Medigap Plan G Cost by State: 2026 Rates and Price Comparison
In 2026, Medigap Plan G premiums still vary widely across the country. Even though the benefits are standardized, the monthly price is anything but.
Before we zoom in on individual states, let’s look at the big picture. Here’s a quick snapshot of what people are paying nationwide.
| National Averages (Quick Reference) |
|---|
| Age 65: $220 per month on average; Typical range: $100 to $354 per month |
| Age 75: $277 per month on average; Typical range: $120 to $354 per month |
| Highest-cost state: New York – around $354 per month for all ages |
| Lowest-cost states: South Carolina and New Mexico - around $160 per month at age 65 |
| Premium variation: Up to $194 per month difference for identical coverage |
That last number is the one that catches most people off guard.
You could have the exact same Plan G benefits. Same deductibles. Same coverage. Same access to doctors who accept Medicare. But depending on your state, you might pay $160 a month or $354 a month.
That’s a 121% difference for the same coverage.
Key Finding: Location Matters Most
When it comes to Medigap Plan G pricing, where you live often has a bigger impact than your age, gender, or even the insurance company you choose.
For example:
- In South Carolina, a 65-year-old might pay about $160 per month.
- In New York, that same 65-year-old could pay $354 per month.
Same plan. Same coverage. More than double the price.
When comparing 2026 Plan G rates, we’ll start with your state. From there, we can look at what else affects your premium and how to keep your costs as low as possible.
2026 Medigap Plan G Cost Comparison - Top 20 States
Here’s a side-by-side look at average 2026 Medigap Plan G premiums in the largest Medicare states. This makes it easy to compare pricing and see where your state falls.
What the 2026 Pricing Data Shows
A few clear trends stand out:
Lowest-cost states at age 65: Illinois ($140–$190), Tennessee ($150–$190), and Indiana ($150–$190) consistently come in below the $220 national average. In many ZIP codes in these states, you can still find Plan G under $170 per month.
Highest-cost states: New York is the clear outlier at $354 per month for all ages. Florida follows, with many 65-year-olds paying $280–$350 and premiums climbing past $400 at age 75. New Jersey also trends higher than the national average.
Middle-of-the-pack states: Texas, North Carolina, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Michigan, and Virginia tend to hover around or slightly below the $220 national benchmark at age 65. These are competitive markets where shopping carriers can make a noticeable difference.
The big takeaway: geography drives pricing more than anything else. The difference between a low-cost state like Illinois and a high-cost state like New York can exceed $150 per month for identical coverage. That’s nearly $1,800 per year for the same Plan G benefits.
Next, we can break down what actually causes those price differences, because it’s not random.
Understanding Plan G Costs - What Affects Your Premium
Before you focus too much on your state’s average rate, it helps to understand what actually drives your monthly premium.
First of all, Plan G benefits are standardized. The coverage doesn’t change. But the pricing formula absolutely does. Here are the main factors that determine what you’ll pay.
Factor #1: Your State and ZIP Code
Your location is the single biggest pricing driver. Some states are consistently higher cost – like New York, Connecticut, and Florida – and others tend to be more affordable – like South Carolina, New Mexico, Arkansas, and Wisconsin.
Even within a state, your ZIP code matters. Healthcare costs, provider networks, and local competition all play a role.
Interestingly, large metro areas with strong carrier competition sometimes have lower rates than smaller markets. More carriers competing often keeps pricing tighter.
Bottom line: Two people with identical profiles in different states can see a $150-$200 monthly difference.
Factor #2: Your Age
Most states use attained-age rating, which means your premium increases as you get older. Nationally, the average Plan G premium increases by about 30% between ages 65 and 75.
For example, your premiums could start at $220 at age 65, but rise to $277 by age 75.
A few states do things differently. New York, Washington, and Massachusetts keep rates flat regardless of age. That means a 65-year-old and an 85-year-old pay the same base premium. That sounds appealing, but those states often start with higher initial premiums.
Factor #3: Your Gender
Many states allow gender-based pricing. On average, women pay about 10–15% less than men.
However, some states prohibit gender rating, including Montana and North Carolina. In those states, men and women pay the same rate.
Factor #4: Tobacco Use
If you use tobacco, expect higher premiums in most states. Tobacco users typically pay 15–50% more, depending on the carrier and state. Some states, including California and Colorado, limit or prohibit tobacco surcharges.
This can create large pricing differences between neighboring states.
Factor #5: The Insurance Company
This one surprises people. For the same Plan G coverage in the same ZIP code, monthly premiums can differ by $50 to $100 or more between carriers.
Example in Texas at age 65:
- Cigna: around $167
- Aetna: around $220
Same benefits. Same coverage. Very different pricing. This is why comparing at least 3 to 5 carriers is critical.
Factor #6: The Rating Method
There are three main pricing structures, and they affect long-term cost growth.
- Community-rated: Everyone pays the same premium regardless of age. Rare. New York uses this system.
- Issue-age rated (less common): Your premium is based on your age when you first enroll. It does not increase with age, though it can rise with inflation.
- Attained-age rated: Your premium is based on your current age and increases as you get older. This is the most common structure nationwide.
Understanding which method your state uses helps you project long-term costs, not just your starting premium.
Factor #7: Available Discounts
Discounts can reduce your monthly premium more than people expect.
Common examples:
- Household discount: 7-12% when spouses enroll with the same carrier
- AutoPay discount: $3-$5 per month
- Welcome to Medicare discount: Temporary first-year savings
- Non-smoker discount: Available in some states
These stack in some cases, which can make one carrier significantly more competitive than another.
When to Buy Plan G for the Best Price
Timing matters more than most people realize. You can buy a Medigap Plan G any time of year. But there’s one window that gives you the best pricing and the fewest hurdles.
