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Choosing either Medicare Supplement/Medigap Plan G or Plan N comes down to two things: Plan N's small office and ER copays and its excess-charge gap, traded for a lower premium. Everything else is identical, because the federal government standardizes both plans. So this is a smaller decision than it looks, and once you understand those two differences, you can pick with confidence. Here's exactly how they play out for your situation.

WHY MEDICARE SUPPLEMENTS AND MEDIGAP PLANS HAVE FELT A NEED TO RAISE THEIR PREMIUMS Businesses can always justify price increases to customers, and most of them are legitimate. But, as you will see for yourself, some companies are more greedy than others. Here are the main reasons companies have raised their Medicare Supplement/Medigap premiums:

I invite you to follow along as I do my best to explain the history, logic, and allure of bright, shiny objects like the extra benefits offered by Medicare Advantage plans, which are not what they are cracked up to be. And why I don't advise anyone to enroll in a Medicare Advantage plan based on extra benefits alone.

If you want to be in charge of your own healthcare, not some autocrat at an Insurance company, then Original/Traditional Medicare is the best option for you, hands down.

A Special Needs Plan (SNP) provides benefits and services to people with specific severe and chronic diseases, certain health care needs, or who also have Medicaid. SNPs include care coordination services and tailor their benefits, provider choices, and list of covered drugs (formularies) to meet best the specific needs of the groups they serve. SNPs are either HMO or PPO plan types

When it comes to deciding what the best Medicare Plan is for you and your family, you have to put some effort into the process. I mean, you could do the old tried-and-true "Guess and Be God" trick, but that rarely works. I get it, Medicare is not easy to understand; it seems daunting, so you want to get enrolled, pick a plan, and move on. But honestly, it takes a bit more effort on your part to set yourself up for success in retirement.

When it comes down to what the cost of a Medigap Policy is, there are many things you should know that you will never know unless you work with an honest, ethical Medicare Broker like Braden Medicare Insurance Services. The vast majority of medicare agents/brokers will usually just tell you (or email you) the rates for the top 3-5 Medicare Supplement plans. But is that enough information for anyone to make a sound financial decision that could have a long-lasting effect o

Over 12 million Americans carry Medigap policies to help cover the gaps that Original Medicare leaves behind, such as deductibles, coinsurance, and Medicare cost-sharing. For years, annual premium increases were modest. That has changed. In early 2026 rate filings, Medigap Plan G premiums rose between 12% and 26% across many states. This article explains why premiums are climbing so sharply, what your options look like, and the concrete steps you can take to protect your cove

One of the most important decisions one can make once they turn 65 is their one chance to enroll in any Medicare Supplement plan of their choosing with Guaranteed Issue Rights, and they do not have to answer any Medical Questions. Once that Initial Enrollment Period or Medicare Supplement Open Enrollment Period has passed, there is no guarantee you will be approved for a Medicare Supplement plan in most states. You’ll need to answer health questions and pass underwriting to

But popularity doesn’t equal suitability. This article takes a clear-eyed look at why Medicare Advantage plans are bad for many seniors, particularly due to restricted provider networks, prior-authorization barriers, out-of-pocket costs, and year-to-year instability. Understanding these disadvantages before you enroll or re-evaluate your current plan can protect both your health and your finances. Medicare Advantage plans can be frustrating due to their restricted networks, f

If you’ve been enrolled in a Medigap plan for a while, you probably noticed Premium increases were not just higher, they were noticeably outside the normal range most people had come to expect. Our goal with this article is to try and bring some clarity and honesty to why Medicare Supplement and Medigap Premiums have been increasing at not just an elevated rate the past few years, but I think we could safely say at an Alarming Rate

If you’ve started shopping for a Medigap/Medicare Supplement plan, you may have noticed something confusing. A Plan G from one company can have a very different price tag than the same plan from another. This is because while the government standardizes the benefits of every Plan G, it does not have the authority to standardize the pricing. This is actually excellent for every Medicare beneficiary. It means you have the power to shop around and find the best deal.

Whether you're getting ready to enroll in Medicare or want to understand your options better, learning about Medicare Special Needs and Critical Special Needs plans is important. Even if it doesn't pertain directly to you, you may have a friend or family member who would find this information practical and useful.

Many people understandably relate retirement to enrolling in Medicare and/or Social Security, as they are suddenly thrust into making important decisions that can shape not just their healthcare, but also their finances in retirement. In this article, we look into why we believe that Original Medicare with a Medigap/Medicare Supplement plan offers unmatched coverage and peace of mind in retirement.

I began my career as an Independent Medicare Broker over 10 years ago. I am stating this to illustrate that we help anyone who needs help with Medicare. I am absolutely committed to being a great listener, an understanding teacher, and a bulldog when it comes to defending my clients and doing whatever I can to keep them safe and financially whole throughout their retirement years. I take pride in helping and serving others.

Medicare Advantage plans, also known as Medicare Part C, are offered by private insurance companies and are all-in-one plans that cover hospital insurance, hospital stays, doctor visits, and medical expenses. Medicare Advantage Plans Advantage plans combine the same basic benefits as Medicare Parts A and B and often include additional services such as vision, dental, or wellness programs.

The only way to get an accurate picture of the cost of Medicare Supplement plans is to request free quotes from an independent Medicare supplement insurance broker who works with many different insurance companies and represents your best interests.

Surprise costs in Medicare Advantage plans generally arise because of how these plans are structured. Unlike Original Medicare, which is a fee-for-service program managed by the federal government, Medicare Advantage plans are managed care policies sold by private insurance companies.

Medicare Supplement plans, also known as Medigap, are designed to fill the gaps left by Original Medicare. Still, for many people, the benefits of having a Medigap/Medicare Supplement Policy are sadly never made clear to them, especially if they self-enrolled or worked with a Medicare Agent/Broker who wasn't as thorough or detailed as they should have been.

A little over 50% of Medicare Beneficiaries have Medicare Supplement/Medigap Insurance, often called Medigap Insurance. These policies are designed to work alongside your Original Medicare benefits, covering the financial gaps that Original Medicare leaves behind. Historically, beneficiaries had a wide array of lettered plans to choose from, each offering a different level of standardized coverage. This standardization ensures that a Plan G from one carrier offers the same be