2026 Rates Updated February 2026
Medicare Plan G Cost in 2026: A Complete Breakdown by Age, State & Rate Factors
By Paul B-Independent Medicare Broker-18 Years Experience- Updated February 2026
If you're researching Plan G, you've probably already seen wildly different premium quotes and aren't sure why. This guide explains exactly what Plan G costs, why premiums vary so much, and everything you need to decide if it's the right fit no fluff, no sales spin.
The Modern Medicare Starter Guide
New to Medicare? Start Here.
- Parts A, B, C & D explained
- 2026 costs & premiums
- All enrollment periods
- Late penalty traps to avoid
Medicare Advantage Made Simple
Understanding Your MA Options
- Original Medicare vs. MA comparison
- 5 plan types decoded
- How costs really work
- Your rights & appeals process
Medicare Supplement Made Simple
Your Medigap Guide
- 10 plan letters decoded
- Plan G vs Plan N explained
- Birthday rule & guaranteed issue
- NY special protections
My Medicare Planner
Your Personal Organizer
- Track doctors & specialists
- List all prescriptions
- Enrollment checklist
- Questions for your broker
What You'll Find on This Page
- What is Medicare Plan G?
- Exactly What Plan G Covers in 2026
- Plan G Cost Breakdown: Averages by Age & State
- The 7 Factors That Determine Your Premium
- High Deductible Plan G: The Underrated Option
- Plan G vs. Plan N vs. Plan F
- Plan G in New York: What Makes It Different
- Real-World Cost Scenarios
- When to Enroll (This Is Critical)
- Is Plan G Worth the Cost?
- Frequently Asked Questions
What Everyone Pays for Medicare in 2026
Exactly What Medicare Plan G Covers in 2026
| Coverage Item | 2026 Amount / Details | Covered by Plan G? |
|---|---|---|
| Medicare Part A hospital deductible | $1,736 per benefit period | 100% |
| Part A coinsurance (hospital days 61-90) | $434/day in 2026 | 100% |
| Part A coinsurance (days 91+, lifetime reserve) | $868/day in 2026 | 100% |
| Extra 365 hospital days beyond lifetime reserve | After Medicare benefits end | 100% |
| Skilled nursing facility coinsurance (days 21- | $217 50/day in 2026 | 100% |
| Part A hospice care coinsurance/copays | Varies | 100% |
| Part B coinsurance (the 20% Medicare doesn't pay) | 20% of all approved outpatient services | 100% (after Part B deductible) |
| Part B excess charges | Up to 15% above Medicare rate | 100% |
| First 3 pints of blood | Per year | 100% |
| Foreign travel emergency care | 80% up to $50,000 lifetime | After $250 deductible |
| Medicare Part B deductible | $283 in 2026 | X You pay this |
| Prescription drugs (Part D) | Requires separate Part D plan | X Not covered |
| Dental, vision, hearing | Medicare doesn't cover these | X Not covered |
Medicare Plan G Cost in 2026: Averages by Age & State
National Average Monthly Premiums by Age
| Age / Profile | Typical Monthly Cost | Why It Varies |
|---|---|---|
| 65-Female, nonsmoker | $130-$200/month | Lowest-cost entry point; gender discounts apply in most states |
| 65-Male, nonsmoker | $150-$220/month | Males typically pay $15-$40 more than females at the same age |
| 70 | $180- $260/month | Attained-age plans increase each birthday, issue-age plans are locked |
| 75 | $220-$310/month | Premium growth accelerates in attained-age states |
| 80 | $270- $380/month | Significant spread between cheapest and most expensive carrier |
| New York (any age) | $314- $840+/month | Community-rated: age doesn't matter, but carrier choice matters enormously. AARP/UHC $372 vs. Bankers Conseco $840+ |
Plan G Rates by State (2026 Estimates)
| State / Region | Approx. Monthly Premium (Age 65) | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| New York | $314-$840+/month | Most expensive state nationally. Community-rated. Cheapest upstate: Transamerica $314. Long Island/NYC: AARP/UHC $372; Bankers Conseco $840+ |
