Medicare educator Erica Smiley from MedicareSchool.com explains that supplemental plans are labeled with letters ranging from A through N. Plans C and F are no longer available to new enrollees after January 1, 2020, leaving Plans G and N as the most popular options for today’s retirees.

Plan G is often considered the most comprehensive choice. It covers five out of six major gaps in Medicare, including the Part A deductible ($1,676), hospital co-pays, skilled nursing facility co-pays, and the standard 80/20 coinsurance split. It also includes coverage for Medicare excess charges, meaning you won’t pay extra if a doctor charges above Medicare’s standard rate. The only out-of-pocket expense with Plan G is the Part B deductible of $257.

Plan N, on the other hand, offers solid coverage at a lower monthly cost but includes more out-of-pocket potential. It covers the Part A deductible and the 20% coinsurance, but enrollees must still pay the Part B deductible ($257) and may face excess charges if they see non-participating doctors. Additionally, Plan N includes co-pays up to $20 for doctor visits and $50 for emergency room visits. For healthy seniors who don’t visit the doctor frequently, these co-pays can be a worthwhile trade-off for lower monthly premiums.

When comparing the two, Plan G covers five gaps while Plan N covers four. Plan G does not have any co-pays for office visits, whereas Plan N does. Plan N may also expose members to excess charges, though these are rare. Roughly 96–97% of doctors who see Medicare patients are “participating,” meaning they accept Medicare’s payment in full. In fact, less than 1% of all Medicare claims involve excess charges, and eight states Connecticut, Massachusetts, Minnesota, New York, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, and Vermont prohibit them entirely.

One of the biggest benefits of supplemental (Medigap) plans over Medicare Advantage plans is freedom. Supplemental plans have no provider networks, so you can see any doctor who accepts Medicare nationwide. There are also no prior authorizations required, allowing you to receive care when you need it. Plans are portable, meaning they travel with you if you move to another state.

Enrollment is another key factor to consider. Everyone has a six-month Open Enrollment Period (OEP) that begins the same month their Medicare Part B becomes active. During this period, you can enroll in any supplemental plan without medical underwriting, regardless of your health. Missing this six-month window can lead to medical underwriting, where insurers can deny coverage or charge higher premiums based on health history. Only a few states New York, Connecticut, and Massachusetts allow year-round guaranteed enrollment.

Cost is often the deciding factor between Plan G and Plan N. In 2025, the average Plan G premium ranges from $150 to $200 per month, with a national average of $154. Plan N typically costs between $90 and $140, saving about $30 to $50 monthly compared to Plan G. While Plan G provides the peace of mind of fewer out-of-pocket surprises, Plan N can be the smarter financial choice for those in good health who don’t mind occasional co-pays.

Despite Plan N’s cost savings, Plan G remains the most popular option, chosen by 39% of seniors with supplemental coverage. Plan N accounts for about 10%, while older Plan F policies remain in place for those eligible before 2020. Many choose Plan G for its simplicity and comprehensive protection, even at a slightly higher cost.

In summary, Plan G offers near-total coverage with predictable costs, making it ideal for those who value convenience and peace of mind. Plan N provides excellent protection at a lower price but comes with some co-pays and minor exposure to excess charges. Whichever you choose, enrolling during your initial Part B window is crucial to lock in coverage without medical underwriting. With the right plan in place, you’ll have the confidence that your healthcare expenses are well managed throughout retirement.

The post Medicare Supplemental Plans: Which Coverage Is Right for You? appeared first on ROI TV.

Preparing for Change in Medicare

Every year brings updates to Medicare, but 2026 will be particularly significant. Costs for Parts A and B are rising, supplemental (Medigap) plans are seeing rate increases, and millions of Advantage plans are being discontinued or crosswalked into new ones. Being proactive reviewing your coverage and the Annual Notice of Change (ANO) can make the difference between smooth sailing and unexpected out-of-pocket costs.

Medicare Part A: Inpatient Coverage Adjustments

Medicare Part A covers inpatient hospital stays, skilled nursing, and hospice care. Most beneficiaries pay $0 for Part A because they’ve worked at least 40 quarters (10 years) and paid Medicare taxes.

However, about 1% of the population pays for Part A:

• $518/month if they worked fewer than 30 quarters
• $285/month for those with 30–39 quarters

In 2026, those who pay for Part A are expected to see increases in these monthly premiums due to inflation and higher healthcare costs. Beneficiaries in this category should budget accordingly or review if they now qualify for premium-free coverage through a spouse’s work history.

