How to Compare Medicare Supplement Insurance Companies
When comparing Medicare Supplement companies, don’t compare benefits first—compare the same standardized plan across insurers.
Medigap Attained-Age vs. Issue-Age vs. Community-Rated: How Premiums Are Priced
Last Modified: 10/05/2026 | Reviewed by Keith Armbrecht (NPN 634015)
Quick Summary
Medicare Supplement insurance companies generally use one of three pricing methods: community-rated, issue-age-rated or attained-age-rated.
The pricing method can affect how your premium changes as you get older.
However, all three types of policies can still experience premium increases because of inflation and other factors.
Understanding the rating method can help you evaluate the long-term cost of a Medigap policy rather than looking only at today’s premium.
Key Facts
The 3 Medigap Pricing Methods
- Community-Rated
Also called:
No-age-rated
Generally, everyone in the applicable rating class pays the same basic premium regardless of age.
Your premium doesn’t increase simply because you get older.
However, the company can increase premiums because of inflation and other approved factors.
- Issue-Age-Rated
Also called:
Entry-age-rated
Your premium is based partly on the age you are when you first purchase the policy.
Buying younger can result in a lower starting premium.
The policy doesn’t increase simply because you age.
But premiums can still rise because of inflation and other factors.
- Attained-Age-Rated
Your premium is based on:
Your current age
As you get older, your premium can increase because of age.
It can also increase because of inflation and other rating factors
Simple Example
Imagine three hypothetical Plan G policies.
Community-Rated
Age 65:
$150
Age 72:
The premium isn’t higher solely because you’re 72, although overall company rate increases may occur.
Issue-Age-Rated
You buy at 65:
Your starting rate reflects age 65.
The company doesn’t later raise the premium simply because you become 72.
Other increases can still occur.
Attained-Age-Rated
Age 65:
$130
At age 72:
The age component of the premium may be higher because the policy is priced based on attained age.
These numbers are illustrations only; actual premiums vary.
Does Community-Rated Always Mean Cheapest?
No.
A community-rated policy might have a higher initial premium than an attained-age policy.
The goal isn’t simply to find the “best rating method.”
You need to compare:
Current premium
rating method
discounts
available companies
historical rate behavior where available
and
your ability to switch later.
Does Attained-Age Mean It’s a Bad Policy?
No.
An attained-age-rated policy can still be very competitive.
The starting premium could be substantially lower.
You need to evaluate the overall cost rather than rejecting a policy solely because of its rating method.
Video Explanation from Keith
How Medicare Supplement Companies Set Your Rate
Keith's Take
I wouldn’t pick a Medicare Supplement solely because someone tells you:
“This one is community-rated.”
That doesn’t automatically make it cheaper.
I’ve seen situations where an attained-age policy is still significantly less expensive.
What matters is the real rate you’re paying and how competitive it remains over time.
The rating method is one part of the decision, not the entire decision.
Keith Armbrecht
Medicare on Video
Frequently Asked Questions About Medigap Rating Methods
Q. What are the three Medigap rating methods?
A. Community-rated, issue-age-rated and attained-age-rated.
Q. What is community-rated?
A. Age generally isn't used to determine the base premium within the applicable rating class.
Q. What is issue-age-rated?
A. The premium is based partly on your age when you purchase the policy.
Q. What is attained-age-rated?
A. The premium is based on your current age and can increase as you get older.
Q. Can community-rated premiums increase?
A. Yes.
Q. Can issue-age premiums increase?
A. Yes.
Q. Does attained-age always cost more?
A. No.
Q. Do rating methods change Plan G's benefits?
A. No. Standardized benefits remain Plan G benefits regardless of rating method.
Q. Which rating method is best?
A. There's no universal answer. Compare the actual premium and long-term considerations.
Official Government Sources
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