| Florida | $180-$449 | Wide range; carrier and county vary significantly |
| California | $140-$300+ | Birthday Rule allows annual plan switching |
| Texas | $140-$220 | Competitive market; some carriers very aggressive |
| New Jersey | $131-$350+/month | Attained/issue-age rated (NOT community-rated like NY). Starting rates as low as $131/month at 65 |
| North Carolina | $130-$230 | Generally competitive market |
| South Carolina | $120-$200 | Among lowest rates nationally |
| Illinois / Midwest | $130- $210 | Generally moderate pricing |
| National Average (age 65) | -$165-$200 | Attained-age states, nonsmoker |
The 7 Factors That Determine Your Plan G Premium
1. How the Insurance Company Prices the Plan (Rating Method)
| Pricing Method | How It Works | Long-Term Impact |
|---|---|---|
| Community-Rated | Same price for everyone regardless of age | Premiums don't rise because of your age only due to inflation and claims trends |
| Issue-Age-Rated | Premium is locked to your age at enrollment | Lower long-term increases than attained-age; rewards enrolling early |
| Attained-Age-Rated | Premium rises every year as you get older | Cheapest at 65, but often most expensive by 75-80; most common nationally |
New York residents:
2. Your Age at Enrollment
3. Your State and Zip Code
4. Your Gender
5. Tobacco Use
6. Which Insurance Company You Choose
7. Household or Spousal Discounts
High Deductible Plan G: The Underrated Option Worth Knowing About
| Feature | Standard Plan G | High Deductible Plan G | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Monthly premium (age 65, avg.) | -$165-$200/month | -$40-$111/month nationally | |
| Annual deductible | $0 (Part B deductible only: $283) | $2,950 in 2026 | |
| Coverage after threshold met | 100% of Medicare-approved costs | 100% of Medicare-approved costs | |
| Nationwide doctor access | Yes | Yes | |
| Annual premium saving vs. standard | ..... | -$1,300–$1,900/year | |
| Best for | Frequent care, predictability seekers | Healthy, financially flexible, savings-minded |
Here’s a simple way to think about it: High Deductible Plan G can save you $600 to $1,900+ per year compared to standard Plan G. At $2,950, most healthy beneficiaries don’t come close to a break-even point in most years.
Important: Not all states offer High Deductible Plan G — availability varies. High Deductible Plan G is not available in New York due to community rating regulations. Check with a broker for availability in your specific state.
Plan G vs. Plan N vs. Plan F: How to Choose
Most people in 2026 are comparing these three plans. Here’s the honest breakdown.
| Feature | Plan G | Plan N | Plan F |
|---|---|---|---|
| Available to new Medicare enrollees? | Yes | Yes | No (pre-2020 only) |
| Part B deductible covered? | No ($283 you pay) | No ($283 you pay) | Yes |
| Part B coinsurance covered? | 100% | 100% (with copays) | 100% |
| Part B excess charges covered? | Yes | No | Yes |
| Doctor visit copays? | None | Up to $20 | None |
| ER visit copays? | None | Up to $50 (if not admitted) | None |
| Part A deductible covered? | Yes ($1,736) | Yes ($1,736) | Yes ($1,736) |
| Monthly premium (approx. age 65) | $165–$200 | $120–$160 | $180–$230 (if available) |
Plan N often looks appealing because of the lower premium. For many healthy people who don’t see specialists frequently, it absolutely can be the right choice. But keep in mind: Plan N doesn’t cover Part B excess charges, and the $20 copay applies to every office visit. If you see a specialist six times a year, that’s $120 in copays — which starts to close the premium gap with Plan G quickly.
In New York specifically:
Excess charges don’t apply under state law, so the main Plan G advantage over Plan N is zero office visit copays. Many of my New York clients who don’t visit the doctor frequently find Plan N saves $30–$50 per month with very little downside.