Medicare Part B: Outpatient Premium Increases

Part B covers outpatient services such as doctor visits, preventive care, and lab work. The current premium of $185/month is expected to rise by $20–$22 (about 10–11%) in 2026.

These premiums are based on modified adjusted gross income (MAGI) from two years prior. For higher earners, the income-related adjustment threshold may increase to around $109,000 for individuals and $218,000 for married couples.

If your income is close to these limits, consider strategies like Roth conversions or capital gains management to keep premiums lower.

Medicare Supplemental (Medigap) Plans: Rate Increases Ahead

Medicare supplemental plans such as Plan F, G, and N fill the gaps in Original Medicare by covering deductibles, copays, and coinsurance. Unlike Advantage plans, Medigap policies can be changed any time of the year, though underwriting is often required.

Recent years have seen 10–20% premium increases, driven by medical inflation and a surge in claims following delayed care from the pandemic.

Key differences:

• Plan F: Full coverage but highest cost (only available to those eligible before 2020).
• Plan G: Covers all gaps except the Part B deductible.
• Plan N: Slightly lower premiums but includes small copays and excludes some coverage.

Switching from Plan F to Plan G or N can save $50–$100/month, but most states require underwriting health questions and sometimes a doctor’s statement.

Underwriting and State Rules

Most states require underwriting to switch Medigap plans, but there are exceptions. States like California and Oregon offer a “birthday rule,” allowing beneficiaries to switch plans within 30–60 days of their birthday without underwriting.

If you apply for a plan and are declined, you can stay on your current plan there’s no penalty for trying. Working with an experienced, independent Medicare agent can simplify this process and help you identify switching opportunities.

Rising Popularity of Medicare Advantage

For many, the rising cost of supplemental insurance is making Medicare Advantage (Part C) plans more attractive. These plans often have $0 premiums, though they operate on a pay-as-you-go system with copays and provider networks.

• HMO Plans: Require referrals and in-network care.
• PPO Plans: Offer out-of-network options but at a higher cost.
• Maximum Out-of-Pocket (MOOP): Typically ranges from $3,000 to $10,000 annually.

Switching to an Advantage plan requires no underwriting, and enrollment is available annually from October 15 to December 7.

Enrollment Periods to Know

• Annual Enrollment Period (AEP): October 15 – December 7
  • Switch between Medicare Advantage and Medigap or change drug plans.
  • New coverage begins January 1.
• Open Enrollment Period (OEP): January 1 – March 31
  • For Advantage plan members who wish to change or revert to Original Medicare.

Beneficiaries should review their Annual Notice of Change (ANO) mailed by October 1 to understand premium adjustments, new networks, and prescription coverage changes.

Standalone Prescription Drug Plans (Part D)

Part D drug plans are also changing significantly:

• Deductible: Increasing to $615 in 2026 (up from $590 in 2025).
• Maximum Out-of-Pocket (MOOP): Set at $2,100 in 2026.
• Premiums: Some plans may rise by up to $50 per month.

Reviewing your ANO is crucial many plans change their formularies, meaning a medication covered in 2025 may not be covered in 2026.

Advantage Plan Terminations and Crosswalks

Approximately 2 million Medicare Advantage plans are being terminated or crosswalked into new plans for 2026. While a crosswalk automatically transitions you to a similar plan, you must verify that the new plan’s premiums, networks, and benefits meet your needs.

Ignoring these notices could leave you stuck with a plan that doesn’t fit your coverage requirements or worse, one that excludes your doctors or medications.

Independent Agents vs. Call Centers

Who you work with matters.

• Independent brokers represent multiple insurance companies, offering personalized comparisons.
• Captive agents can only sell one company’s plans.
• Call centers and 800 numbers often sell your information as leads to multiple agents.

Choosing an independent broker ensures unbiased advice and ongoing support, especially as plans evolve each year.

Bottom Line: Be Proactive Before 2026

Medicare is changing premiums, deductibles, and plan structures are all being adjusted. To stay ahead:

1. Review your Annual Notice of Change (ANO) carefully.
2. Compare your supplemental and Advantage plan options.
3. Work with an independent Medicare expert who can guide you through changes without pressure.
4. Budget for higher premiums and deductibles in 2026.

By preparing now, you can protect both your coverage and your wallet ensuring that Medicare continues to work for you, not against you.

The post Medicare 2026: What You Need to Know About Upcoming Changes to Parts A, B, and Supplemental Plans appeared first on ROI TV.