Washington 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 Washington 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 Washington Medigap rules helps you make a confident decision.
All information verified against CMS data and state sources as of April 2026.
In This Washington Medigap Guide:
Medigap Plans Available in Washington
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 Washington 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 Washington. You pay a higher annual deductible before benefits kick in, but monthly premiums are significantly lower than standard Plan G.
Washington Medigap Rates: Plan G & Plan N
| Plan | Age 65 | Age 70 | Age 75 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Plan G | $259/mo | $259/mo | $259/mo |
| Plan N | $200/mo | $200/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 Washington Medigap Pricing Works
Washington 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 Washington offer 5-12% household or spousal discounts when two people in the same household both have Medigap policies.
Plan G vs Plan N in Washington
Plan G and Plan N are the two most popular Medigap plans in Washington. 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 Washington
Top Medigap carriers in Washington:
- Premera Blue Cross
- Regence BlueShield
- UnitedHealthcare/AARP
- Asuris Northwest Health
- Transamerica
Ace Property and Casualty typically offers among the lowest Plan G premiums in Washington. 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: Washington Medigap carriers have historically had average rate increases compared to the national average.
Washington Medigap Switching Rights
Washington birthday rule: Washington has stronger protections than a traditional birthday rule. The state provides year-round guaranteed issue rights for Medigap switching. After 90 days of Medigap coverage, enrollees with Plan A can switch to any other Plan A, and enrollees with Plans B through N can switch to any other Plan B through N, at any time of year without medical underwriting, health questions, or risk of denial. This year-round switching right supersedes and is more generous than a birthday-month-only rule. This annual switching window allows you to change Medigap plans without medical underwriting, potentially finding lower premiums.
Guaranteed Issue Rights in Washington
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
Washington-specific guaranteed issue protections: Year-round switching after 90 days of Medigap coverage without underwriting, pre-existing condition waiting period limited to 3 months instead of federal 6 months, standard federal triggers also apply
Additional Washington Medigap rules: Washington is one of only a handful of states requiring community-rated Medigap pricing, meaning premiums cannot vary by age or gender — all enrollees pay the same rate regardless of whether they are 65 or 85. The state provides year-round guaranteed issue switching rights after 90 days of coverage, far stronger than most states. Pre-existing condition waiting periods are capped at 3 months, half the 6-month federal maximum. Plans C and F remain available only to those first eligible for Medicare before January 1, 2020. High-Deductible Plan G is available with a 2950 dollar annual deductible for 2026. Many carriers offer household or spousal discounts, for example Premera discounts Plan G from 291 to 262 per month for spouses.
Common Medigap Mistakes in Washington
- 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 Washington Medigap Rates
Ready to compare Medigap plans in Washington? Use the official Medicare Plan Finder or contact your local SHIP counselor.
Official Sources & Resources
- Medicare.gov: medicare.gov
- Washington State Office of the Insurance Commissioner: https://www.insurance.wa.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.