The bottom line: Blue Cross Blue Shield is a network of 33 companies. They share a brand name but often differ in terms of Medigap plan offerings, pricing, discounts, customer service and more. Specifics about your local BCBS company might determine whether it’s a good fit for you.
Since there are BCBS companies everywhere, it couldn’t hurt to get a quote and see how it stacks up. As always, we recommend comparing several companies’ quotes and offerings to find your best fit.
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Blue Cross Blue Shield Medicare Supplement Insurance plans
Blue Cross Blue Shield companies offer different selections of Medigap plan types depending on the state and company. There are as many as eight Medicare Supplement Insurance plan types available for purchase by any Medicare member:
Medigap Plan A — the basic benefits included in every Medigap plan without any extras.
Medigap Plan B — basic benefits plus coverage for the Medicare Part A deductible.
Medigap Plan D — a mid-cost option that covers most Medigap benefits.
Medigap Plan G — the highest-coverage option available to new Medicare members. Available as either a standard plan or a high-deductible option in some locations.
Medigap Plan K — the lowest-cost Medigap plan, with 50% coverage for most benefits.
Medigap Plan L — a low-cost option with 75% coverage for most benefits.
Medigap Plan M — coverage for most benefits, but only half of the Part A deductible.
Medigap Plan N — a plan with lower premiums but higher copays.
Blue Cross Blue Shield also offers Medigap Plan C, Medigap Plan F and the high-deductible version of Plan F in certain locations for qualifying beneficiaries who were eligible to enroll in Medicare prior to 2020. Newer Medicare members can’t buy these plans from any company.
BCBS plans in Massachusetts, Minnesota and Wisconsin fit each state’s respective standards. (These states use different Medigap plan systems than most of the country).
Blue Cross Blue Shield’s plan offerings vary by state. In some states, multiple BCBS companies can offer different selections of plans. Enter your ZIP code on Blue Cross Blue Shield’s website to check out the BCBS company and plan offerings available in your location.
Medicare Select policies add network requirements
In some locations, Blue Cross Blue Shield companies offer Medicare Select versions of policies in addition to the standard version.
Medicare Select plans require you to get non-emergency inpatient care at in-network hospitals. In exchange, they might have lower premiums than the non-Select version.
Review the materials for a Medicare Select policy you’re considering to learn about the network limitations and in-network facility list for the policy.
How much does Blue Cross Blue Shield Medicare Supplement Insurance cost?
Varies by company
Blue Cross Blue Shield Medigap premiums vary depending on the BCBS licensee. In our analysis, BCBS tended to have more competitive premiums for Plan G than Plan N. Plan G premiums averaged about 10% higher than the least expensive company we review. For Plan N, BCBS premiums were about 41% higher.
The tables below show companies’ lowest prices from Medicare.gov, including any available household discounts. Rates might vary based on factors like age, sex, location and household status.
We compare prices in three cities. Each city has different average Medigap premiums:
Los Angeles: Higher costs.
Atlanta: Average costs.
Dallas: Lower costs.
We use Plan G and Plan N for price comparisons. New Medicare members usually pick one of those plan types.
The sections below show price estimates filed with the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services. Prices are for a 65-year-old female nonsmoker. (Note: Some Medigap prices may be higher for males.)
Our tables compare the company’s prices to the cheapest alternative among the companies NerdWallet reviews. Those companies cover nearly 90% of all Medigap beneficiaries.
Why we compare prices the way we do
In short, I want to use realistic prices when rating companies. Comparing prices among the companies we review is a way to exclude outliers, which might not stay cheap (or in business) over time.
I’m in my fifth year reviewing Medicare Supplement Insurance companies for NerdWallet. During that time, I’ve noticed that smaller companies with super-low prices often don’t stick around for long.
For example, I looked back at price quotes I analyzed in March 2024. Seven of what had been the 10 cheapest Plan G companies in Dallas are gone as of July 2026. Many of those were smaller companies we don’t review. But 12 of the 13 companies I reviewed in 2024 are still there in 2026, so they’re a more stable and realistic set to compare.
Plan G
BCBS price | Cheapest reviewed competitor | |
|---|---|---|
Los Angeles | $197 | $191. |
Atlanta | $172. | $140. |
Dallas | $144. | $138. |
Plan N
BCBS price | Cheapest reviewed competitor | |
|---|---|---|
Los Angeles | $177. | $146. |
Atlanta | $179. | $102. |
Dallas | $117. | $93. |
Blue Cross Blue Shield Medigap discounts
Average discounts
Discounts can help you save on your Medigap premiums. We often see “household” discounts offered to people living with at least one other adult.
Blue Cross Blue Shield household discounts vary by location and BCBS company. We saw discounts averaging about 9% in the locations we use to track prices. That’s pretty typical among the companies we review.
In one of the three locations we priced, BCBS offered “roommate” discounts that don’t require you to live specifically with a spouse. The other two locations had spouse-specific discounts.