Medicare Plan G in New York: What Makes It Different
If you’re in New York — including Long Island, NYC, Westchester, or anywhere in the state — your Medigap experience is fundamentally different from most other states. And in many ways, it’s better.
Community Rating: Age Doesn’t Affect Your Premium
In New York, all Medigap premiums are community-rated. Every person enrolled in the same plan from the same carrier in the same region pays the same monthly premium, regardless of age or health status.
Guaranteed Issue Rights: Available Year-Round
New York has true year-round guaranteed issue rights. New York, Connecticut, and Massachusetts are among the very few states with continuous year-round Medigap access — insurers must sell you any plan they offer regardless of health history, at any time of year.
Plan G Rates in New York by Region (2026)
| NY Region | Approx. Monthly Premium | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Long Island (zip 110, 115–119) | $372 – $840+/month | Same rate tier as NYC Proper. AARP/UHC $372; Aetna $406; Transamerica $444; Mutual of Omaha $511; Humana $647; Bankers Conseco $840 |
| NYC Proper (all 5 boroughs) | $372 – $840+/month | Most expensive region; AARP/UHC $372; Aetna $406; Mutual of Omaha $511; Bankers Conseco $840 |
| Westchester (zip 105–109) | $372 – $840+/month | Same premium band as NYC Proper |
| Mid-Hudson (zip 124–127) | $336 – $666+/month | AARP/UHC $336; Transamerica $366; Bankers Conseco $666 |
| Albany / Capital Region (zip 120–123, 128–129) | $314 – $664+/month | AARP/UHC $342; Transamerica $314 (lowest in state); Humana $441; Bankers Conseco $660 |
| Buffalo / Western NY (zip 140–143, 147) | $314 – $666+/month | Similar to Albany band; AARP/UHC $336; Transamerica $314 |
Important: No carrier in New York offers Plan G below $264/month in any region in 2026. The $81 figure sometimes cited online is for High Deductible Plan F — a completely different, limited-availability plan.
These are official rates published by the New York Department of Financial Services (DFS), effective February 1, 2026. The gap between the cheapest and most expensive carrier for identical Plan G coverage can exceed $300/month in the same region. This is exactly why having a broker compare all available carriers for your specific zip code matters so much in New York.
Real-World Cost Scenarios: What Plan G Actually Costs Year to Year
The premium is only part of the picture. Here’s what Plan G actually looks like in practice.
Scenario 1: A Healthy Year
Two primary care visits, routine labs, no hospitalization.
Plan G premium: $175 × 12 = $2,100
Part B premium: $209.90 × 12 = $2,518.80
Part B deductible: $283
Part D plan: $35 × 12 = $420
Total: ~$5,327
Scenario 2: A Moderate Year
One outpatient surgery, specialist visits, one brief hospitalization.
Plan G premium: $2,100
Part B premium: $2,518.80
Part B deductible: $283
Surgery, hospital, specialists: $0
Part D plan: $420
Total: ~$5,327
Without Plan G
Same moderate year with Original Medicare only.
Part B premium: $2,518.80
Part A hospital deductible: $1,736
20% coinsurance on $40K: $8,000
Specialist copays: varies
Total: $12,000+
Plan G converts unpredictable medical bills into a predictable monthly premium. Whether that trade is worth it depends on your health, your savings cushion, and how you handle financial uncertainty.
When to Enroll in Plan G (This Is Critical)
Timing is everything with Medigap. This is one of the most important things I tell every person I work with.
Your Medigap Open Enrollment Window
You have a one-time, six-month open enrollment window that begins on the first day of the month you turn 65 and are enrolled in Medicare Part B. During this window:
- No medical underwriting — insurers cannot deny you coverage
- No pre-existing condition limitations
- You can choose any Medigap plan offered in your state
- You get the lowest available rate for your age and gender
Once this window closes, most states allow insurers to use medical underwriting if you apply for a new Medigap plan. That means they can deny you, exclude conditions, or charge you more based on health history.
