What it is
Medigap rate increase history means the pattern of premium changes a policy has had over time. Every carrier keeps its own record, and every plan letter can look different. A rate history is not a promise about what will happen next.
Medigap plans are sold by private insurance companies. Benefits are standardized by plan letter, but each company sets its own premiums. That is why two people with the same plan letter may pay different amounts and see different changes.
Premiums can rise for several reasons. Rising health care costs and changes in how many people use services are common ones. Your age, and the way your carrier prices the plan, may also matter. Massachusetts, Minnesota and Wisconsin standardize Medigap differently, so rules there can differ.
How it’s traditionally been approached
Many people have looked at rate history when choosing a company. They ask how often premiums have changed in the past. Some carriers share this kind of information on request, and some do not.
Insurers have traditionally used a few pricing methods. Some base the premium on your age when you buy. Some raise it as you get older. Some use one rate for everyone in an area. Each method has its own pattern of increases, and none is right for everyone.
Other people review their coverage once a year. They compare their current plan with other options and weigh the trade-offs. Switching may involve medical underwriting outside of open enrollment or guaranteed issue, and those rules vary by state and change over time. Confirm current rules with Medicare.gov, your State Health Insurance Assistance Program (SHIP), or a licensed agent.
How the right licensed agent may help
The right licensed agent may help you make sense of a company's rate history. A Medigap agent can explain the pricing method a plan uses. That may help you see how the premium could change as you age. Agents cannot predict future rates or guarantee savings.
A conversation is usually relaxed and unhurried. You may be asked about your current plan, your health needs, your doctors and your budget. If you are already a policyholder, bring your latest premium notice. If you are turning 65, bring your Medicare details.
Good questions to ask include these. How does this company price its plans? What kinds of changes have happened in the past? What happens to my premium as I age? Are there other plan letters I could be eligible for? Call 1-800-MEDIGAP for more information.
The bigger picture
Premium changes can bring worry, especially on a fixed income. Not knowing what to expect can weigh on your peace of mind. Learning how pricing works may help you feel more prepared and less caught off guard.
Your overall wellbeing matters too. Cost, access to the doctors you trust, and your health all fit together. If you are also looking for care providers, Providers.plus may be one place to explore. Take your time, and ask for help when you need it.
Keep in mind
- Past rate changes do not predict future ones, and no one can guarantee that a premium will stay the same.
- Medigap and Medicare Advantage are different. Medigap offers any provider nationwide that accepts Medicare, no networks or referrals, and predictable cost-sharing. Trade-offs may include generally higher monthly premiums, possible medical underwriting, a separate Part D plan for drugs, and no routine dental, vision or hearing. Medicare Advantage often has lower premiums, an annual out-of-pocket maximum, extra benefits and drug coverage in many plans. Its trade-offs include networks, prior authorization and copays.
- Only Plans A, B, D, G, K, L, M and N (and high-deductible Plan G) are sold to people newly eligible for Medicare. Plans C and F (and high-deductible F) are for people who became eligible before January 1, 2020. Plans E, H, I and J were discontinued and are not sold today.
- This page is education only, not insurance, legal, tax or medical advice. Official information is at Medicare.gov.
Take the next step
- Talk with a Medigap agent ↗Jeff Cline on contacts.plus — a person, not a call center.
Not sure where to start? Answer a few gentle questions and choose who you’d like to hear from.
Call 1-800-MEDIGAP for more information
Frequently asked questions
What is medigap rate increase history?
Medigap rate increase history is the record of how a policy's premium has changed over time. Each carrier keeps its own record. It can help you understand patterns, but it does not predict what will happen next.
Do medigap plans go up in price every year?
Many medigap plans see premium changes over time, but how often and by how much depends on the carrier, state and pricing method. Some years may bring no change. Check your notices or ask a licensed agent about your policy.
Why do medigap premiums increase?
Premiums may rise because of higher health care costs, how often services are used, and the carrier's pricing method. Your age can also matter. Each company makes its own decisions within the rules in your state.
Can I find a company's medigap rate increase history?
Sometimes. A Medigap agent may be able to share what a carrier makes available, and your State Health Insurance Assistance Program (SHIP) may also help. Availability varies, and past changes are not a guarantee of the future.
Can I switch medigap plans if my rate goes up?
You may be able to, but it depends on your state and situation. Outside open enrollment or guaranteed issue, a company may use medical underwriting and could decline an application. Confirm current rules with Medicare.gov, SHIP or a licensed agent.
How can an agent help with medigap rate increases?
A Medigap agent may explain pricing methods, review your current plan and show you other options you may qualify for. Agents cannot promise savings or acceptance. Call 1-800-MEDIGAP for more information.
Educational resource. 1-800-MEDIGAP shares general information and connects people with independent licensed agents. It is not professional advice. Talk with a qualified professional about your own situation.