Medigap in California: 2026 Average Premiums
| Plan | Estimated Monthly Premium | Part A Deductible | Part B Coinsurance |
|---|---|---|---|
| Plan G (most popular) | $168/month | Covered | 100% covered |
| Plan N | $138/month | Covered | Covered (with copays up to $20) |
| Plan F (pre-2020 only) | $193/month | Covered | 100% covered |
| Plan K | $76/month | 50% covered | 50% covered |
| Plan L | $101/month | 75% covered | 75% covered |
Medicare Supplement Insurance in California
Medicare Supplement (Medigap) insurance fills the gaps in Original Medicare coverage in California. The most popular plan — Plan G — has an average monthly premium of $168 in California, covering the Part A deductible ($1,676 per benefit period in 2026), Part B coinsurance (20% of all covered services), skilled nursing facility coinsurance, and foreign travel emergency coverage. The only gap Plan G leaves is the Part B deductible ($240/year).
Medigap Plan Comparison in California
| Benefit | Plan G | Plan N | Plan F* | Plan K | Plan L |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Part A coinsurance and hospital costs | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
| Part B coinsurance/copayment | ✓ | ✓ (copays) | ✓ | 50% | 75% |
| Blood (first 3 pints) | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | 50% | 75% |
| Part A hospice coinsurance | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | 50% | 75% |
| Skilled nursing facility coinsurance | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | 50% | 75% |
| Part A deductible | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | 50% | 75% |
| Part B deductible | ✗ | ✗ | ✓ | ✗ | ✗ |
| Part B excess charges | ✓ | ✗ | ✓ | ✗ | ✗ |
| Foreign travel emergency (80%) | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✗ | ✗ |
| Estimated monthly premium in California | $168 | $138 | $193* | $76 | $101 |
*Plan F is only available to people who became eligible for Medicare before January 1, 2020.
When to Buy Medigap in California
The best time to buy Medigap in California is during your 6-month Medigap Open Enrollment Period, which begins the month you turn 65 and are enrolled in Medicare Part B. During this period, insurers in California cannot deny you coverage or charge higher premiums based on pre-existing conditions. After this window closes, insurers can use medical underwriting in most states, potentially denying coverage or charging significantly higher premiums.
Medigap vs. Medicare Advantage in California
Choosing between Medigap and Medicare Advantage in California depends on your health needs and preferences. Medigap + Part D gives you nationwide provider access, predictable costs, and no prior authorization requirements — ideal for people with complex health needs or who travel frequently. Medicare Advantage (average premium: $12.3/month in California) typically has lower premiums but network restrictions and prior authorization requirements. The average MA plan in California is rated 4.2 stars by CMS.
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