Available discounts may also vary according to factors such as your location, household status and how you apply for a policy.
More Nerdy Perspective
Are Blue Cross Blue Shield Medigap plans good?
It depends. BCBS is a collective of more than 30 companies, and their offerings and performance vary. You’ll need to look into your local BCBS licensee to check whether it’s a good fit. While you’re at it, it's a good idea to compare quotes from several other companies. Our top-performing company for 2026 is State Farm. If low premiums are your main goal, consider HealthSpring. And AARP can offer a wide range of plan types and perks, if those are important to you.
Also consider working with a licensed insurance agent or broker to select the right Medigap company for you.
It depends. BCBS is a collective of more than 30 companies, and their offerings and performance vary. You’ll need to look into your local BCBS licensee to check whether it’s a good fit. While you’re at it, it's a good idea to compare quotes from several other companies. Our top-performing company for 2026 is State Farm. If low premiums are your main goal, consider HealthSpring. And AARP can offer a wide range of plan types and perks, if those are important to you.
Also consider working with a licensed insurance agent or broker to select the right Medigap company for you.
Alex Rosenberglead writer covering MedicareCompare against other providers
🔍 AARP/UnitedHealthcare Medigap
» More options in our roundup of the best Medicare Supplement Insurance companies
Compare against other providers
🔍 AARP/UnitedHealthcare Medigap
» More options in our roundup of the best Medicare Supplement Insurance companies
Blue Cross Blue Shield Medicare Supplement price increases
Premiums rise at average rates
It can be difficult or even impossible to switch Medigap plans or companies after your Medigap open enrollment period because of medical underwriting. If you might stick with the same company for decades, it’s a good idea to consider how its prices change over time.
In the past three years of Medigap price data I analyzed, BCBS companies’ premiums went up an average of 9.6% per year across the locations I tracked. That’s close to average among the companies we review.
Blue Cross Blue Shield member complaints
7% more complaints than average
Blue Cross Blue Shield companies have relatively average complaint rates. BCBS members file about 7% more complaints than the average for all Medigap companies. That’s according to 2023 to 2025 data from the National Association of Insurance Commissioners (NAIC).
NerdWallet conducts its data analysis and reaches conclusions independently and without the endorsement of the NAIC.
Blue Cross Blue Shield's spending on care
84.2% for member benefits
Blue Cross Blue Shield plans spent about 84.2% of premiums on member benefits, according to the most recent annual data. (The other 15.8% went to overhead expenses like administrative costs, marketing, salaries and commissions.)
That’s almost exactly equal to the all-company average of 84.5%.
The medical loss ratio (MLR) is the percentage of premiums a company spends to pay members’ claims.
If the number is relatively low (down in the 70s), I might wonder why the company isn’t spending more on the benefits its members are paying for.
But if the number is very high (around 90% or higher), the company might not turn a profit after expenses. In that case, I worry that it might cut back on Medigap plans or stop offering them altogether.
Additional benefits
Varies by company
Medigap plans have standardized Medicare benefits, but insurance companies can offer additional perks. Here are examples of extras included with some Blue Cross Blue Shield Medicare Supplement Insurance policies:
Fitness: Some plans offer SilverSneakers or similar fitness programs that can include gym memberships, fitness classes, training sessions and tracking apps.
Discount programs: Some plans offer discounts on things like prescriptions or vision, hearing and/or health and wellness products and services.
Blue Cross Blue Shield Medicare Supplement Insurance service area
Blue Cross Blue Shield companies offer Medicare Supplement Insurance policies in all 50 states and Washington, D.C.
In total, BCBS companies cover about 3.3 million Medigap beneficiaries. Their combined share of the total Medicare Supplement Insurance market is about 24%.
Compare Medicare Supplement Insurance companies
Get more information below about some of the major Medicare Supplement Insurance companies. These insurers offer Medigap plans in most states, but specifics may vary depending on your location.
About Blue Cross Blue Shield
Blue Cross Blue Shield began as two companies — Blue Cross and Blue Shield. They grew and merged to form the current Blue Cross Blue Shield Association in 1982. Today, the association includes 33 independent Blue Cross Blue Shield companies. Nationwide, it provides health care coverage to 118 million members.
The Blue Cross Blue Shield Association has two main offices, in Chicago and Washington, D.C.
» MORE: Read our review of Blue Cross Blue Shield Medicare Advantage plans
Find the right Medicare Supplement Insurance plan
Because Medigap plans are standardized, you can get precisely the same Medicare benefits from any company. So when you shop, keep these considerations in mind to find the best policy to fit your needs:
Is your preferred plan available? Health insurance companies don’t always sell every plan, so check who sells the plan you want to buy in your area.
What are the premiums? Prices for the same plan can vary between companies, so check to find the most competitive rates.
Will your premiums change over time? Most policies cost more as you age, but some companies offer policies that let you lock in a price when you sign up.
