The difference between the least expensive and most expensive Medicare Supplement insurance policy in Los Angeles, San Francisco and San Diego can vary by as much as 39 percent according to a study by the American Association for Medicare Supplement Insurance, the Los Angeles-based trade organization.

"While Medicare Supplement insurance policies are basically standardized, each insurer that sells in California sets their own rates and the difference between the lowest and highest cost can be significant," explains Jesse Slome, director of the Association.  The organization compared rates for both men and women age 65 who live in major U.S. markets.

For the three largest California cities, the largest difference between the lowest available cost and the highest could be found in San Francisco.  "The difference was 39.1 percent," Slome shares.  The lowest cost for a 65-year-old female purchasing a Medigap Plan F policy was $140.62per-month the Association found.  The highest cost for Plan F was $208.92.   Details of the 2018 cost comparison findings for Illinois Medicare Supplement costs can be accessed via the organization's website.

"There are many factors that insurers use to set policy costs, and we don't necessarily recommend buying the least expensive," Slome admonished. "But we do recommend at least learning about costs before locking yourself into a policy or a particular insurance company."

The organization provides free access to the leading Find A Local Medicare Insurance Agent online directory providing information on nearly 1,000 professionals listed by Zip Code.   No information need be entered to access the director at the Association's website, www.MedicareSupp.org.

The American Association for Medicare Supplement Insurance advocates for the importance of planning and supports insurance professionals who market Medicare-related insurance products. The organization's website contains relevant research and information designed to help consumers make educated choices in their planning.