Yes, many Medigap plans become more expensive with age, but it depends on the policy’s rating system. While all plans can rise with inflation, "attained-age-rated" plans are specifically designed to increase in price as you get older. "Issue-age-rated" and "community-rated" plans generally do not increase based on age.
You will typically pay less for an issue-age-rated plan if you enroll in the plan when you're younger. Your premiums also won't increase based on your age. Attained-age-rated Medigap plans set their premiums based on your current age. As you age, your Medigap plan premiums will gradually increase each year.
Plan G remains the most popular Medigap plan for new enrollees, offering comprehensive coverage with predictable costs. Other popular plan options include High-Deductible Plan G, Plan N, and Plan F (if eligible).
Issue-age Medigap plans set premiums based on a person's age when they first enroll in the plan. This means that premiums are typically lower for younger people when they enroll in these plans, and the premiums do not increase as a person ages.
Yes, Medigap is often worth it for seniors seeking predictable costs, extensive coverage for Original Medicare gaps (like deductibles, copays), freedom to see any doctor without referrals, and potential long-term savings if they have chronic conditions or travel, though it requires higher monthly premiums and separate drug coverage. It's ideal for those who value financial certainty over lower monthly fees, while those preferring lower premiums and accepting network rules might prefer Medicare Advantage.
If you joined a Medicare Advantage Plan during your Initial Enrollment Period, you can change to another Medicare Advantage Plan (with or without drug coverage) or go back to Original Medicare (with or without a drug plan) within the first 3 months you have Medicare Part A & Part B.
Medigap Premium Increases
Attained-Age plans typically experience premium increases as the policyholder gets older, while Issue-Age plans may experience premium increases due to inflation and other factors. Community-Rated plans may also experience premium increases due to inflation, but not due to age.
Other factors that can affect your Medicare supplement rate
Inflation – Like other types of insurance premiums, Medicare supplement rates can be affected by inflation. If the overall costs for health care increase, you may see a change in your Medicare supplement premium rate.
Here are a few common complaints we have heard about Medigap:
Many seniors across the country are experiencing sticker shock in 2025 as premiums for Medicare Supplement (Medigap) plans rise. Across the U.S., many Medigap policyholders are seeing double-digit premium increases, sparking concern and confusion among retirees and their financial advisors.
Whole life insurance, on the other hand, offers lifelong coverage and includes an investment component, making it more expensive. As you get older, the cost difference between term and whole life insurance becomes even more pronounced.
Your CalPERS health coverage will automatically be canceled the first day of the month after you turn 65. Review Cancellation of CalPERS Health Coverage for information on reinstating your health coverage.
Regardless of which type of pricing your Medigap insurer employs, the price will most likely increase each year because of inflation and rising health care costs.
Here are some of the biggest Medicare mistakes to avoid:
Issue-age-rated: Premiums are based on the age you were when you first bought the policy. The younger you are when you purchase a Medigap, the cheaper your premium. (Note: Premiums will still increase over time due to inflation, but not due to age).
The best time to buy a Medigap policy is during your Medigap Open Enrollment Period. This is the 6-month period that starts the first day of the month you're 65 or older and signed up for Part B. After this period, your options to buy a Medigap policy may be limited and the policy may cost more.
Yes, Medigap is often worth it for seniors seeking predictable costs, extensive coverage for Original Medicare gaps (like deductibles, copays), freedom to see any doctor without referrals, and potential long-term savings if they have chronic conditions or travel, though it requires higher monthly premiums and separate drug coverage. It's ideal for those who value financial certainty over lower monthly fees, while those preferring lower premiums and accepting network rules might prefer Medicare Advantage.
The 7-month Medicare window refers to your Initial Enrollment Period (IEP), your first chance to sign up for Medicare when you turn 65, starting 3 months before your birthday month, including the month you turn 65, and ending 3 months after, allowing enrollment in Parts A, B, and optional plans like Part C (Medicare Advantage) or Part D (Prescription Drugs) without penalties, and if missed, you can use the General Enrollment Period (Jan 1-Mar 31) but may face penalties.