Are there extras? Medigap plans’ core benefits are standardized. But in certain cases, some companies include such perks as discount programs or gym memberships.
If you have additional questions about Medicare, visit Medicare.gov or call 800-MEDICARE (800-633-4227, TTY 877-486-2048).
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- Available in all 50 states and Washington, D.C.
- Offerings and experiences vary depending on BCBS company.
- Cheaper Medicare Select plans have network requirements.
NerdWallet writers are subject matter authorities who use primary, trustworthy sources to inform their work, including peer-reviewed studies, government websites, academic research and interviews with industry experts. All content is fact-checked for accuracy, timeliness and relevance. You can learn more about NerdWallet's high standards for journalism by reading our editorial guidelines.
- 1.Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services. Find a Medigap Policy That Works For You. Accessed Jul 29, 2026.
- 2.National Association of Insurance Commissioners. Company Complaint Index. Accessed Jul 29, 2026.
- 3.National Association of Insurance Commissioners. 2024 Medicare Supplement Insurance Experience Reports (Direct Premiums Earned; Direct Claims Incurred). Accessed Jul 29, 2026.
- 4.National Association of Insurance Commissioners. 2024 Medicare Supplement Insurance Experience Reports (Market Share Percentage). Accessed Jul 29, 2026.
Medicare Supplement Insurance ratings methodology
NerdWallet’s Medicare Supplement Insurance (Medigap) ratings are based on pricing, discounts, plan types offered, complaint data from the National Association of Insurance Commissioners, consumer experience, additional perks and benefits, and more. To calculate each health insurance company's rating, we adjusted the scores to a curved 5-point scale, rounded to the nearest half star.
NerdWallet reviewed 13 Medicare Supplement Insurance companies based on highest enrollment and greatest online search volume. We review companies covering nearly 87% of all Medigap beneficiaries in the United States. At the state level, our research includes the two largest Medigap insurance companies in 45 out of 50 states, plus Washington, D.C. We cover at least one of the two largest Medigap companies in every state.
These ratings are a guide, but we encourage you to shop around and compare several insurance quotes to find the best coverage and rate for you. NerdWallet does not receive compensation for any reviews. Read our editorial guidelines and full ratings methodology for Medicare Supplement Insurance.
Insurer complaints methodology
We examined complaints received by state insurance regulators and reported to the National Association of Insurance Commissioners. To assess how insurers compare to one another, the NAIC calculates a complaint index each year for each subsidiary, measuring its share of total complaints relative to its size, or share of total premiums in the industry. To evaluate a company’s complaint history, we calculated a similar index for each insurance company, weighted by market shares of each subsidiary. We score companies based on this index of how many complaints the company receives relative to its market share. NerdWallet conducts its data analysis and reaches conclusions independently and without the endorsement of the NAIC.
Compare Medigap plans
Insurance company | NerdWallet rating | Plan types offered | NAIC complaint rate | Annual price increases | Learn more |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
BEST OVERALL | |||||
 (855) 432-0512 / TTY 711 M-F 9AM-9PM, Sat 10AM-6PM ETSpeak to a licensed insurance agent on askchapter.orgon NerdWallet | 5.0/5 | A, C, D, F, G and N | Far fewer than expected | Lower than average | (855) 432-0512 / TTY 711 M-F 9AM-9PM, Sat 10AM-6PM ETSpeak to a licensed insurance agent on askchapter.orgon NerdWallet |
BEST FOR LOW PRICES | |||||
 (855) 432-0512 / TTY 711 M-F 9AM-9PM, Sat 10AM-6PM ETSpeak to a licensed insurance agent on askchapter.orgon NerdWallet | 4.5/5 | A, F, G and N | Far more than expected | Lower than average | (855) 432-0512 / TTY 711 M-F 9AM-9PM, Sat 10AM-6PM ETSpeak to a licensed insurance agent on askchapter.orgon NerdWallet |
BEST FOR PLAN AVAILABILITY | |||||
 (855) 432-0512 / TTY 711 M-F 9AM-9PM, Sat 10AM-6PM ETSpeak to a licensed insurance agent on askchapter.orgon NerdWallet | 4.3/5 | A, B, C, F, G, K, L and N | Fewer than expected | Higher than average | (855) 432-0512 / TTY 711 M-F 9AM-9PM, Sat 10AM-6PM ETSpeak to a licensed insurance agent on askchapter.orgon NerdWallet |
 (855) 432-0512 / TTY 711 M-F 9AM-9PM, Sat 10AM-6PM ETSpeak to a licensed insurance agent on askchapter.orgon NerdWallet | 4.3/5 | A, F, G and N | Close to expected | Lower than average | (855) 432-0512 / TTY 711 M-F 9AM-9PM, Sat 10AM-6PM ETSpeak to a licensed insurance agent on askchapter.orgon NerdWallet |