Medicare Supplement Plan F is generally the most expensive and comprehensive option, typically chosen by those eligible for Medicare before January 1, 2020, with average 2025 premiums around $221.67 per month ($2,660 annually). For new beneficiaries, Plan G acts as the most expensive, high-coverage option.
Medicare Supplement Plans F, G, and N have different cost structures, which can impact your out-of-pocket expenses. Plan F typically has the highest premium among the three plans, but it offers the most comprehensive coverage, including coverage for Medicare Part B excess charges.
No single Medicare plan pays 100% of everything, but Medigap Plan F (for those eligible before 2020) and Medigap Plan G (most newer enrollees) cover nearly all gaps in Original Medicare after the Part B deductible, paying 100% of approved costs, while Medicare Advantage (Part C) plans have an out-of-pocket maximum, after which they pay 100% of covered services. Other Medigap plans like K, L, or N offer lower premiums in exchange for sharing some costs until an annual limit is met, after which they cover 100%.
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.
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.
With Medicare Supplement Plan F, you get the most complete coverage available. And because Plan F also covers costs in excess of Medicare-approved amounts, you may have no out-of-pocket costs for hospital and doctor's office care.
Neither Plan G nor Plan N is universally "better"; the best choice depends on your healthcare habits, as Plan G offers more comprehensive coverage (no copays/excess charges) for higher premiums, while Plan N has lower monthly costs but requires small copays for office/ER visits and doesn't cover Part B excess charges, making it ideal for healthier individuals. Choose Plan G for maximum predictability and few surprises, or Plan N for potential overall savings if you rarely see doctors and don't mind small out-of-pocket costs.
A "good" Medicare Supplement (Medigap) plan costs roughly $90 to $300+ per month, with popular plans like Plan G averaging around $140-$180 and Plan N being slightly cheaper ($110-$140), though costs vary significantly by location, age, tobacco use, and the specific plan chosen. High-coverage options (like Plan G) are pricier, while plans with copays (like Plan N) or high-deductible versions (like HD Plan G) offer lower premiums for less upfront coverage.
High-Deductible Health Plans (HDHPs) + HSAs: Many wealthy individuals use HDHPs combined with Health Savings Accounts (HSAs) for tax-efficient savings and to self-fund routine care.
Here are some of the biggest Medicare mistakes to avoid:
Medicare changes for 2026 focus on lowering prescription drug costs, capping out-of-pocket spending for Part D drugs at $2,100, and improving Medicare Advantage (MA) benefits, including better behavioral health cost-sharing and provider network transparency. Key cost adjustments include a higher Part B deductible ($283) and increased Part A hospital deductibles, though many beneficiaries see higher Social Security COLA offsetting premium hikes, with continued $35 insulin caps and new digital tools for managing plans.
No single Medicare plan pays 100% of everything, but Medigap Plan F (for those eligible before 2020) and Medigap Plan G (most newer enrollees) cover nearly all gaps in Original Medicare after the Part B deductible, paying 100% of approved costs, while Medicare Advantage (Part C) plans have an out-of-pocket maximum, after which they pay 100% of covered services. Other Medigap plans like K, L, or N offer lower premiums in exchange for sharing some costs until an annual limit is met, after which they cover 100%.
AARP does not necessarily argue that UnitedHealthcare is the right choice for every Medicare beneficiary, but it does proclaim it as a trusted healthcare partner and resource. Of course, there may be an additional reason other than UHCs good name. UnitedHealthcare pays AARP for the use of its name.
1. UnitedHealthcare / AARP – Best Plan Pairing: Plan G or Plan N. UnitedHealthcare, under the AARP brand, offers one of the largest and most recognized Medicare Supplement programs nationwide.
A "good" Medicare Supplement (Medigap) plan costs roughly $90 to $300+ per month, with popular plans like Plan G averaging around $140-$180 and Plan N being slightly cheaper ($110-$140), though costs vary significantly by location, age, tobacco use, and the specific plan chosen. High-coverage options (like Plan G) are pricier, while plans with copays (like Plan N) or high-deductible versions (like HD Plan G) offer lower premiums for less upfront coverage.