How to Compare Medicare Supplement Plans in 2019
Medicare Supplement plans, also called Medigap, fill the gaps left by Original Medicare Part A and Part B. In 2019, standardized plans let you compare coverage levels, premium structures, and out-of-pocket exposure across insurers. The right choice depends on how often you use care, whether you travel, and how much you are willing to pay monthly for predictability. This comparison focuses on the plans most relevant in 2019, the trade-offs each carries, and what to weigh before enrolling.
- How to Compare Medicare Supplement Plans in 2019
- What Medicare Supplement Plans Cover
- Key Plans Compared: F, G, and N
- Premium Structures and Cost Trade-Offs
- Enrollment Timing and Guarantees
- Plan Changes and What 2019 Meant for Enrollees
- Choosing the Right Plan for Your Situation
- Comparing Insurers for the Same Plan
- Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Bottom Line
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What Medicare Supplement Plans Cover
Medigap policies cover copayments, coinsurance, and sometimes deductibles for Medicare-approved services. Standardized plans labeled A through N must offer the same core benefits regardless of insurer, though premiums and extra perks can differ. In 2019, Plan F remained the most comprehensive option, covering the Part B deductible along with hospital and skilled nursing coinsurance. Plan G matched that coverage but required you to pay the Part B deductible out of pocket. Plan N offered lower premiums in exchange for copays on office visits and emergency room trips, with a cap on ER copays.
Key Plans Compared: F, G, and N
When you compare Medicare supplement plans 2019 side by side, three policies dominate the discussion. The table below highlights the structural differences that drive cost and coverage decisions.
| Feature | Plan F | Plan G | Plan N |
|---|---|---|---|
| Part A deductible | Covered | Covered | Covered |
| Part B deductible | Covered | Not covered (paid by you) | Not covered (paid by you) |
| Part A coinsurance | Covered | Covered | Covered |
| Part B coinsurance | Covered | Covered | Covered (except copay) |
| Skilled nursing coinsurance | Covered | Covered | Covered |
| Foreign travel emergency | 80% after deductible | 80% after deductible | 80% after deductible |
| Office visit copay | None | None | $0–$20 |
| ER copay | None | None | $0–$50 (annual cap) |
| Typical premium range | Highest | Mid-range | Lowest |
Premium Structures and Cost Trade-Offs
Insurers price Medigap policies using community-rated, issue-age-rated, or attained-age-rated methods. Community-rated premiums stay the same regardless of age, while issue-age-rated and attained-age-rated premiums can rise as you get older. In 2019, Plan F premiums were higher because the plan covers more, but the predictable cost often appealed to people who wanted to avoid surprise bills. Plan G offered a middle ground, and Plan N attracted enrollees willing to accept small copays for a lower monthly payment. When you compare Medicare supplement plans 2019, the premium difference between F and G often narrows after you factor in the Part B deductible you must pay with Plan G.
Enrollment Timing and Guarantees
The six-month Medigap open enrollment period begins the first month you are 65 or older and enrolled in Medicare Part B. During that window, insurers must sell you any policy they offer, regardless of health history. Outside that period, insurers can medically underwrite you, which can mean higher premiums or denial. If you compare Medicare supplement plans 2019 after the open enrollment window closes, you may face limited options and higher costs, making it especially important to evaluate plans before you turn 65.
Plan Changes and What 2019 Meant for Enrollees
By 2019, Plan E and Plan H had already been phased out under federal standardization rules, and Plan K and Plan L remained available but less common. The biggest change affecting 2019 comparisons was the continued availability of Plan F for new enrollees who were already eligible before 2020. Starting in 2020, new Medicare enrollees would no longer be able to buy Plan F, which made 2019 a key year for anyone considering the most comprehensive Medigap coverage. If you compare Medicare supplement plans 2019 with an eye on the future, Plan G became the closest successor to Plan F for people newly eligible for Medicare.
Choosing the Right Plan for Your Situation
The best plan depends on how much care you expect and how much risk you want to carry. If you visit the doctor frequently or spend time in the hospital, Plan F or Plan G reduces surprise bills to near zero. If you are generally healthy and rarely need care, Plan N can keep monthly costs low while still covering major gaps. Travel matters too — all Medigap plans cover 80% of emergency care abroad after a deductible, but the annual limits and copays differ by plan. When you compare Medicare supplement plans 2019, weigh your typical usage against premium levels, copay exposure, and the deductible you are willing to pay each year.
Comparing Insurers for the Same Plan
Because standardized plans must offer identical benefits, the decision often comes down to price, customer service, and financial stability. In 2019, premiums for the same letter plan could vary by hundreds of dollars across insurers in the same ZIP code. Look beyond the premium by checking complaint ratios, star ratings, and whether the insurer offers a first-year rate guarantee. A lower premium can become more expensive if the insurer raises rates sharply after the first year, so stability matters as much as the sticker price.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Buying a Medigap policy based on premium alone without checking the deductible and copay structure.
- Assuming all insurers charge the same premium for the same plan letter.
- Missing the six-month open enrollment window and facing medical underwriting.
- Choosing a plan without considering how often you travel or see specialists.
- Confusing Medicare Advantage with Medicare Supplement — they are different products with different rules.
Bottom Line
Comparing Medicare supplement plans in 2019 comes down to matching coverage breadth with your budget and expected healthcare use. Plan F gave the most complete protection, Plan G offered nearly identical coverage with a deductible trade-off, and Plan N provided a lower-cost option with modest copays. Premiums vary widely by insurer and location, and enrollment timing can lock you into higher costs if you delay. Use the standardized plan letters as your starting point, then shop across insurers for the best price and stability.