Pennsylvania has one of the largest Medicare populations in the country, with approximately 2.8 million beneficiaries and a competitive Medigap market that gives residents access to some of the most affordable supplement plan premiums in the Northeast. If you are researching Medicare Supplement plans in PA, you will find more than 30 insurers offering policies in the state, along with consumer protections that go beyond federal minimums. This guide covers everything you need to know about costs, carriers, enrollment rules, and Pennsylvania-specific regulations.
Pennsylvania’s Medigap Market at a Glance
Pennsylvania follows the federal standardization rules for Medigap plans, meaning the same 10 plan letters (A, B, C, D, F, G, K, L, M, N) are available with identical benefits regardless of insurer. The state’s large population and competitive insurance market generally keep premiums below the national average, particularly in the Pittsburgh and Philadelphia metro areas where insurer competition is strongest.
According to the Pennsylvania Insurance Department, all Medigap insurers in the state are required to offer at least Plan A and either Plan C or Plan F (for eligible beneficiaries). Most major carriers also sell Plans G and N, which have become the most popular choices for new enrollees.
Average Costs for Medicare Supplement Plans in PA
Premiums for Medicare Supplement plans in PA tend to be moderate by national standards. For a 65-year-old nonsmoker enrolling during their Medigap Open Enrollment Period, approximate monthly ranges are as follows.
Plan G: $110 to $240 per month. Plan N: $80 to $185 per month. Plan F (pre-2020 eligible only): $140 to $290 per month. Plan A: $75 to $175 per month. Plan K: $40 to $100 per month. High-Deductible Plan G: $25 to $65 per month.
These ranges reflect rate filings from the Pennsylvania Insurance Department. Premiums can vary significantly by ZIP code, with Philadelphia and its suburbs generally commanding higher rates than rural western Pennsylvania. For a broader cost analysis, see our Medigap Cost Comparison Chart.
Top Medigap Insurers in Pennsylvania
Highmark Blue Cross Blue Shield
Highmark is the dominant health insurer in western and central Pennsylvania. The company offers all standard Medigap plan letters and is known for competitive pricing in the Pittsburgh market. Highmark Plan G premiums for a 65-year-old in Allegheny County often start around $115 to $140 per month, among the lowest in the state.
Independence Blue Cross
Independence Blue Cross serves the Philadelphia region and is one of the largest Medigap sellers in southeastern Pennsylvania. Premiums tend to be slightly higher than western PA carriers due to higher healthcare costs in the Philadelphia metro area, but the company offers strong customer service and broad brand recognition.
AARP / UnitedHealthcare
UnitedHealthcare’s AARP-branded Medigap plans are available statewide and are among the most popular supplement plans nationally. Plan G premiums in Pennsylvania typically range from $130 to $200 per month. AARP plans include supplemental benefits like a nurse hotline and fitness discounts.
Mutual of Omaha
Mutual of Omaha offers Medigap plans throughout Pennsylvania with competitive rates, particularly for Plan N. The company’s Plan N premiums in PA often start below $100 per month for a 65-year-old, making it one of the most affordable options in the state.
Pennsylvania-Specific Medigap Protections
Pennsylvania provides several consumer protections that enhance the federal Medigap framework. The state prohibits Medicare providers from charging Part B excess charges, which means the difference between Plan G and Plan N is even smaller for PA residents since excess charge exposure is eliminated by state law. This makes Plan N a particularly attractive option in Pennsylvania.
Pennsylvania also requires a 30-day free look period for new Medigap policies. If you buy a plan and decide it is not right for you within 30 days, you can cancel for a full refund of any premiums paid. The state also mandates that insurers offer at least a 30-day grace period for premium payments before a policy can be cancelled for non-payment.
While Pennsylvania does not offer a birthday rule for guaranteed-issue Medigap switching (as some states like California do), the state does require insurers to offer continuous open enrollment for Plans A and B to beneficiaries aged 65 and older, providing some additional flexibility beyond the federal six-month Medigap OEP.
Enrollment Timing for PA Residents
Your primary enrollment opportunity is the six-month Medigap Open Enrollment Period that begins the month you turn 65 and are enrolled in Medicare Part B. During this window, Pennsylvania insurers must sell you any plan at the standard rate with no medical underwriting. This is when you will get the best rates and guaranteed acceptance.
If you are enrolling in Medicare for the first time, coordinate your Part B enrollment with your Medigap application. Many beneficiaries apply for Medigap coverage two to three months before their Part B effective date so the policies align. For a full timeline, see our Medicare Enrollment 2025 Guide.
Pennsylvania residents who miss their initial OEP can still apply for Medigap, but insurers may require medical underwriting. Certain guaranteed-issue rights apply in specific situations, such as losing employer coverage, leaving a Medicare Advantage plan within 12 months of joining, or having a Medigap insurer go bankrupt.
Choosing Between Plan G and Plan N in Pennsylvania
Because Pennsylvania prohibits Part B excess charges, the only practical differences between Plan G and Plan N in the state are Plan N’s office visit copays (up to $20) and ER copays for non-admitted visits (up to $50). The excess charge coverage that Plan G provides has no value in PA since no provider can charge those fees.
This makes the Medicare Supplement plans in PA market especially favorable for Plan N enrollees. If you see the doctor six times per year, your total copay exposure is approximately $120, while your annual premium savings from choosing Plan N over Plan G could be $300 to $500 or more. For most Pennsylvania beneficiaries, Plan N offers the best value. Compare the plans in detail at our Medicare Plan N vs Plan G page.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Pennsylvania offer a Medigap birthday rule?
No. Pennsylvania does not have a birthday rule that provides annual guaranteed-issue rights to switch Medigap plans. Once your initial six-month OEP expires, switching plans may require medical underwriting. However, PA does require continuous open enrollment for Plans A and B for beneficiaries 65 and older.
Are Medigap premiums tax-deductible in Pennsylvania?
Medigap premiums may be deductible as a medical expense on your federal tax return if your total medical expenses exceed 7.5 percent of your adjusted gross income. Pennsylvania does not tax Social Security or retirement income, which helps offset healthcare costs indirectly. Consult a tax advisor for your specific situation.
How many insurers sell Medigap in Pennsylvania?
More than 30 insurers are licensed to sell Medigap policies in Pennsylvania, though not all sell in every county. The Philadelphia and Pittsburgh metro areas have the most options. You can find a complete list through the Pennsylvania Insurance Department at insurance.pa.gov.
Can I have both Medicare Advantage and Medigap in PA?
No. Federal law prohibits holding both a Medicare Advantage plan and a Medigap policy simultaneously. You must choose one approach. If you are deciding between the two, our Medicare Advantage vs Supplement comparison can help.
Getting Started with Medigap in Pennsylvania
Contact the Pennsylvania APPRISE program (the state’s SHIP equivalent) at 1-800-783-7067 for free, personalized Medigap counseling. Use the Medicare.gov plan finder to compare premiums from every licensed insurer in your county. Because Pennsylvania’s excess charge prohibition makes Plan N more competitive, be sure to get Plan N quotes alongside Plan G quotes. Enroll during your Medigap OEP for guaranteed acceptance, and take advantage of the 30-day free look period if you want to evaluate a policy before committing. For broader Medicare planning, visit our healthcare policy guide and our supplemental health plans overview.