What Is Medicare Supplement Plan G, or Medigap Plan G?
Key Takeaways
- If you’re enrolled in Original MedicareOriginal Medicare is a fee-for-service health insurance program available to Americans aged 65 and older and some individuals with disabilities. Original Medicare is provided by the federal government and is made up of two parts: Part A (hospital insurance) and Part B (medical insurance). , a Medicare Plan G policy lowers out-of-pocket costs.
- Plan G is a Medicare Supplement Insurance plan, or MedigapMedicare Supplement Insurance (Medigap) is designed to provide coverage that Original Medicare (Parts A and B) does not. Medigap policies are purchased in addition to Original Medicare and have their own monthly premiums you’ll need to pay. plan, that helps fill in the gaps of Original Medicare coverage. This includes the cost of coinsurance, copayments and deductibles.
- Plan G acts as a secondary plan. Your provider bills Original Medicare first, and Plan G second. Some services will be 100% covered.
- While you’ll save when you access services, keep in mind that you’ll have at least two monthly premiums. You will need to pay the Part B monthly premiums and Plan G monthly premiums.
- Medicare Plan G doesn’t cover additional benefits. If you want more coverage, a Medicare AdvantageMedicare Advantage (Medicare Part C) is health insurance for Americans aged 65 and older that blends Medicare benefits with private health insurance. This typically includes a bundle of Original Medicare (Parts A and B) and Medicare Prescription Drug Plan (Part D). plan can cover healthcare services such as dental and vision services, as well as offering prescription medication coverage.
Medigap Plan G helps cover the gaps left by Original Medicare, such as deductibles, coinsurance, and copayments. Plan G pays 100% of all Medicare-approved services after Original Medicare, except the Part B deductible, making it one of the most comprehensive Medigap plans on the market.
In this article, we’ll explore the specifics of what Medicare Supplement Plan G covers and how to evaluate whether it’s the right fit for you.
Medigap At a Glance
Medigap, or Medicare Supplement Insurance, is private insurance designed to complement Original Medicare (Part A and Part B). While Original Medicare provides foundational healthcare coverage, it has out-of-pocket expenses for beneficiaries to manage. Medigap plans fill these “gaps” in your coverage, which can lower overall health costs depending on your plan and healthcare needs.
According to a 2022 report from the Kaiser Family Foundation, 12.5 million Medicare beneficiaries use Medigap policies to supplement their coverage. Ten standardized Medigap plans are available: Plan A, B, C, D, F, G, K, L, M, and N. Each offers a unique mix of coverages tailored to different healthcare needs and budgets. Medicare Supplement Plan G stands out for its extensive coverage, which can be valuable for those with extensive or specialized health needs.
Still have questions? GoHealth has the answers you need.
Call Today
Understanding Medigap Plan G
Medigap Plan G, or Medicare Supplement Plan G, is often regarded as the most comprehensive plan available to new Medicare beneficiaries. While all Medigap plans are standardized — meaning they offer the same benefits regardless of the insurer — Medigap Plan G is particularly appealing for its ability to cover nearly all Medicare-approved expenses, except for the Medicare Part B deductible.
Key Features of Medigap Plan G
- Comprehensive coverage: Plan G covers nearly all out-of-pocket costs under Original Medicare, except the Part B deductible.
- Nationwide acceptance: Plan G is accepted by any healthcare provider that accepts Original Medicare, offering flexibility for travelers.
- Excess charge coverage: Part B excess charges are billed by providers in some areas who do not accept Medicare assignment. Plan G and Plan F are the only plans that cover excess charges.
- Foreign travel coverage: Plan G covers foreign travel emergencies at 80% (after a $250 deductible) and pays up to $50,000 in a lifetime for emergencies that occur within the first 60 days while traveling outside of the U.S.
What Does Medicare Supplement Plan G Cover?
- Part A coinsurance and hospital costs: Medicare Supplement Plan G covers up to an additional 365 days after Medicare benefits are exhausted.
- Part B coinsurance or copayments: Plan G covers 20% of costs not paid by Original Medicare for outpatient care.
- Blood (first 3 pints): Plan G covers the cost of the first three pints of blood annually.
- Part A hospice care coinsurance or copayment: Plan G ensures no out-of-pocket costs for hospice services.
- Skilled Nursing Facility care coinsurance: Plan G reduces costs associated with skilled nursing facility stays.
- Foreign travel emergency: Plan G covers up to 80% of emergency medical costs while traveling abroad, subject to limits.
