Community rating: why a 66-year-old and an 86-year-old pay the same Medigap premium in Washington
What community rating means for Washington Medigap premiums, how it compares with attained-age and issue-age rating, and what still makes prices rise.
Insurers price Medigap in one of three ways: community rating, issue-age rating or attained-age rating. Washington requires community rating for policyholders aged 65 and older. That one rule shapes how much people pay over a lifetime.
The three methods
| Method | How the price is set | What happens as you age |
|---|---|---|
| Community-rated | Everyone on the same plan with the same insurer pays the same premium, regardless of age | No age increases; premiums move with inflation and claims |
| Issue-age | Based on your age when you bought the policy | No age increases, but starting price depends on age at purchase |
| Attained-age | Based on your current age | Premium rises every year with age, on top of inflation |
How the lines diverge
Attained-age policies often look cheapest at 65, which is how they are sold in many states. But the price climbs with each birthday. A community-rated policy usually starts a little higher and grows more slowly, which tends to favour people who keep their policy for many years.
What still makes Washington premiums rise
Community rating removes age increases, not all increases. Premiums rise with medical inflation, the insurer's claims experience, and the Part A and B deductibles Medigap must cover. When your insurer files a large increase, Washington's switching rule lets you move to a competitor's plan without health questions.
Under-65 policyholders
Community rating applies to people 65 and older. People under 65 on Medicare due to disability face a very limited market in Washington; our under-65 guide explains the options, including WSHIP.
Comparing community-rated quotes
Because every 65-plus applicant with a given insurer pays the same rate for a plan, Washington quotes are easy to compare: same plan letter, same ZIP area, different companies. Ask each insurer for its rate history over the past five years; a company that has raised rates steadily may continue to.
Questions people ask
Does age affect Medigap premiums in Washington?
Not for people 65 and older, because Washington requires community rating.
Why do premiums still go up?
Medical inflation, claims, and higher Medicare deductibles that the plans cover.
Are other states community-rated?
A handful are; most allow attained-age or issue-age pricing.
Do under-65 enrollees get community rating?
The requirement applies to people 65 and older.
Independent educational site. Not affiliated with or endorsed by the U.S. government, the federal Medicare program, or any insurance company. Figures are 2026 amounts published by CMS unless noted; check Medicare.gov for your situation.