Your Situation
My Medicare Supplement Is Getting Too Expensive
Medicare Supplement premiums tend to rise over time — with age, with yearly rate increases, or both. If your premium has climbed past what's comfortable, you have options. Each one comes with trade-offs, and some are hard to undo, so it pays to look before you leap.
Why Your Premium Keeps Going Up
Many policies are priced by your current age, so the premium rises as you get older.
Insurers can raise rates for everyone with the same policy, based on rising medical costs and claims.
Your own health doesn't change your premium. Increases apply to everyone in your group, not just you.
Your Options, From Easiest to Hardest to Undo
1. Trim your riders
Wisconsin Supplements are built from a Basic plan plus optional riders. Dropping a rider you rarely use — like the Part B deductible rider — lowers your premium. Removing a rider is usually simpler than adding one back later, so think about what you'd actually miss. Ask your insurer how it works for your policy.
2. Look at lower-cost Wisconsin plan designs
Wisconsin also allows Supplements where you share more of the cost, such as cost-sharing plans and a high-deductible plan. You pay more when you use care, but less each month.
3. Switch to a different insurer
Another insurer may offer similar coverage for less. In most cases, you'll need to answer health questions, and you could be turned down. Keep your current policy until the new one is approved and in effect.
4. Move to Medicare Advantage
Many Medicare Advantage plans in Wisconsin have low monthly premiums and include drug coverage. You can switch during Annual Enrollment (October 15 – December 7). In exchange, you'll use a network and pay copays when you get care, up to a yearly limit.
The safety net: If this is your first time on Medicare Advantage, you can return to a Supplement with no health questions within 12 months. After that, going back usually means answering health questions.
Check Whether You Qualify for Help
If your income is limited, a Medicare Savings Program may pay your Part B premium, which makes room in your budget. Some people who qualify for Medicaid find they no longer need a Supplement at all. If your drug costs are part of the squeeze, look into Extra Help and Wisconsin's SeniorCare program.
Programs that help with Medicare costs → | Lower your prescription costs →
Don't just stop paying. If your Supplement lapses for missed payments, getting it back usually means answering health questions — and you could be left with Original Medicare alone, which has no yearly limit on what you pay. Make a change on purpose instead.
Wisconsin Medicare Supplements
Basic plan and riders explained →
My Medicare Budget
Compare your monthly costs →
Still have questions? Talk with Marit.
Licensed Wisconsin agent in downtown Appleton. No cost to talk, no pressure to enroll.
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