How Medicare Supplement Plan G Compares With Other Medigap Plans
| Benefits | Medicare Supplement Plan G | Plan F | Plan A | Plan B |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Available to those who became eligible for Medicare in or after 2020? | Yes | No | Yes | Yes |
| Part A coinsurance and hospital costs for up to 365 additional days after Medicare benefits are disbursed | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Part B coinsurance or copayment | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Part A hospice care coinsurance or copayment | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Part A deductible | Yes | Yes | Not covered | Yes |
| Part B deductible | Not covered | Yes | Not covered | Not covered |
| Part B excess charge | Yes | Yes | Not covered | Not covered |
| Out-of-pocket limit | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A |
| Blood (first three pints) | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Skilled nursing facility care coinsurance | Yes | Yes | Not covered | Not covered |
| Foreign travel exchange up to plan limits | 80% | 80% | Not covered | Not covered |
Medicare Supplement Plan G vs. Plan F
Medigap Plan G and Plan F are often compared due to their comprehensive coverage. However, Plan F is no longer available to individuals who became eligible for Medicare after January 1, 2020. Plan F covers everything Plan G does for those who qualify, plus the Medicare Part B deductible.
However, Medicare Supplement Plan G offers nearly identical benefits at a potentially lower premium, making it a comparable choice for many new enrollees.
Find the Medicare Plan that works for you.
Find My Ideal Plan
Costs for Medigap Plan G
Costs for Medigap Plan G can vary by location, insurance provider, and individual factors. Here’s a breakdown:
- Premiums: Medicare Supplement Plan G has a monthly premium, which is separate from Medicare Part A and Part B premiums. Insurers may price premiums using one of three methods:
- Community-rated: All policyholders in an area pay the same premium, regardless of age.
- Issue-age-rated: The premium is based on your age when you first enroll.
- Attained-age-rated: The premium increases as you age.
- Deductibles: Beneficiaries are responsible for the Medicare Part B deductible ($257 in 2025).
- Copays and Coinsurance: After meeting the Part B deductible, Plan G covers 100% of all Medicare-approved services.
High-Deductible Medicare Supplement Plan G Option
The high-deductible Medigap Plan G plan offers the same benefits as the standard plan but requires a higher deductible ($2,870 in 2025) before coverage begins. This option typically comes with significantly lower premiums, which can help those who anticipate less plan usage.
See It in Action
Consider a scenario where you have Medigap Plan G and need a total hip replacement (arthroplasty). The average cost for this procedure is $10,502 and Original Medicare pays 80% of the cost. Here’s what you could expect to pay:
- Part B deductible: $257 in 2025
- Part B outpatient care costs: $2,099 (20% coinsurance)
- Out-of-pocket total in this example: $2,356. This example does not include physician fees or follow-up visits, which are also subject to 20% coinsurance.
Medicare Supplement Plan G pays for the surgery, follow-up visits, and physician fees in full once you meet your Part B deductible, reducing your out-of-pocket total to just the deductible ($257).
Note that these figures are examples only and do not reflect actual costs. Your individual costs will vary based on your plan, where you live, and your health needs.
How to Choose a Medigap Plan
Choosing the right Medigap plan involves careful consideration of your healthcare needs, financial situation, and personal preferences. Follow these steps:
- Assess your healthcare needs. Consider how often you visit doctors, require specialists, or need hospital care.
- Compare costs. Evaluate premiums, deductibles, and out-of-pocket costs for different plans.
- Check insurance provider reviews, ratings, and reputation. Research the financial stability of insurers in your area by searching for their AM Best Rating or another credible source.
- Consider your future needs. If you anticipate changes in healthcare needs such as surgery, factor them into your decision.
- Enroll during your Initial Enrollment Period. The best time to enroll in Medigap is during your six-month Medigap Initial Enrollment Period (IEP), which begins when you first enroll in Medicare Part B. During this time, insurers cannot deny you coverage or charge higher premiums due to pre-existing conditions.
How Does Medicare Plan G Compare to Medicare Advantage
You can’t have Medicare Supplement Plan G and a Medicare Advantage plan at the same time, so choose wisely.
Medicare Advantage plans are standalone healthcare plans that replace your Original Medicare coverage. A Medicare Advantage plan, offered by private insurance agencies, gives you all the same coverage as Original Medicare Parts A and B. Some Medicare Advantage plans also give you added benefits.
Medigap Plan G, on the other hand, doesn’t give you any added benefits. Instead, this plan helps you cover out-of-pocket costs when you access covered Medicare services.
If you’re happy with Original Medicare coverage and want to lower your costs, Plan G can be a great option. Original Medicare offers good basic healthcare coverage, and a Medigap plan can lower your healthcare expenses.
But if you want access to additional benefits beyond Original Medicare, then a Medicare Advantage planmay be better suited for you. All Medicare Advantage plans also feature an out-of-pocket maximum. Original Medicare doesn’t feature an out-of-pocket maximum, although two Medigap plans (Plan K and Plan L) do.
Just remember that Medicare Advantage plans have networks of providers, and you’ll need to access in-network care to lower your healthcare costs.
Putting It All Together
Medigap Plan G provides extensive coverage, which can make it an advantageous choice for Medicare beneficiaries seeking to minimize out-of-pocket expenses. Its predictable costs, nationwide acceptance, and comprehensive benefits make it one of the most popular Medigap options. By working with a licensed insurance agent, you can better understand your options and find a plan tailored to your needs.
My Medicare coverage doesn’t address all of my needs.
Find The Right Plan