Minnesota 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 Minnesota Medigap guide 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 Minnesota Medigap rules helps you make a confident decision.
All information verified against CMS data and state sources as of April 2026.
In This Minnesota Medigap Guide:
Medigap Plans Available in Minnesota
Standardized plans: Basic, Basic with Riders, Extended Basic, Copayment, K, L, M, N (Minnesota does NOT use standard Plans A, B, C, D, F, or G — it has its own state-specific standardized system under a federal waiver. Extended Basic is roughly equivalent to Plan G; Basic with all riders is roughly equivalent to Plan F.)
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.
Plan F: Still available in Minnesota for beneficiaries who became eligible for Medicare before January 1, 2020. Plan F covers all gaps including the Part B deductible. New enrollees after 2020 cannot purchase Plan F.
Minnesota Medigap Rates: Plan G & Plan N
| Plan | Age 65 | Age 70 | Age 75 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Plan G | UNVERIFIED (Minnesota does not offer Plan G; its Extended Basic equivalent ranges from approximately 95 to 160 per month at age 65 depending on carrier)/mo | UNVERIFIED (Minnesota uses community-rated pricing — a 70-year-old pays the SAME premium as a 65-year-old for the same plan and carrier)/mo | UNVERIFIED (community-rated — identical to age 65 premium for same plan and carrier)/mo |
| Plan N | UNVERIFIED (Plan N is available in Minnesota as a federal-style plan; estimated range 90 to 120 per month depending on carrier)/mo | UNVERIFIED (community-rated — same as age 65 premium)/mo | Varies |
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 Minnesota Medigap Pricing Works
Minnesota 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.
Household discount: Many Medigap carriers in Minnesota offer 5-12% household or spousal discounts when two people in the same household both have Medigap policies.
Tobacco surcharge: Tobacco users in Minnesota typically pay approximately UNVERIFIED (surcharges apply but specific percentages vary by carrier) more in Medigap premiums.
Plan G vs Plan N in Minnesota
Plan G and Plan N are the two most popular Medigap plans in Minnesota. Here is how they compare:
| 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 Medigap Carriers in Minnesota
Top Medigap carriers in Minnesota:
- Blue Cross Blue Shield of Minnesota
- AARP/UnitedHealthcare
- HealthPartners
- Mutual of Omaha
- Medica
UNVERIFIED (Minnesota does not offer Plan G; for Extended Basic, rates vary by carrier and ZIP code — consult the MN Department of Commerce annual premium guide) typically offers among the lowest Plan G premiums in Minnesota. However, the cheapest carrier varies by zip code and age bracket.
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: Minnesota Medigap carriers have historically had average (high single-digit to low double-digit annual increases, consistent with national trends; community rating prevents individual age-based increases) rate increases compared to the national average.
Minnesota Medigap Switching Rights
Minnesota 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 Minnesota
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
Minnesota-specific guaranteed issue protections: 6-month OEP for anyone enrolling in Part B at any age (broader than federal), second 6-month OEP for disabled individuals turning 65, mandatory insurer sales to under-65 Medicare beneficiaries, loss of employer or union coverage, Medicare Advantage plan leaving area, new annual guaranteed issue for ages 65-70 during fall enrollment starting August 2026
Additional Minnesota Medigap rules: Minnesota has extensive unique Medigap rules: (1) Uses its own standardized plan system (Basic, Extended Basic, Copayment) instead of federal lettered plans A through N, with 4 mandatory optional riders; (2) Community-rated pricing required statewide — age and gender cannot affect premiums; (3) State law prohibits most providers from balance billing Medicare patients (excess charges largely banned within MN); (4) Insurers must sell Medigap to under-65 Medicare beneficiaries; (5) Starting August 2026, new annual guaranteed issue window for ages 65-70 during fall enrollment; (6) Minnesota Department of Commerce reviews all proposed rate increases; (7) UCare stopped offering Medicare Supplement plans after December 31 2025 due to court-ordered rehabilitation — approximately 2500 members had to find new coverage
Common Medigap Mistakes in Minnesota
- 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 Minnesota Medigap Rates
Ready to compare Medigap plans in Minnesota? Use the official Medicare Plan Finder or contact your local SHIP counselor.
Official Sources & Resources
- Medicare.gov: medicare.gov
- Minnesota Department of Commerce, Insurance Division: https://mn.gov/commerce/insurance/
- NAIC Medigap Shopping Guide: naic.org
- CMS Medicare & You Handbook: Medicare & You (PDF)
Last verified April 2026. Contact us if you notice outdated information.