New York Medigap plans (also called Medicare Supplement plans) cover the gaps in Original Medicare, including deductibles, copays, and coinsurance that would otherwise come out of your pocket. This comprehensive guide to New York Medigap plans covers available plans, average premiums, top carriers, the birthday rule, guaranteed issue rights, and how to choose between Plan G, Plan N, and other options. Whether you are approaching your initial Medigap Open Enrollment or considering a plan switch, understanding how New York Medigap plans work helps you make a confident decision.
All information verified against CMS data and state sources as of September 2026.
In This New York Medigap Plans Guide:
Medigap Plans Available in New York
Standardized plans: A, B, D, G, K, L, M, N (C and F only for those eligible before 2020); high-deductible G
Every Medigap plan with the same letter provides identical benefits regardless of which carrier sells it. Plan G from one company covers the exact same medical costs as Plan G from another company. The only difference is the premium and the customer service experience. This standardization makes comparison shopping straightforward.
High-Deductible Plan G: Available in New York. You pay a higher annual deductible before benefits kick in, but monthly premiums are significantly lower than standard Plan G.
New York Medigap Plans Rates: Plan G & Plan N
Medigap premiums in New York vary by carrier, age, gender, zip code, and tobacco use. Contact carriers directly or use the Medicare Plan Finder for current rates.
These are approximate averages. Your actual premium depends on your carrier, zip code, age, gender, and tobacco use. Always compare quotes from at least three carriers before choosing.
How New York Medigap Plans Are Priced
New York uses community-rated Medigap pricing, the most consumer-friendly method. Everyone pays the same premium regardless of age. Your rate will not increase simply because you get older, though carriers may still raise premiums due to inflation or rising healthcare costs.
Tobacco surcharge: Tobacco users in New York typically pay approximately NO more in Medigap premiums.
Plan G vs Plan N in New York
Plan G and Plan N are the two most popular New York Medigap plans. Here is how they compare:
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| Feature | Plan G | Plan N |
|---|---|---|
| Part B Deductible | Not covered (you pay $240/year in 2026) | Not covered |
| Part B Copay | Covered (no copays) | Up to $20 copay for office visits, up to $50 for ER visits not resulting in admission |
| Part B Excess Charges | Covered | Not covered |
| Monthly Premium | Higher | Lower (typically 15-25% less than Plan G) |
| Best For | Predictable costs, no copays | Lower premiums, okay with small copays |
Bottom line: If you want the most comprehensive coverage with no copays at the doctor, choose Plan G. If you prefer lower monthly premiums and do not mind occasional $20 copays, Plan N offers strong coverage at a lower cost.
Top Carriers for New York Medigap Plans
Top Medigap carriers in New York:
- UnitedHealthcare (AARP) — held roughly three-quarters of the New York Medigap market at the end of 2024
- Every other licensed carrier, with its current premium, is listed in the DFS monthly rate tables for New York Medigap plans
When comparing Medigap carriers, the benefits are identical for the same plan letter. Focus on premium cost, AM Best financial strength rating (A or higher is strong), customer service reputation, and rate increase history.
Rate increase trend: New York Medigap plans have seen some of the steepest increases in the country. UnitedHealthcare’s Plan G premium rose 17.8 percent for 2026, the largest DFS-approved increase in recent memory, and a further 11.6 to 13.5 percent has been filed for 2027. Community rating spreads every enrollee’s risk across the whole pool, which is why New York premiums run higher than most states.
Switching New York Medigap Plans
New York does not have a Medigap birthday rule. Your primary opportunity to buy or switch Medigap plans without medical underwriting is during your initial 6-month Medigap OEP.
Guaranteed Issue Rights in New York
Federal law provides guaranteed issue rights in specific situations where you can buy a Medigap plan without medical underwriting:
- Losing employer/union coverage
- Your Medicare Advantage plan leaves your area
- You joined an MA plan when first eligible and want to switch back within 12 months (trial right)
- Your Medigap carrier goes bankrupt
New York-specific guaranteed issue protections: New York requires guaranteed issue year-round with no medical underwriting. You can buy or switch Medigap carriers or plan letters at any time, at any age, for any reason, plus a 30-day free-look period.
Additional rules for New York Medigap plans: Premiums are set by DFS rating region (New York City proper is the most expensive; upstate regions are lower) and DFS publishes the official monthly rate tables for every carrier.
Common Medigap Mistakes in New York
- Missing your OEP: Your 6-month Medigap Open Enrollment Period is your best window. After it closes, carriers can deny you or charge higher premiums based on health.
- Choosing by carrier name alone: Medigap plans are standardized. A well-known brand’s Plan G costs more but covers the exact same benefits as a smaller carrier’s Plan G.
- Ignoring rate increase history: Some carriers offer low introductory rates then raise premiums aggressively. Ask for 5-year rate increase history before buying.
- Not comparing at least 3 carriers: Premium differences of 30-50% between carriers for the same plan letter are common.
- Confusing Medigap with Medicare Advantage: They are different products. You cannot have both simultaneously (except during limited trial rights).
Compare New York Medigap Plans
Ready to compare New York Medigap plans? Use the official Medicare Plan Finder or contact your local SHIP counselor.
Official Sources & Resources
- Medicare.gov: medicare.gov
- New York State Department of Financial Services (DFS): https://www.dfs.ny.gov/consumers/health_insurance/supplement_plans_rates
- NAIC Medigap Shopping Guide: naic.org
- CMS Medicare & You Handbook: Medicare & You (PDF)
Last verified September 2026. Contact us if you notice outdated information.