Delaware 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 Delaware 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 Delaware Medigap rules helps you make a confident decision.
All information verified against CMS data and state sources as of April 2026.
In This Delaware Medigap Guide:
Medigap Plans Available in Delaware
Standardized plans: A, B, C, D, F, G, K, L, M, N
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 Delaware 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.
High-Deductible Plan G: Available in Delaware. You pay a higher annual deductible before benefits kick in, but monthly premiums are significantly lower than standard Plan G.
Delaware Medigap Rates: Plan G & Plan N
| Plan | Age 65 | Age 70 | Age 75 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Plan G | $185/mo | Varies | Varies |
| Plan N | $145/mo | Varies | 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 Delaware Medigap Pricing Works
Delaware 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 Delaware offer 5-12% household or spousal discounts when two people in the same household both have Medigap policies.
Tobacco surcharge: Tobacco users in Delaware typically pay approximately UNVERIFIED (tobacco rating is permitted under state law including during birthday rule and MA transition enrollments) more in Medigap premiums.
Plan G vs Plan N in Delaware
Plan G and Plan N are the two most popular Medigap plans in Delaware. 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 Delaware
Top Medigap carriers in Delaware:
- AARP/UnitedHealthcare
- Mutual of Omaha
- State Farm
- Wellabe
- LifeShield National
LifeShield National (approximately 161 per month for age 65) typically offers among the lowest Plan G premiums in Delaware. 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.
Delaware Medigap Switching Rights
Delaware birthday rule: Effective January 1 2026 under SB 71 — 60-day window starting 30 days before birthday through at least 30 days after birthday. Policyholders can switch to any Medigap plan with equal or lesser benefits from any carrier on a guaranteed-issue basis with no medical underwriting. Carriers must notify members 30-60 days before their window opens. Carriers cannot create separate books of business for birthday rule enrollees or add new substandard rate-ups beyond those already approved. Innovative benefits are excluded when comparing plan benefit levels. This annual switching window allows you to change Medigap plans without medical underwriting, potentially finding lower premiums.
Guaranteed Issue Rights in Delaware
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
Delaware-specific guaranteed issue protections: Birthday rule annual switching window (SB 71), guaranteed issue for under-65 disabled Medicare beneficiaries (6-month window enacted 2013), Medicare Advantage transition rights during birthday window
Additional Delaware Medigap rules: Birthday rule enacted via SB 71 effective January 2026 providing annual guaranteed-issue switching window. Guaranteed issue rights for under-65 disabled Medicare beneficiaries since 2013. Carriers must send written notice of birthday rule rights 30-60 days before enrollment window. Carriers prohibited from creating separate risk pools for birthday rule or MA-transition enrollees. Delaware Medicare Assistance Bureau (DMAB/SHIP) available at 800-336-9500 for free counseling. Approximately 40 companies sell Medigap policies in the state.
Common Medigap Mistakes in Delaware
- 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 Delaware Medigap Rates
Ready to compare Medigap plans in Delaware? Use the official Medicare Plan Finder or contact your local SHIP counselor.
Official Sources & Resources
- Medicare.gov: medicare.gov
- Delaware Department of Insurance: https://insurance.delaware.gov/
- NAIC Medigap Shopping Guide: naic.org
- CMS Medicare & You Handbook: Medicare & You (PDF)
Last verified April 2026. Contact us if you notice outdated information.