States With Additional Protections
- New York & Connecticut: True year-round guaranteed issue. You can apply for or switch any Medigap plan at any time, with no medical underwriting, regardless of health status.
- 14 states have Birthday Rule windows — including California, Delaware, Idaho, Illinois, Indiana, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maryland, Nevada, Oklahoma, Oregon, Utah, Virginia, and Wyoming. Each state has its own window (typically 30–63 days around your birthday) to switch plans without underwriting.
New York residents:
Even if you missed your original enrollment window years ago, you can get Plan G today. New York, Connecticut, and Massachusetts are among the very few states with continuous year-round guaranteed issue — no medical underwriting, no denial, any time of year.
Is Medicare Plan G Worth the Cost?
The honest answer: it depends on three things — your health, your financial cushion, and your relationship with uncertainty.
Plan G tends to be worth it if you:
- See multiple doctors or specialists regularly
- Have a chronic condition that means more frequent care
- Travel and want nationwide access to any Medicare provider
- Would be stressed by a $5,000–$10,000 surprise medical bill
- Value knowing exactly what your healthcare costs will be each month
Plan G may be unnecessary if you:
- Are in excellent health with minimal medical needs
- Have substantial savings that could absorb a high medical year
- Are comfortable reviewing coverage annually and managing some cost-sharing
- Are a good fit for High Deductible Plan G (lower premium, same ultimate protection)
One important long-term consideration: even if you don’t need Plan G much at 65, your health needs will likely increase over time. The best time to enroll is during your open enrollment window, when you have guaranteed acceptance and the best rates. Switching later in most states requires passing medical underwriting — and by then your health situation may have changed.
- 7 Questions to Figure Out Which Path Is Right for You
There’s no quiz that gives you a perfect answer. But honest answers to these questions usually point you in a clear direction.
If paying an extra $150–$300+ per month feels genuinely difficult, Medicare Advantage is worth a serious look. That savings adds up quickly over a year. If you can comfortably absorb that monthly cost, Medigap is a realistic option worth comparing.
If the idea of surprise medical bills stresses you out, Medigap’s predictable cost structure tends to feel more comfortable. You pay more monthly, but you know what to expect. If you’re okay with paying less most of the year and handling higher costs only when you actually need care, Medicare Advantage can make a lot of sense.
If yes, Medigap’s predictability may offer genuine peace of mind. If no — if you have savings or financial flexibility — Medicare Advantage’s out-of-pocket cap may be sufficient protection.
If you’re frequently away from home or split time between states, Medigap’s nationwide access to any Medicare provider is a significant advantage. Medicare Advantage networks are typically regional and may offer limited out-of-area coverage.
With Medigap, if your doctor accepts Medicare, you can keep seeing them — period. With Medicare Advantage, you’ll need to confirm your specific doctors are in the plan’s network before enrolling.
With Medigap, if your doctor accepts Medicare, you can keep seeing them — period. With Medicare Advantage, you’ll need to confirm your specific doctors are in the plan’s network before enrolling.
Medicare Advantage plans can change their networks, copays, drug coverage, and extra benefits every year. If you’re comfortable doing an annual review during the fall enrollment period, this isn’t a big deal. If you’d rather set it and forget it, Medigap tends to be more stable from year to year.
In most states, Medigap premiums increase as you age, and may also rise due to general healthcare inflation. Over 10 to 15 years, this can add up meaningfully. Medicare Advantage premiums tend to be more stable year to year — though plan benefits can shift.
Want Help Figuring Out Which Path Makes Sense for You?
I'm Paul — an independent Medicare broker with 18 years of experience helping people just like you sort through these options. I represent 40+ carriers across 34 states, which means I'm not locked into any one company.
I offer free, no-pressure Medicare consultations. We'll look at your doctors, your prescriptions, your location, and your budget — and I'll walk you through your real options clearly and honestly. No sales pitch. No rush. Just the information you need to decide with confidence.
Paul B Insurance • The Modern Medicare Agency • Licensed in 34+ States • 5,000+ Clients Helped
