Medigap Rate Increases in 2026: What Seniors Should Know
Medigap Rate Increases in 2026: The Bill Nobody Wants, But Everyone Should Review
Medigap can be a wonderful thing.
It helps pay some of the “gaps” Original Medicare does not pay, like certain deductibles, coinsurance, and copayments.
But here is the part many seniors do not enjoy hearing:
Your Medigap premium can go up.
And in 2026, some Medicare Supplement policyholders may feel that increase more than usual. Recent reporting shows double-digit Medigap increases are becoming more common, and some policyholders have seen very sharp jumps depending on the carrier, state, and plan.
3 Key Points
Medigap premiums are not locked forever. They can increase over time.
The cheapest plan today may not stay cheap later. A low starting premium can become expensive after several increases.
Switching later may not be simple. After your Medigap Open Enrollment Period, you may have to answer health questions or may not qualify for a different policy.
Why Are Medigap Rates Going Up?
Medigap premiums are usually based on several things:
Your state
Your age
Your gender in many states
Tobacco use
The plan letter, such as Plan G or Plan N
The insurance company
Claims experience
In simple words: if the insurance company is paying more claims, rates may go up.
According to Telos Actuarial, the Medicare Supplement market has been experiencing higher claims, and carriers are trying to correct higher loss ratios through larger rate increases. Their early 2026 data showed rate increases trending higher than prior years for many major carriers.
That does not mean every person will see the same increase.
One person may see a small increase.
Another person may see a painful one.
That is why a yearly review matters.
The Problem: Many Seniors Think Medigap Works Like Medicare Advantage
This is where people get confused.
Medicare Advantage plans change every year.
Medigap plans can also change in price, but the benefits are standardized by plan letter.
For example, a Plan G from one carrier has the same basic medical benefits as a Plan G from another carrier in the same state.
But the premium can be very different.
That is the catch.
You may be paying more for the same lettered plan simply because of the company you are with, how that carrier prices its block of business, or how your state handles Medigap rates.
Plan G Is Popular, But It Is Not Immune to Increases
Plan G is one of the most popular Medicare Supplement plans for people newly eligible for Medicare.
KFF reported that in 2023, Plan G accounted for 39% of all Medigap policyholders, or nearly 5.3 million people. KFF also reported that the average monthly premium among current Medigap policyholders was $217 in 2023, while Plan G averaged $164 per month, with premiums varying by state.
That does not mean your Plan G costs $164.
It means the national picture varies.
Some people pay less.
Some pay much more.
That is why looking only at national averages can be misleading. Your local market matters.
The Cheapest Medigap Plan Is Not Always the Best Deal
This is the part many people miss.
A carrier may offer a very low premium when you first turn 65.
It feels like a win.
But then the increases start.
Year after year, that “cheap” plan may no longer feel cheap.
That is why the real question is not just:
“What is the lowest price today?”
The better question is:
“Is this company likely to stay stable over time?”
No one can predict the future perfectly.
But a good Medicare review should consider:
Current premium
Past rate increase history
Plan type
Your state rules
Your health situation
Whether switching later may require underwriting
Medicare.gov explains that your Medigap Open Enrollment Period is a one-time 6-month period that starts when you are 65 or older and enrolled in Part B. During that time, you can buy any Medigap policy sold in your state without being denied because of pre-existing health problems. After that period, your options may be limited and the policy may cost more.
Why Switching Medigap Later Can Be Tricky
This is important.
Many seniors believe they can change Medigap plans every year the same way they review drug plans or Medicare Advantage plans.
That is not always true.
In many states, if you want to switch Medigap policies after your one-time Medigap Open Enrollment Period, you may have to answer health questions.
That means the insurance company may review your health.
They may approve you.
They may charge more.
Or they may decline you.
Medicare.gov states that, in most cases, you do not have a federal right to switch Medigap policies unless you are within your 6-month Medigap Open Enrollment Period or qualify for a guaranteed issue right.
This is why the first Medigap decision matters.
It is not just a price decision.
It is a long-term protection decision.
What Should Seniors Do Now?
Here is the simple plan:
1. Do Not Panic
A rate increase does not always mean your plan is bad.
Sometimes all carriers in your area are increasing.
Sometimes your current carrier is still competitive.
2. Do Not Cancel First
Canceling first can create problems.
You want to review before making changes.
3. Compare Carefully
Compare the same plan letter.
Plan G to Plan G.
Plan N to Plan N.
Do not compare only price. Also look at carrier history, household discounts, underwriting rules, and state-specific protections.
4. Ask About Your State Rules
Some states offer more flexibility to change Medigap plans.
Others are stricter.
This is why local guidance matters.
5. Review Your Whole Medicare Picture
A Medigap review should not happen in a vacuum.
You should also review:
Part D prescription drug plan
Pharmacy costs
Doctors
Travel needs
Health changes
Budget
Long-term retirement income
A Medigap policy may help make health care costs more predictable, but the premium still has to fit your retirement budget.
Conclusion
Medigap rate increases in 2026 are a wake-up call.
Not a reason to panic.
Not a reason to cancel your coverage.
But definitely a reason to review.
Your Medicare Supplement policy may still be the right fit. Or there may be another option worth exploring. The key is to check before the increase quietly becomes part of your monthly budget.
Senior Help And You is an excellent resource for Medicare questions, Medicare Supplement reviews, and retirement coverage guidance.
Call 520-252-5275 for a free consultation.
3 Takeaways
Medigap premiums can increase, and 2026 may bring larger increases for some policyholders.
Do not choose a Medigap policy based only on the lowest starting price.
Before switching or canceling, review your options carefully because Medigap underwriting rules may limit your choices later.
References / Sources
MedicareSupp.org / American Association for Medicare Supplement Insurance — “Medigap Rate Increases in 2026”
Medicare.gov — Medigap Open Enrollment and Switching Medigap Policies
KFF — “Key Facts About Medigap Enrollment and Premiums for Medicare Beneficiaries”
KFF Health News / CBS News — “Medigap premiums leap, and consumers have few alternatives”
Telos Actuarial — “Medicare Supplement Rate Actions - 2026 Q1 Update”
Authored by Albert Ferrin, RSSA®, Founder of Senior Help And You LLC