Your Medigap Open Enrollment Period – The Best Time to Enroll
Your Medigap Open Enrollment Period:
- Starts the month you turn 65 and enroll in Medicare Part B
- Lasts for 6 months
- Guarantees acceptance, no health questions
- Gives you access to the best available rates
- Lets you choose from all available plans
This is also the one time when insurance companies cannot:
- Deny you
- Charge more because of health conditions
- Restrict which plans you can buy
It’s the cleanest, simplest buying window you’ll ever have.
Why Timing Makes a Big Financial Difference
Let’s make this practical.
Jane turns 65 in May and enrolls in Medicare Part B that same month. During her Open Enrollment period (May through October), she applies for Plan G and gets approved at $180 per month. No medical questions. No pricing adjustments.
Now let’s say she waits until age 66.
She’s now outside her Open Enrollment window. The insurance company can require medical underwriting. Because of a new health condition, she’s quoted $240 per month. Or worse, she could be denied altogether.
That’s a $60 per month difference. Over 10 years, that’s $7,200 more for the same coverage. And that’s assuming she’s even approved.
What Happens If You Apply Outside Open Enrollment?
Once your 6-month window closes:
- You may have to answer health questions
- You could be denied coverage
- You could be charged a higher premium
Some states offer additional protections. For example, California, Maryland, and Oregon have Birthday Rules that allow limited plan changes without underwriting. Also, a few states offer additional guaranteed-issue protections in specific situations.
But in most states, once your Open Enrollment period ends, underwriting becomes the norm.
The bottom line: If you’re turning 65 and starting Part B soon, that 6-month window is your best opportunity to lock in competitive pricing and full plan access. Miss it, and your health history becomes part of the pricing equation.
Most Popular Plan G Companies Nationwide
When you start comparing Plan G quotes, it can feel overwhelming fast. In many states, there are 20 or more Medigap carriers offering the exact same standardized coverage.
The good news is this: a handful of companies consistently dominate the market. They tend to offer competitive pricing, strong financial stability, and wide availability across the country.
Here are the carriers you’ll see most often.
UnitedHealthcare has the largest share of the Medigap market. That size brings brand recognition and stability. Quick Facts: Typical Plan G Rates: Key Highlights: Note: You do need an AARP membership, which costs about $16 per year. Best For: Seniors who want the most established name in Medigap, strong customer service, and are comfortable paying slightly higher premiums for a long track record. Healthspring has consistently been one of the lowest-priced Plan G carriers nationwide. In 2025, Cigna’s Medicare business was sold to Health Care Service Corporation and is being rebranded as “HealthSpring.” The coverage and underwriting remain the same. The name is rolling out state by state. Quick Facts: Typical Plan G Rates: Overview: Best For: Budget-conscious seniors who want strong value and wide availability without sacrificing financial strength. Why They’re Popular: Important: BCBS is not one company. Each state’s BCBS operates independently. Always compare your local BCBS rates with those of national carriers like UnitedHealthcare, Cigna, and Mutual of Omaha. Typical Plan G Rates (Examples at Age 65): Quick Takeaways: Best For: Seniors who prefer a local company with strong brand trust, especially in states where BCBS pricing is very competitive. Key Facts: Typical Plan G Rates: Why They’re Popular: Note: Mutual of Omaha is often strong for married couples because of the household discount. Best For: Couples and seniors who want a long-established carrier with straightforward pricing and strong financial ratings. Humana often appeals to seniors who value ease of use and wellness perks. Overview: Typical Plan G Rates: Why They’re Popular: Best For: Seniors who prioritize customer experience, online tools, and added fitness benefits.#1. UnitedHealthcare
#2. Cigna/HealthSpring
#3. Blue Cross Blue Shield (BCBS)
#4. Mutual of Omaha
#5. Humana
Final Thought on Choosing a Carrier
Remember, Plan G coverage is standardized. A Plan G from one company covers the same medical gaps as Plan G from another.
What you’re really comparing is:
- Monthly premium
- Financial strength
- Discounts
- Customer service
The smartest move is to compare at least three carriers in your ZIP code before enrolling. In many states, that simple step can save $600 to $1,200 per year for identical coverage.
Bottom Line - Finding Your Best Plan G Rate
Here’s the honest truth: Plan G is straightforward. The benefits don’t change from company to company. What changes is what you pay for it.
Your state sets the starting point. That’s why someone in Illinois might pay under $180 a month while someone in New York pays $354 for the exact same coverage. But the bigger opportunity is inside your own ZIP code.
Two carriers offering identical Plan G coverage can differ by $50 to $100 per month. Over time, that adds up to thousands of dollars. The key isn’t finding a “better” Plan G. It’s finding the best-priced Plan G from a stable company.
That’s where Policy Guide can help.
Instead of you calling multiple insurance companies, comparing rate sheets, and trying to decode discounts on your own, Policy Guide walks you through it step by step:
- We compare top carriers in your specific ZIP code
- We identify available household and enrollment discounts
- We explain the rating method so you understand long-term cost trends
- We confirm financial strength ratings
- We help you enroll during your Open Enrollment window when acceptance is guaranteed
No pressure. No one-size-fits-all recommendation. Just clear comparisons and guidance so you can make an informed decision.
If you want to make sure you’re not overpaying, getting a side-by-side comparison with someone who does this every day can make the process much simpler and more confident. A short conversation now can easily save you $600 to $1,200 per year for the same coverage.
FAQs
- Which state has the highest Medigap premiums?
- Which states have the lowest Medicare Supplement costs?
- Why are Medigap premiums higher in some states?
- Do Medigap premiums increase as you age?
- What affects my Medigap premium besides my state?
