What You Need to Know
A Medicare Supplement plan can help pay the costs not covered by Original Medicare.
To qualify for a Medigap policy, you must be enrolled in Medicare Part A and B.
In Washington, you can choose from 10 Medigap policies, plus two high-deductible options.
Medigap policies can help Washington residents cover out-of-pocket Medicare costs.
Original Medicare — or Medicare Part A (hospital care) and Part B (outpatient care) — helps to cover many of your healthcare costs. However, you’ll still be responsible for fees like copayments and deductibles, which can quickly add up.
A Medigap policy, also called a Medicare Supplement plan, is additional coverage offered by a private insurer that helps reduce or eliminate the costs not covered by Original Medicare. About 310,000 people in Washington had Medigap policies in 2019.1
When Can You Enroll in Medigap in Washington?
The best time to sign up in Washington is during your Medigap Open Enrollment Period (OEP).2 This six-month period automatically starts the month that you turn 65 and are enrolled in Medicare Part B. During your OEP, you can buy any Medicare Supplement plan at the lowest available rate, even if you have a preexisting condition like diabetes. You can also make changes to your policy during your OEP.
Outside your OEP, the process becomes more complicated. An insurer can charge you more for a policy or deny you coverage because of a preexisting condition. The insurer can also implement a six-month waiting period before your coverage goes into effect.
If you’re outside your OEP but you qualify for a guaranteed issue right, the insurer must sell you a policy without imposing restrictions or charging you more money. You have a guaranteed issue right in certain situations, such as your current plan is leaving Medicare or you want to switch from Medicare Advantage back to Medigap.3
You might also be eligible for a Special Enrollment Period with a qualifying event like losing your current coverage or moving.4 During a Special Enrollment Period, you can make certain types of changes to your coverage.
Best Time to Enroll
You’ll have the most flexibility to enroll in or change Medigap policies during your Open Enrollment Period.
What Are the Most Popular Medicare Supplement Plans Washington?
In Washington, about 310,000 residents have opted for one of 10 Medicare Supplement plans and two high-deductible options.5
Each letter plan offers the same benefits across different insurers.
The individual plans offer different levels of coverage and different premiums, deductibles, and copayments.
Plans F, G, and N are some of the most popular policies. Note: Plan F isn’t available if you qualified for Medicare after January 1, 2020.
Medigap Enrollment in Washington
| Plan Type | Enrolled (Rounded) | Percent of Total Enrolled |
| Plan F | 175,000 | 56% |
| Plan G | 60,000 | 19% |
| Plan N | 8,000 | 2% |
Data is for Medigap enrollment in 2019, which is the most recent data.
Plan F
Plan F is the most comprehensive policy with the highest monthly costs. It includes:
- Part A coinsurance and hospital costs
- Part B copays/coinsurance
- Blood (first 3 pints)
- Part A hospice
- Skilled nursing facility
- Part A deductible
- Part B deductible
- Part B excess charges
- Foreign travel emergency – 80%
Plan G
Plan G is similar to Plan F, but it doesn’t include the Part B deductible. It includes:
- Part A coinsurance and hospital costs
- Part B copays/coinsurance
- Blood (first 3 pints)
- Part A hospice
- Skilled nursing facility
- Part A deductible
- Part B excess charges
- Foreign travel emergency – 80%
Plan N
Plan N is a lower-cost option than Plans F or G. It doesn’t cover the Part B deductible or Part B excess charges. It includes:
- Part A coinsurance and hospital costs
- Part B copays/coinsurance
- Blood (first 3 pints)
- Part A hospice
- Skilled nursing facility
- Part A deductible
- Foreign travel emergency – 80%
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How Do You Choose a Medicare Supplement Plan in Washington?
To get the best value out of your Medigap policy in Washington, choose one that covers the types of medical expenses that you face most often. You may find that a plan with a higher premium is a better choice for you, since you’ll save more money on your recurring healthcare costs. A plan that strikes a balance between good coverage and an affordable premium may be the best choice.
A Word of Advice
The cost and coverage levels of Medigap policies can vary widely. Consider the expenses you’re likely to need help with when deciding on the best choice for you.
How Much Do Medigap Policies Cost in Washington?
Medigap policies vary in cost, coverage, copayments, and deductibles. As an example, the following estimates are for a 65-year-old nonsmoking female in Washington:
- Plan F: $231-$428
- Plan F High Deductible: $44-$73
- Plan G: $100-$243
- Plan G High Deductible: $44-$66
- Plan N: $124-$2106
Who Sells Medigap in Washington?
You can purchase Medigap policies from 13 carriers in Washington.
- Cigna
- GPM Health and Life Insurance Company
- Garden State Life Insurance Company
- Globe Life and Accident Insurance Company
- Humana
- Mutual of Omaha
- Premera BlueCross BlueShield of Washington
- Regence BlueShield
- Sentinel Security Life Insurance Company
- State Farm Mutual Automobile Insurance Company
- USAA Life Insurance Company
- United American Insurance Company
- UnitedHealthcare
What If You Want to Change Your Medigap Policy in Washington?
It’s difficult to change your Medicare Supplement plan in Washington outside your Open Enrollment Period, unless you have a guaranteed issue right or Special Enrollment Period. If you choose the best plan for your needs during your Open Enrollment Period, you likely won’t have to worry about changing your policy later on.
What Are Alternatives to Medicare Supplement in Washington?
You could also consider a Medicare Advantage plan. Medicare Advantage (MA) plans, or Medicare Part C, are plans from private insurers that offer a contracted network of medical providers. Most MA plans offer vision, dental and prescription drug benefits in addition to the coverage of Original Medicare.7 However, you’re generally limited to in-network providers.
What Are Medicare Resources in Washington?
- Statewide Health Insurance Benefits Advisors (SHIBA) provides free help and information about Medicare and your healthcare choices. Volunteer advisors can help you to determine your eligibility, choose the best program for you, enroll in Medicare, and more.8
- Through the Washington State Office of the Insurance Commissioner, you can research health plans or talk to an insurance specialist.9
- Apple Health is the Medicaid program in Washington. Medicaid is a federal and state program that provides healthcare assistance to those with low income or disability.10
Next Steps
If you’re considering a Medicare Supplement plan, compare the available plans in Washington to see which one is best for your health needs and your budget. That way, you can be sure you’re making the right choice when you sign up.
