Wisconsin 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 Wisconsin 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 Wisconsin Medigap rules helps you make a confident decision.
All information verified against CMS data and state sources as of April 2026.
In This Wisconsin Medigap Guide:
Medigap Plans Available in Wisconsin
Standardized plans: Wisconsin does NOT use the standard 10 federal Medigap letter plans (A through N). As one of three waiver states (with Minnesota and Massachusetts), Wisconsin has its own system: Basic Plan, 50% Cost-Sharing Plan, 25% Cost-Sharing Plan, and High-Deductible Plan. The Basic Plan is the foundation and must be offered by all insurers. Beneficiaries can customize coverage by adding optional riders for Part A deductible, Part B deductible (pre-2020 enrollees only), Part B excess charges, skilled nursing facility coinsurance, foreign travel emergency, and additional home health care.
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 Wisconsin. You pay a higher annual deductible before benefits kick in, but monthly premiums are significantly lower than standard Plan G.
Wisconsin Medigap Rates: Plan G & Plan N
| Plan | Age 65 | Age 70 | Age 75 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Plan G | N/A — Wisconsin does not offer standard Plan G. The equivalent Basic Plan averages 165 per month for a 65-year-old female non-smoker (128 from BCBS, 163 from AARP/UnitedHealthcare). Male 65-year-old averages 184 per month./mo | Varies | N/A — Basic Plan averages 218 per month for a 75-year-old female and 241 for a 75-year-old male/mo |
| Plan N | N/A — Wisconsin does not offer standard Plan N. The closest equivalent is the 50% Cost-Sharing Plan, which has lower premiums but requires 50% cost-sharing on most benefits with an 8000 annual out-of-pocket maximum/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 Wisconsin Medigap Pricing Works
Wisconsin 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 Wisconsin offer 5-12% household or spousal discounts when two people in the same household both have Medigap policies.
Tobacco surcharge: Tobacco users in Wisconsin typically pay approximately UNVERIFIED — carriers do factor tobacco use into premiums but specific surcharge percentages vary by carrier and are not standardized statewide more in Medigap premiums.
Plan G vs Plan N in Wisconsin
Plan G and Plan N are the two most popular Medigap plans in Wisconsin. 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 Wisconsin
Top Medigap carriers in Wisconsin:
- Blue Cross Blue Shield
- AARP/UnitedHealthcare
- State Farm
- Anthem
- Mutual of Omaha
Blue Cross Blue Shield (cheapest Basic Plan at approximately 128 per month for a 65-year-old, which is 37 less than the 165 state average) typically offers among the lowest Plan G premiums in Wisconsin. 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: Wisconsin Medigap carriers have historically had average — Wisconsin has generally followed national Medigap rate trends. The 2024-2025 cycle saw larger-than-normal increases nationally (30 to 50 per month in many cases). Wisconsin premiums remain moderate compared to high-cost states. rate increases compared to the national average.
Wisconsin Medigap Switching Rights
Wisconsin 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 Wisconsin
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
Wisconsin-specific guaranteed issue protections: Loss of current Medigap or Medicare SELECT coverage due to plan termination, Medicare Advantage plan leaves service area or enrollee moves out of service area, involuntary loss of employer group coverage, employer plan cost increase exceeding 25%, loss of Medicaid eligibility, under-65 disabled beneficiaries guaranteed access to at least one Medigap plan, second 6-month OEP at age 65 for those who enrolled in Medicare due to disability before 65
Additional Wisconsin Medigap rules: Wisconsin is one of three states (with Minnesota and Massachusetts) with a federal waiver to use its own Medigap standardization instead of the 10 federal letter plans. All insurers must offer the Basic Plan. Coverage is customized through optional riders rather than choosing between lettered plans. Wisconsin requires insurers to offer at least one Medigap plan to Medicare beneficiaries under 65 with disabilities. Disabled enrollees under 65 get a second 6-month OEP when they turn 65. All policies include a 30-day free-look period. Guaranteed issue applies when employer plan costs rise more than 25%. Medigap Helpline available at 1-800-242-1060. OCI publishes an annual Medicare Supplement Insurance Policies List (PI-010) comparing approved carriers and rates.
Common Medigap Mistakes in Wisconsin
- 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 Wisconsin Medigap Rates
Ready to compare Medigap plans in Wisconsin? Use the official Medicare Plan Finder or contact your local SHIP counselor.
Official Sources & Resources
- Medicare.gov: medicare.gov
- Wisconsin Office of the Commissioner of Insurance (OCI): https://oci.wi.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.