Can my Medicare Supplement rate increase more than once a year?

Yes. Some carriers apply annual rate increases on your policy anniversary date, but your state's insurance department may also approve a separate block rate increase at a different time. That means two increases in one calendar year are possible.

Do I need to wait until open enrollment to switch Medigap carriers?

No. Medicare Supplement plans don't follow the October-December enrollment period. You can apply to switch carriers any time of year. However, outside your initial Medigap Open Enrollment Period, you'll typically need to pass medical underwriting unless a federal guaranteed issue right applies.

Will I lose coverage if I switch from one Plan G to another carrier's Plan G?

No. Medigap plans are standardized by letter. A Plan G from one carrier covers exactly the same benefits as a Plan G from any other carrier. Only the premium and company differ.

Why do some carriers raise rates so much more than others?

It depends on the carrier's pricing strategy and the health of their insured pool. Some companies price low initially to attract members, then raise rates aggressively later. Others price moderately from the start and show more stable increases over time.

Your Medicare Supplement Rate Just Jumped — Here's Why and What You Can Do About It

my medicare supplement rate just jumped — why and what can I do

My Medicare Supplement rate just jumped is one of the most common calls I get, especially mid-year when carriers push through 15% to 20% increases. You're not imagining it. These hikes are real, and they're hitting harder than usual in 2025.

The good news: you're not stuck. Let me walk you through what's causing it and what you can actually do right now.

Call for Free Advice — 855-559-1700

Three reasons your Medigap premium increased this year

Age-based increases. If your plan uses attained-age pricing, your premium goes up automatically as you get older. This part is predictable.
Block rate increases. When claims rise across your carrier's pool of insured members, everyone in that block shares the cost. This has nothing to do with your personal health.
Medical inflation. Healthcare costs are climbing. Carriers adjust premiums when the cost of covering hospital stays, doctor visits, and skilled nursing crosses their projections.

When age increases and block increases stack together, 10% to 18% jumps in a single year are not unusual. Some carriers have pushed past that in 2025.

How attained-age vs issue-age pricing changes your bill

Most Medigap policies use attained-age pricing. Your rate increases as you age, on top of any block increases the carrier files with the state.

Issue-age pricing locks your base rate to the age you were when you bought the plan. You'll still see adjustments for inflation, but the age-related component stays flat. Fewer carriers offer this model, and availability varies by state.

At 67, the difference may feel small. By 78 or 83, it can be hundreds of dollars a year.

The company matters more than the letter plan

Plan G is standardized. A Plan G from one carrier covers the exact same benefits as a Plan G from another. What's not identical is long-term premium behavior.

Some carriers price aggressively low to attract new members, then raise rates hard once the block ages. Others start a bit higher but deliver more stable increases over time. I track this data across carriers so you don't have to guess.

When switching carriers saves money without losing coverage

You can apply to switch Medigap carriers at any time of year. There's no open enrollment window to wait for. If another carrier offers the same plan letter at a lower rate for your age and zip code, the medical benefits are identical.

The catch: outside your initial 6-month Medigap Open Enrollment Period, most carriers require medical underwriting. If you're in good health, this is often straightforward. If you have significant pre-existing conditions, federal guaranteed issue rights may apply in certain situations (like losing employer coverage or a carrier leaving your area).

Don't drop your current plan until a new one is approved and in force. That's a rule I enforce with every client.

What people wish they'd known sooner

Most people focus entirely on the starting premium when they first pick a Medigap plan. That's the wrong number to obsess over. The real question is: what will I be paying at 75, 80, 85?

A $20/month savings today from a carrier with aggressive rate history can cost you thousands over a decade. I show clients actual rate history before they choose.

How to get a free rate comparison before your next payment

I'll pull current rates from multiple carriers for your exact age, zip code, and plan type. Takes about 10 minutes on the phone. No obligation, no pressure.

If switching saves you money, I handle the paperwork. If staying put makes more sense, I'll tell you that too.

Stop overpaying for the same coverage.

Call 855-559-1700 or get a free quote online. Anthony Orner will run a side-by-side comparison at no cost.