What if I can't afford a Medicare Supplement plan?

You may qualify for a Medicare Savings Program through your state, which can help pay Part B premiums and other costs. Medicaid may also cover expenses if your income and resources are limited. If a Plan G premium is too high, Plan N offers lower premiums with small copays at the doctor. Call us at 855-559-1700 and we'll review every option.

Can I switch Medicare Supplement carriers without losing coverage?

Yes. Plan letters are standardized by the federal government, so a Plan G from one carrier covers exactly the same benefits as a Plan G from another. If you qualify medically (or have a guaranteed issue right), you can switch to a lower-cost carrier and keep identical coverage.

How often should I compare Medicare Supplement rates?

At least once a year, or anytime you receive a rate increase notice. Carriers adjust premiums at different times, so the cheapest option last year may not be the cheapest today. A quick rate comparison takes about 10 minutes.

Will switching carriers reset my waiting period?

If you've already satisfied any pre-existing condition waiting period on your current plan, that credit transfers to your new carrier. You won't start over.

How Can I Save Money on My Medicare Supplement? 7 Strategies That Actually Work

How can I save money on my Medicare Supplement? Most people overpay simply because they never compare after their first enrollment. The starting premium isn't the problem. It's the 10-18% annual increases that stack up by your mid-70s.

Here are seven real strategies I use with clients every week.

Call for Free Advice — 855-559-1700

Switching carriers for the same plan letter at a lower premium

Plan G from Carrier A covers exactly the same benefits as Plan G from Carrier B. That's federal law. The only difference is what they charge you.

I regularly see $40-$80/month differences between carriers in the same zip code for identical coverage. If you pass underwriting, switching saves you real money with zero coverage loss.

Household, non-smoker, and payment discounts most people miss

Many carriers offer discounts that aren't advertised. They add up fast:

Household discount: 5-7% off if you live with another adult, even if they're on a different plan
Non-smoker discount: available from most carriers if you haven't used tobacco in 12+ months
EFT/bank draft discount: pay by automatic withdrawal instead of paper bill for another 2-5% off
Annual pay discount: some carriers reduce your total if you pay the full year upfront

Stacking two or three of these together can cut $15-$30/month off your premium.

When dropping from Plan G to Plan N makes financial sense

Plan N typically costs $30-$50 less per month than Plan G. The tradeoff: you pay the $283 Part B deductible each year plus up to $20 copays for some office visits.

If you're healthy and see the doctor a few times a year, Plan N often saves $200-$400 annually after those small out-of-pocket costs. It's not right for everyone, but the math works for many people.

Understand how your carrier prices by age

Medigap carriers use one of three pricing methods: attained-age (rate goes up as you age), issue-age (locked to the age you bought it), or community-rated (same rate for everyone regardless of age).

Attained-age plans often start cheap and get expensive fast. That aggressive introductory premium that looked great at 65 can double by 78. Knowing your carrier's pricing method tells you whether your rate increases are normal or a sign to shop.

Check if you qualify for state savings programs

Medicare Savings Programs can pay your Part B premium ($202.90/month in 2026) if your income qualifies. That frees up real budget for your Supplement premium.

Contact your State Medical Assistance office or call us. Many people who qualify never apply because they don't know these programs exist.

Request a free rate comparison against your current premium

The fastest way to know if you're overpaying: tell us your current plan letter, carrier, zip code, and what you pay. We'll run a comparison across every carrier available in your area.

Takes about 10 minutes. No obligation. If your current rate is already competitive, I'll tell you that too.

Find out what you could save

Call 855-559-1700 for a free rate comparison, or get a free quote online.

Anthony Orner, Licensed Medicare Broker