Colorado Medicare Supplement Plans: What You Need to Know
Colorado's Medicare population of over 1 million beneficiaries spans from the Front Range metro areas of Denver, Colorado Springs, Aurora, Fort Collins, and Boulder to remote mountain communities. This geographic diversity makes choosing the right Medicare coverage critical. That's where unbiased, fee-only guidance makes a difference.
Unlike Medicare Advantage plans that vary by county and often have limited networks in rural areas, Medigap plans in Colorado are standardized by letter (A, B, C, D, F, G, K, L, M, N). This means a Plan G from one company covers exactly the same benefits as a Plan G from another company. The only differences are the premium you pay and the company's customer service.
Colorado Medigap Open Enrollment Period
In Colorado, your Medigap Open Enrollment Period begins on the first day of the month you turn 65 and are enrolled in Medicare Part B. This 6-month window is critical because:
- Insurance companies cannot deny you coverage for any reason
- They cannot charge you more due to health conditions
- You have guaranteed issue rights to any Medigap plan sold in Colorado
Colorado Follows Federal Rules
Colorado follows standard federal Medigap rules with no special state protections beyond the initial 6-month open enrollment period. Outside this window, you may face medical underwriting when applying for coverage. This makes it especially important to enroll during your open enrollment period.
Most Popular Medigap Plans in Colorado
While 10 standardized Medigap plans are available in Colorado, the most popular choices are:
| Plan | Coverage Level | Best For | CO Monthly Premium* |
|---|---|---|---|
| Plan G | Comprehensive | Most new enrollees (best value) | $100 - $200 |
| Plan N | High with copays | Those wanting lower premiums | $80 - $160 |
| Plan F | Most comprehensive | Those eligible before 2020 | $130 - $260 |
*Premium ranges are estimates and vary by age, location within Colorado, gender, and tobacco use. Front Range areas typically have higher premiums than rural communities. Contact us for personalized quotes.
Plan G vs Plan N in Colorado
For most Colorado residents new to Medicare, the choice comes down to Plan G or Plan N:
- Plan G covers everything except the annual Part B deductible. No copays, no surprises. Ideal if you want predictable costs and visit doctors frequently, especially important if you travel to specialists in Denver or other metro areas.
- Plan N has lower premiums but requires up to $20 copays for office visits and up to $50 for ER visits (waived if admitted). Good choice if you're healthy and want to save on monthly costs.
Colorado Medicare Supplement vs Medicare Advantage
Colorado has a strong Medicare Advantage market, especially in Front Range communities. But these are very different products. Here's how they compare:
| Feature | Medigap (Supplement) | Medicare Advantage |
|---|---|---|
| Monthly Premium | $80 - $260+ | $0 - $50 (some higher) |
| Out-of-Pocket Maximum | Very low (predictable) | Up to $8,850/year |
| Doctor Network | Any doctor accepting Medicare | Network restrictions |
| Referrals Needed | No | Often yes (HMO plans) |
| Prescription Drug Coverage | Separate Part D plan needed | Usually included |
| Extra Benefits | None | May include dental, vision, gym |
Read our complete Medigap vs Medicare Advantage guide to understand which option might be better for your situation.
Colorado-Specific Medicare Considerations
Mountain Communities and Rural Areas
Colorado's mountain towns and rural areas present unique healthcare challenges. Many Medicare Advantage plans have limited provider networks outside metro areas. If you live in mountain communities like Vail, Aspen, Telluride, or smaller towns, Medigap offers a significant advantage: any doctor or hospital that accepts Medicare will accept your Medigap plan. This is critical when you need to travel to Denver, Colorado Springs, or Fort Collins for specialist care.
Active Outdoor Lifestyle
Colorado seniors often maintain active outdoor lifestyles, including skiing, hiking, and cycling. If you're active and might need urgent care or orthopedic services, Medigap provides nationwide coverage without network restrictions. Whether you need treatment at a ski resort clinic or a specialist in Denver, your coverage follows you.
High Altitude Health Considerations
Living at high altitude can affect certain health conditions. Colorado residents may need more frequent medical monitoring or specialist care. Medigap's lack of network restrictions means you can see any Medicare-accepting cardiologist, pulmonologist, or other specialist without referrals or network concerns.
Colorado SHIP Program
Colorado offers a free counseling program called SHIP (State Health Insurance Assistance Program) through the Division of Insurance. While SHIP counselors can provide general Medicare information, they cannot recommend specific plans or companies. That's where a fee-only Medicare advisor adds value: we can make specific recommendations based on your individual situation. Call Colorado SHIP at (888) 696-7213 for general information.
Snowbirds and Part-Time Residents
Many Colorado residents spend winters in warmer states like Arizona or Florida. If you're a snowbird who splits time between states, Medigap provides nationwide coverage. Your plan works the same whether you're in Denver, Phoenix, or anywhere in between. Medicare Advantage plans often have network restrictions that can be problematic when traveling.
Frequently Asked Questions: Colorado Medicare
The best time is during your 6-month Medigap Open Enrollment Period, which starts the month you turn 65 and are enrolled in Part B. During this time, you have guaranteed issue rights and cannot be denied coverage or charged more due to health conditions.
Yes, but you'll need to go through medical underwriting, which means the insurance company can deny you coverage or charge higher premiums based on your health. Colorado does not have a birthday rule or year-round guaranteed issue rights. Some situations trigger "guaranteed issue" rights outside of open enrollment, such as losing employer coverage or moving out of your plan's service area.
Medigap premiums in Colorado typically range from $80-$260+ per month depending on the plan letter, your age, location (Denver and Boulder areas are often more expensive than rural areas), gender, and tobacco use. Most carriers use attained-age rating, meaning your premium increases as you age. Colorado has competitive rates compared to many coastal states.
Plan F is only available to those who became eligible for Medicare before January 1, 2020. If you turned 65 before that date, you can still enroll in Plan F. However, Plan G offers nearly identical coverage (minus the Part B deductible) and often has lower premiums because it includes a larger, younger pool of enrollees.
Yes. Medigap plans do not include prescription drug coverage. You'll need to enroll in a standalone Medicare Part D plan separately. Colorado has many Part D options, and we can help you compare them based on your specific medications and preferred pharmacies.
Your Medicare coverage works the same at any altitude, but living at high altitude may mean you need more frequent medical monitoring for certain conditions. Medigap is particularly valuable in Colorado's mountain communities because it provides access to any Medicare-accepting specialist without network restrictions, whether they're in Denver or your local mountain town.