Rate Increase History Patterns
Medigap premiums never decrease for an individual policy — they only climb. The carriers differ in cadence, not direction: reading three years of rate history predicts the next decade better than any teaser quote.
| Increase Pattern | Typical Annual Creep | Long-Run Consequence |
|---|---|---|
| Small frequent (attained-age majors) | 3–6%/yr | Predictable compounding |
| Lumpy occasional | 0% for 2–3 yrs, then 8–12% | Feels stable, hurts late |
| Community-rated adjustments | 2–4%/yr, flat per person | Age-proof but higher base |
| Legacy blocks (Plan F pools) | Above-median | Accelerating as pools shrink |
How to check a carrier’s history
Your state insurance department publishes approved Medigap rate filings; pull the last three annual increases for your exact plan letter and ZIP. Pattern details per writer live in the carrier board files, and the projection method is in pricing models.
The birthday-rule escape hatch
In birthday-rule states, annual increases become annual negotiation opportunities — re-shop every year within the 30-day window and rate history matters less. In no-birthday-rule states (TX, AZ), history is everything.
FAQ
Can my Medigap premium be raised mid-year?
Increases take effect on your policy anniversary after state approval, with 30–60 days notice.
Do healthy years earn lower rates?
No — Medigap rates only go up for an individual policy; there is no claims-based reward.
Related reading: All rate files · Carrier board · Birthday rule