) entered the Medigap market with $20 to $30 lower monthly premiums than trusted names like Aetna, Mutual of Omaha, and Cigna.
Their websites were sleek, sign-ups were easy, and the savings were tempting – so thousands of retirees signed up.
Fast-forward to early 2025, and things started falling apart. Both companies pulled out of the Medigap market in several states with little warning. This left many seniors scrambling – some without coverage and others stuck without guaranteed-issue protections. If they tried switching plans, they faced medical underwriting, which often meant higher premiums or being denied coverage altogether.
The fallout wasn’t just paperwork. Some people saw delays in care, confusion with claims, and the stress of dealing with unexpected insurance changes – all because they picked the lowest-priced plan without considering the bigger picture.
The takeaway? With Medigap, the best deal isn’t always the cheapest plan. Paying a bit more for a policy from a well-established, financially stable company can mean long-term peace of mind, smoother claims, and the security of knowing your coverage will stick around when you need it most.
Now that we’ve covered that, let’s look at which providers offer affordable rates without sacrificing reliability.
What Are the Best Medigap Companies?
Based on our research, we have identified the following Medigap providers that offer the most competitive rates along with overall value.
#1. Cigna
Our 2025 Cigna Medicare Supplement Insurance Review
Key Highlights:
- Up to 25% premium discounts
- Healthy Rewards program
- Dental, vision, and hearing policy bundle options
Overview:
Cigna might not always top the list for lowest Medigap premiums, but it offers plenty of perks.
While Plan N monthly rates typically range from $100 to $200, the company sweetens the deal with up to 25% premium discounts, a smooth online portal, and its popular Healthy Rewards program, which offers savings of up to 25% on fitness gear, nutrition services, acupuncture, and more.
Cigna also makes it easy to bundle dental, vision, or hearing coverage for as little as $32/month, a welcome option for those looking to round out their care.
Guaranteed renewable Medigap Plans F, G, A, and N are available in most states, plus high-deductible versions of Plan F and G in select areas.
While some policyholders have reported less-than-stellar experiences with customer service, Cigna earns strong financial marks, including an “A” (Excellent) rating from A.M. Best, which offers confidence that they’ll be around for a while.
#2. Mutual of Omaha
Our 2025 Mutual of Omaha Medicare Supplement Insurance Review
Key Highlights:
- Vision and hearing coverage discounts
- Access to the Mutually Well program
- High customer satisfaction ratings
Overview:
With over a century of experience under its belt, Mutual of Omaha brings both reliability and a strong reputation to the Medicare Supplement market.
Offering popular plans like F, G, N, and high-deductible options, this long-standing insurer continues to be a favorite, especially for those who value financial stability and comprehensive coverage.
The company’s financial ratings are stellar, with AM Best awarding it a top-tier “Superior” rating and Forbes naming it a top-five Medicare Supplement provider for 2024. Simply put, Mutual of Omaha is built to last.
Be aware that not all Medigap plans are available in every state, and some policyholders may see gradual premium increases. Still, for many seniors, Mutual of Omaha’s combination of trust, consistency, and added benefits makes it a solid bet for the long haul.
#3. Aflac
Our 2025 Aflac Medicare Supplement Insurance Review
Key Highlights:
- Up to 7% household premium discount
- Extra $2 discount per month for applicable monthly EBT payments
- Dental bundle options
Overview:
Aflac may be the new kid on the Medicare Supplement block, but it’s stepping in with confidence and competitive pricing. Leveraging Aetna’s back-end infrastructure, Aflac has launched four Medigap plans in select states and plans to expand.
While it doesn’t have the same legacy as some older providers, it’s already earning high marks for affordability, ease of use, and customer satisfaction.
On average, Aflac’s premiums run about 6.7% lower than competitors’. It also offers up to a 7% household discount, an additional $2 discount for eligible EBT users, and quick claims processing, often within a single business day.
That kind of efficiency, paired with 24/7 support and no network restrictions, makes it a compelling choice for many seniors.
While it’s not yet available nationwide (states like NY, MA, CT, and WA are excluded), Aflac holds an A+ rating from the BBB, indicating strong responsiveness and commitment to resolving customer issues.
#4. Aetna
Our 2025 Aetna Medicare Supplement Insurance Review
Key Highlights:
- Low annual rate increases
- Up to 7% household premium discount
- Additional dental and vision policies with discount cards and free vision exams
Overview:
Aetna, a household name in healthcare and a subsidiary of CVS Health, brings a solid lineup to the Medigap marketplace. With seven standardized plans on offer – A, B, C, D, F, G, and N – Aetna provides plenty of flexibility to match varying health needs and budgets.
Their most popular offerings, Plan G and Plan N, typically cost between $150 and $250/month and $120 and $220/month, depending on your location.
While Aetna’s rates are often competitive, especially with the 7% household discount, they aren’t always the lowest. In many regions, companies like Mutual of Omaha or Blue Cross Blue Shield may edge them out on price.
That said, Aetna’s broad availability and strong plan selection make it a reliable option for many Medicare beneficiaries, particularly those seeking long-term rate stability and brand-name trust.
The most suitable Medicare Supplement company varies according to the particular plan letter you’re interested in. For instance, one carrier might offer a more affordable Plan N, while another company may have lower rates for Plan G.
Each company has unique benefits and drawbacks based on its different plan levels.
