Medicare Supplement (Medigap) plan premiums vary from state to state. Although the benefits are standardized, Medicare costs by state are not the same.
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There are many reasons why some states have more expensive Medigap plans than others. Rules on how to price policies vary from state to state, and the cost of living can also play a role in price difference.
Below, we list the top 10 most expensive states for Medigap plans nationwide.
10 Most Expensive States for Medigap Plans
- New York
- Vermont
- Connecticut
- Maine
- Florida
- Washington State
- California
- New Hampshire
- New Jersey
- Delaware
Why Are Medigap Plans More Expensive in Some States?
Many factors impact Medicare costs by state. Several states on the list use a community rating system to price their plans.
The community rating system means no difference in premium costs between male and female enrollees. Any person within an age bracket on the same plan pays the same price for coverage. Due to this, Medigap premiums tend to be higher across the board in states using a community rating method.
Additionally, many of the states on this list have a high cost of living. California, New York, Connecticut, New Jersey, Rhode Island, and Maine are all in the top ten states with the highest cost of living in the US. Thus, the high Medigap premiums coincide with the high cost of living.
#10 Medigap Plan Costs in Delaware
When you age into Medicare at 65, you can expect to pay an average cost of $150 a month for a Medigap plan in Delaware. Keep in mind that there are ten lettered plans and two high deductible plans from which to choose. So, prices can vary drastically depending on which plan you choose.
#9 New Jersey Medigap Plan Costs
New Jersey is one of the most expensive states to live in, so there is no surprise to see it on this top-ten list. When you enroll in a Medicare Supplement plan in the Garden State, you can pay close to a $155 premium each month.
#8 Medigap Plan Costs in New Hampshire
For a Medicare Supplement plan in New Hampshire beneficiaries can expect to pay $157 each month. New Hampshire Medicare Supplement plans are standardized to meet the federal guidelines. Costs are not standardized, so it is crucial to find the best plan in your area for the lowest price.
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#7 Medigap Plan Costs in California
It should be no surprise to see California Medigap plans on this list. Medicare beneficiaries enrolling in a Medicare Supplement plan can expect to spend close to $163 each month for a Medigap plan.
In California, the biggest Medigap perk is the birthday rule. California’s Medicare Supplement birthday rule allows beneficiaries to change Medigap policies during the months surrounding their birthday with guaranteed issue rights each year.
#6 Washington State Medigap Plan Costs
In Washington State, the average Medicare Supplement plan can cost nearly $174.32 each month. Washington requires plans to be community-rated. Thus, premiums are higher than average.
Yet, once you have Medigap in Washington, you can apply to buy or switch plans at any time. Thus, higher monthly premiums sometimes come with perks.
#5 Medigap Plan Costs in Florida
The average cost of a Medigap plan in Florida is close to $191 a month. The Sunshine State is not one of the most expensive places to live, but it is certainly not the cheapest.
As the retirement capital of the United States, it comes as no shock to see Medicare Supplement plans cost more than average in Florida.
#4 Maine Medigap Plan Costs
On average, a Medicare Supplement plan in Maine costs $211 per month. Those with Medigap in Maine can switch to a different policy with the same or fewer benefits throughout the year. Because of these rules, it is no shock that premiums are much higher in this state.
#3 Connecticut Medigap Plan Costs
In Connecticut, a Medicare Supplement enrollee can spend close to $227 each month for coverage. Yet, the premium price can vary based on plan and carrier.
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In Connecticut, the high monthly premiums for Medigap plans is not a coincidence. Connecticut is one of few states to offer year-round guaranteed issue rights.
#2 Vermont Medigap Plan Costs
In Vermont, the average cost of a Medicare Supplement plan is $264 each month. While Vermont is one of the healthiest states, the cost of living is still about 15% higher than the national average. Vermont follows the community rating method, which may influence a higher price for monthly premiums.
#1 Medigap Plan Costs in New York
Topping off the list of highest-priced Medicare Supplement plans is New York. The average Medicare Supplement premium in the Empire State is nearly $304 a month.
However, this comes as no surprise. New York residents have a unique opportunity to enroll in a Medigap plan with guaranteed-issue rights year-round.
Additionally, the cost of living in New York is one of the highest in the country. When you mix year-round guaranteed issue plans, community rating, and a high cost of living, you get the most expensive Medigap plans in the country.
How to Find Out How Much Medigap Cost in Your State
If you live in one of the top ten most expensive states for Medicare Supplement plans, finding a comprehensive policy at an affordable price is essential. Conversely, even if you don’t live in one of these states, it is still crucial to ensure you are not overspending on standardized coverage.
Our agents will review all available plans in your area to determine which best fits your budget and healthcare needs. Call the number above or complete our online rate form now to get started today.
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Sources:
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- Medicare Supplement Guide, New Hampshire Insurance . Accessed April 2022.
https://www.nh.gov/insurance/consumers/documents/2023-medicare-suppguide.pdf - Cost of Medigap Policies, Medicare . Accessed April 2022.
https://www.medicare.gov/supplements-other-insurance/whats-medicare-supplement-insurance-medigap/medigap-costs/costs-of-medigap-policies - Medicare Supplement Plans, Washington Insurance. Accessed April 2022.
https://www.insurance.wa.gov/sites/default/files/documents/medicare-supp-plans_56.pdf - Medicare Supplements, California Insurance. Accessed April 2022.
http://www.insurance.ca.gov/01-consumers/105-type/95-guides/05-health/03-medsup/ - Supplement plan Rates, New York Insurance . Accessed April 2022.
https://www.dfs.ny.gov/consumers/health_insurance/supplement_plans_rates
The average published premium in 2021 in Florida is $211.19 per month for 19 insurers for Standard Plan G.