New York Medicare Supplement Insurance | Medigap Plans 2025

New York is one of only 3 states (along with Massachusetts and Minnesota) that doesn't use the standard federal lettered plans (A-G). Instead, NY offers 12 unique standardized benefit packages. All NY Medigap plans are community-rated, meaning premiums don't increase based on age, and guaranteed issue rights are more expansive than federal requirements. NY also mandates a 30-day birthday period each year when beneficiaries can switch plans without medical underwriting.

New York offers 12 standardized Medicare Supplement benefit packages. The most popular are Plan F (chosen by 42% of NY Medigap enrollees), Plan N(29%), and the Plan G equivalent (18%). Each plan provides the same benefits regardless of which insurance carrier offers it, but premiums vary by carrier. This standardization makes it easier to compare carriers and find the best rate for your chosen coverage level.

The average Medicare Supplement premium in New York is approximately $304 per month, which is among the highest in the nation. However, NY uses community rating, so premiums are the same regardless of age. Costs vary by:

• Carrier: Same plan can vary $100+/month between carriers
• Location: NYC typically 15-25% higher than Upstate NY
• Plan Choice: Plan F ($325-$380) vs Plan N ($240-$290) in NYC
• Tobacco Use: Some carriers charge tobacco surcharges

Yes. New York Medicare Supplement plans work anywhere in the United Statesthat accepts Original Medicare. There are no network restrictions, so you can see any doctor or specialist nationwide who accepts Medicare patients. This makes NY Medigap plans ideal for snowbirds, travelers, and those with family in other states. Most plans also provide foreign travel emergency coverage (80% after a $250 deductible, up to $50,000 lifetime).

New York offers more generous enrollment rights than federal law requires:

• 6-Month Open Enrollment Period: Starting when you turn 65 and enroll in Part B (guaranteed issue, no medical underwriting)
• Under-65 Disability: NY provides a 12-month open enrollment period for those under 65 on Medicare due to disability
• 30-Day Birthday Period: Each year within 30 days of your birthday, you can switch to any NY Medigap plan without medical underwriting
• Year-Round Enrollment: You can apply anytime, but outside guaranteed issue periods you may face medical underwriting

Only 12-21% of NY Medicare beneficiaries have Medigap coverage, leaving 2.8+ million New Yorkers underserved. Contributing factors include:

• High Premiums: $304/month average (among nation's highest)
• MA Marketing: Heavy Medicare Advantage advertising emphasizes "$0 premium" plans
• Awareness Gap: Many don't know about NY's unique standardized plans
• Confusion: NY's system differs from federal plans used in 47 other states
• Urban Density: NYC/Long Island have extensive MA networks, reducing Medigap appeal
• Income-Based Programs: Some qualify for Medicaid or MSP programs instead

Despite high premiums, Medigap provides superior value for those who can afford it, especially given NY's world-class but expensive healthcare system.

The choice depends on your healthcare needs, budget, and priorities:

For most NY seniors: Medigap offers superior protection given high NYC healthcare costs and access to world-class facilities like NYU Langone, Mount Sinai, and Memorial Sloan Kettering.