Tips for Choosing a Medigap Plan
Here’s a quick recap of the budget-friendly Medigap plans we’ve covered:
| Plan | Coverage Strength | Monthly Premium | Out-of-Pocket Cap | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Plan N | High | Moderate | No cap | Includes minor copays |
| HD-G | High (after deductible) | Low | $2,870 deductible | Ideal for healthy individuals |
| Plan K | Moderate (50%) | Low | $7,220 | Higher out-of-pocket risk |
| Plan L | Moderate-High (75%) | Low-Moderate | $3,610 | Balanced cost-sharing |
When on a tight budget, here are some tips for selecting the right Medigap plan:
#1. Assess your healthcare needs: review your medical history and consider future requirements. This will help determine your top priority benefits.
#2. Compare prices: premiums can vary widely, even for the same plan. Explore quotes from multiple insurance companies to ensure you get the best rate.
#3. Check for extra perks: some insurers may offer additional benefits like vision, dental, hearing, or wellness program discounts.
#4. Consider future coverage: a lower premium plan may not be cost-effective long-term. Consider rate increases with age and plan switch options if your health changes.
#5. Consult with a professional: a licensed insurance agent can explain your options and guide you through enrollment.
Medicaid and MSPs: Extra Support for Low-Income Seniors
For low-income seniors, affordability is often the biggest barrier to securing comprehensive healthcare.
While Medigap plans can help fill the coverage gaps left by Original Medicare, they’re not always financially realistic for those on a fixed or limited income.
That’s where Medicaid and Medicare Savings Programs (MSPs) come in – offering critical financial relief and, in some cases, reducing or even eliminating the need for a Medigap policy.
What Is Medicaid?
Medicaid is a joint federal and state program designed to provide healthcare assistance to individuals and families with limited income and resources. For seniors who qualify, Medicaid can fill in many of the gaps left by Medicare – and then some.
Medicaid may help cover:
- Long-term care services, such as nursing home stays
- Home health care and personal care assistance
- Prescription drugs, which are not covered under Medigap
- Dental, vision, and hearing services, depending on the state
If you qualify for both Medicare and Medicaid (often called “dual eligibility”), you’ll receive your core health insurance through Medicare and get supplemental benefits through Medicaid. This dual coverage can significantly reduce out-of-pocket costs and provide access to services that Medigap simply doesn’t include.
What Are Medicare Savings Programs (MSPs)?
MSPs are state-run programs that help qualified individuals pay for some or all of their Medicare costs, including premiums, deductibles, coinsurance, and copayments.
There are four main types of MSPs:
#1. Qualified Medicare Beneficiary (QMB): Pays for Medicare Part A and B premiums, deductibles, coinsurance, and copayments. It offers the most comprehensive level of support.
#2. Specified Low-Income Medicare Beneficiary (SLMB): Pays only for Medicare Part B premiums.
#3. Qualifying Individual (QI): Also pays for Part B premiums, with slightly higher income limits than SLMB.
#4. Qualified Disabled and Working Individuals (QDWI): Assists certain disabled individuals who have returned to work and lost their premium-free Part A coverage.
MSP eligibility depends on income and resource limits, which vary by state but are generally based on the Federal Poverty Level.
If you qualify for an MSP, you’ll often automatically qualify for the Extra Help program, which provides significant assistance with prescription drug costs under Medicare Part D.
Bottom Line: If you’re a low-income senior, don’t overlook the power of Medicaid and Medicare Savings Programs. While Medigap plans offer excellent coverage, they come with monthly premiums and cost-sharing that may not be manageable for everyone.
Programs like QMB and SLMB can relieve a significant financial burden, while Medicaid can provide access to essential services beyond the reach of Medigap.
Before choosing a plan or committing to a monthly premium, it’s worth checking whether you qualify for any of these public programs. You may be eligible for more help than you think.
Important Distinction: Medicaid and Medigap
One key point to understand is that Medicaid will not pay for Medigap premiums. Medigap is a private insurance product, and Medicaid cannot be used to subsidize it.
However, if you’re eligible for both Medicare and Medicaid, Medicaid may already be covering most, if not all, of the costs that Medigap is designed to address, such as coinsurance, deductibles, and copays. In that case, you may not need a Medigap plan at all.
This is especially important for seniors who may be struggling to decide between enrolling in a Medigap plan or applying for state assistance. If your income and assets fall within the qualifying range, applying for Medicaid and MSPs may offer more comprehensive and cost-effective support.
Bottom Line
Don’t let low income discourage you from accessing the most comprehensive healthcare coverage available. With a wide range of Medigap plans, you can find one that fits your budget and aligns with your healthcare needs.
Additionally, it’s worth exploring the availability of Medicaid and Medicare Savings Programs, which can provide financial assistance and support.
Our team of experts is here to help you navigate all the available options and guide you toward finding the best plan.
Sources: Medigap Plans | Medicaid Basics | MSPs | Out-Of-Pocket Limits
Frequently Asked Questions
- Can I switch Medigap plans if my financial situation changes?
- Is a Medigap plan more expensive than Original Medicare?
- What happens if my Medigap provider leaves the market?
- Can I have both a Medigap plan and a Medicare Advantage plan?
- Is Plan G worth the higher premium if I'm on a limited income?
- If I need prescription coverage, does Medigap help?
