Medigap Plan G is one of 10 plans that help cover some out-of-pocket expenses. It’s the only Medigap plan that helps pay for Part B expenses.
Medigap is a supplemental insurance plan that can cover some things Medicare doesn’t. About
Medigap has 10 different plans, each offering different types of supplemental coverage. One of these plans is Plan G. Some people choose Medigap Plan G because it’s one of the only Medigap plans that covers Part B excess charges.
Read on as we discuss the costs associated with Plan G, how you can enroll, and more.
Let’s look at three example cities to examine Plan G costs in 2024:
| Atlanta, GA | Des Moines, IA | San Francisco, CA | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Plan G premium range | $117 to $2,805 per month | $91 to $938 per month | $144 to $1,029 per month |
| Plan G annual deductible | $0 | $0 | $0 |
| Plan G (high deductible) premium range | $40 to $990 per month | $31 to $360 per month | $35 to $252 per month |
| Plan G (high deductible) annual deductible | $2,800 | $2,800 | $2,800 |
Next, we break down each of the costs associated with Plan G.
Plan G monthly premiums
If you enroll in a Medigap plan, you’ll have to pay a monthly premium. This will be in addition to your Medicare Part B monthly premium.
Because private insurance companies sell Medigap policies, monthly premiums will vary by policy. Companies can choose to set their premiums in a variety of ways. The three main ways they set premiums are:
- Community rated: Everyone with the policy pays the same monthly premium, regardless of their age.
- Issue-age rated: Monthly premiums are set based on your age when you purchase the policy. Individuals who buy at a younger age will have lower monthly premiums.
- Attained-age rated: Monthly premiums are set based on your current age. Because of this, your premiums will increase as you get older.
Plan G deductibles
While Plan G covers the Medicare Part A deductible, it doesn’t cover the Medicare Part B deductible. Medigap policies typically don’t have their own deductible. This can be different for Plan G. In addition to standard Plan G (with no deductible), a high deductible option is also available.
High deductible Plan G often has lower monthly premiums. However, you’ll have to pay a deductible of $2,800 before your policy begins paying for benefits. There’s also an additional yearly deductible for emergency services used during foreign travel.
Plan G copays and coinsurance
Plan G covers copays and coinsurance associated with Medicare parts A and B. If you have a Plan G policy, you won’t be responsible for these costs.
Plan G out-of-pocket costs
There are some things that Medigap typically doesn’t cover, although this can vary by policy. When a service isn’t covered, you’ll need to pay the cost out of pocket.
Some examples of services not often covered in Medigap policies are:
- long-term care
- dental
- vision, including eyeglasses
- hearing aids
- private nursing care
Unlike some other Medigap plans, Plan G doesn’t have an out-of-pocket limit.
Medigap Plan G is a very inclusive plan. It covers 100% of the following expenses:
- Medicare Part A deductible
- Medicare Part A coinsurance
- Medicare Part A hospital costs
- Medicare Part A hospice coinsurance or copay
- skilled nursing facility coinsurance
- blood (first three pints)
- Medicare Part B coinsurance or copay
- excess charges associated with Medicare Part B
Additionally, Plan G covers 80% of health services provided during foreign travel.
Medigap plans are standardized, which means each company must offer the same basic coverage. When you purchase a Plan G policy, you should receive all the benefits listed above regardless of the company you purchase it from.
Plan F is the most inclusive of the different Medigap plans. However, who can enroll changed in 2020. These changes are because Medigap plans sold to those new to Medicare can no longer cover the Medicare Part B deductible, which is included in Plan F.
Those who already have Plan F or were new to Medicare prior to January 1, 2020, may still have a Plan F policy.
Plan G may be a good option if you’re new to Medicare and can’t enroll in Plan F. The only difference in coverage between the two is that Plan G doesn’t cover the Medicare Part B deductible.
You can first buy a Medigap policy during Medigap open enrollment. This is a 6-month period that starts the month you turn age 65 or older and are enrolled in Medicare Part B.
Other enrollment guidelines associated with Medigap include:
- Medigap policies only cover one person, so your spouse will need to buy their own policy.
- Federal law doesn’t require that companies sell Medigap policies to those under age 65. If you’re under age 65 and eligible for Medicare, you may not be able to purchase the Medigap policy that you want.
- You can’t have both a Medigap policy and a Medicare Part C (Medicare Advantage) policy. If you want to purchase a Medigap policy, you’ll have to switch back to Original Medicare (parts A and B).
- Medigap policies don’t cover prescription drugs. If you’d like prescription drug coverage, you’ll need to enroll in a Medicare Part D plan.
Medigap policies are guaranteed renewable, regardless of whether or not you have health conditions. This means that your policy can’t be canceled as long as you continue to be enrolled and pay your premiums.
Private insurance companies sell Medigap policies. You can use Medicare’s search tool to find out which plans are offered in your area. You’ll need to enter your zip code and select your county to see available plans. Each plan will be listed with a monthly premium range, other potential costs, and what is and isn’t covered.
You can also look at the companies that offer each plan and how they set their monthly premiums. Because the cost of a Medigap policy can vary by company, it’s very important to compare several Medigap policies before selecting one.
Where to find help choosing a Medigap plan
Use the following resources to help you choose a Medigap plan:
- Online search tool: Compare Medigap plans using Medicare’s search tool.
- Call Medicare directly: Call 800-633-4227 for any questions or concerns related to Medicare or Medigap.
- Contact your state insurance department: State insurance departments can help provide you with information on Medigap plans in your state.
- Contact your State Health Insurance Assistance Program (SHIP): SHIPs help provide information and advice to those enrolling or making changes to their coverage.
Medigap Plan G is a Medicare supplement insurance plan that covers a variety of expenses not covered by Medicare parts A and B, such as coinsurance, copays, and some deductibles.
If you buy a Plan G policy, you’ll pay a monthly premium, which can vary by the company offering the policy. This is in addition to your Medicare Part B monthly premium.
Other costs include the Medicare Part B deductible and benefits not covered by Medigap, such as dental and vision. If you have high deductible Plan G, you’ll need to pay a deductible before your policy begins to cover expenses.
Plan G may be a good option if you’re unable to purchase Plan F. The only difference between the two plans is that Plan G doesn’t cover the Medicare Part B deductible.
Read this article in Spanish
The information on this website may assist you in making personal decisions about insurance, but it is not intended to provide advice regarding the purchase or use of any insurance or insurance products. Healthline Media does not transact the business of insurance in any manner and is not licensed as an insurance company or producer in any U.S. jurisdiction. Healthline Media does not recommend or endorse any third parties that may transact the business of insurance.
