Maryland 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 Maryland 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 Maryland Medigap rules helps you make a confident decision.
All information verified against CMS data and state sources as of April 2026.
In This Maryland Medigap Guide:
Medigap Plans Available in Maryland
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 Maryland 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 Maryland. You pay a higher annual deductible before benefits kick in, but monthly premiums are significantly lower than standard Plan G.
Maryland Medigap Rates: Plan G & Plan N
| Plan | Age 65 | Age 70 | Age 75 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Plan G | $196/mo | $221/mo | Varies |
| Plan N | $150/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 Maryland Medigap Pricing Works
Maryland 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 Maryland offer 5-12% household or spousal discounts when two people in the same household both have Medigap policies.
Plan G vs Plan N in Maryland
Plan G and Plan N are the two most popular Medigap plans in Maryland. 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 Maryland
Top Medigap carriers in Maryland:
- AARP/UnitedHealthcare
- Mutual of Omaha
- Aetna
- United American
- CareFirst BlueCross BlueShield
AARP/UnitedHealthcare typically offers among the lowest Plan G premiums in Maryland. 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: Maryland Medigap carriers have historically had above average rate increases compared to the national average.
Maryland Medigap Switching Rights
Maryland birthday rule: Effective July 1, 2023, Maryland residents get a 30-day window following their birthday each year to switch to a Medigap plan of equal or lesser benefits from any carrier with no medical underwriting. Carriers must notify policyholders 30 to 60 days before the window opens. The plan must be active before the window opens. This annual switching window allows you to change Medigap plans without medical underwriting, potentially finding lower premiums.
Guaranteed Issue Rights in Maryland
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
Maryland-specific guaranteed issue protections: Federal 6-month OEP at age 65, loss of employer or union group coverage, plan insolvency or fraud, leaving Medicare Advantage within allowable timeframes, annual birthday rule switching window (state-specific)
Additional Maryland Medigap rules: Birthday rule allows annual no-underwriting plan switching (effective July 2023). Maryland prohibits geographic area factoring — all policyholders statewide pay the same rate for the same plan from the same carrier regardless of ZIP code. Carriers must notify policyholders of birthday rule eligibility 30-60 days before the window. The MIA publishes a comprehensive Medicare Supplement rate guide every 6 months (January and July). Approximately 34 carriers compete in the state. High-Deductible Plan G has a 2026 deductible of 2950.
Common Medigap Mistakes in Maryland
- 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 Maryland Medigap Rates
Ready to compare Medigap plans in Maryland? Use the official Medicare Plan Finder or contact your local SHIP counselor.
Official Sources & Resources
- Medicare.gov: medicare.gov
- Maryland Insurance Administration: https://insurance.maryland.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.