What Medicare Supplement Plan G Covers
Medicare Supplement Plan G is a Medigap policy that fills many of the gaps left by Original Medicare. It covers Part A coinsurance and hospital costs up to an additional 365 days after Medicare benefits are used, Part A hospice coinsurance, and Part B coinsurance or copayment. Plan G also covers the first three pints of blood you need in a calendar year and the Part A deductible. Once you meet the Part B annual deductible, Plan G pays 100% of covered Part B coinsurance and copayments for the rest of the year. This makes Plan G one of the most comprehensive Medigap options available.
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Plan G does not cover the Part B deductible, which is the one out-of-pocket cost you must pay each year before the plan's Part B coverage begins. Everything else that Original Medicare covers is picked up by Plan G, including skilled nursing facility coinsurance and foreign travel emergency care at 80% of the cost, up to plan limits.
Plan G vs. Plan N and Plan F
Plan G is often compared to Plan F, which covers the Part B deductible as well. Plan F is no longer available to people who became eligible for Medicare on or after January 1, 2020, making Plan G the top comprehensive option for new enrollees. Plan N is a lower-cost alternative that requires copayments for some office visits and emergency room trips, but Plan G offers more predictable out-of-pocket spending with no copays for covered services.
| Feature | Plan G | Plan F | Plan N |
|---|---|---|---|
| Part B Deductible Covered | No | Yes | No |
| Part B Copays | Covered | Covered | Copay required |
| Part B Excess Charges | Covered | Covered | Not covered |
| Availability for New Enrollees | Yes | No (post-2019) | Yes |
Who Should Consider Plan G
Plan G works well for people who want predictable healthcare costs and are comfortable paying the Part B deductible once per year. It is especially attractive for those who visit doctors frequently or expect ongoing medical needs, because after the deductible is met, there are no additional copayments or coinsurance for Medicare-covered services.
Plan G may not be the best fit for people who rarely see a doctor and prefer a lower monthly premium. In that case, Plan N or a high-deductible Plan G could save money, though you would trade that savings for less predictable out-of-pocket costs when care is needed.
Costs and Pricing Factors
Medigap premiums vary by location, age, gender, and the insurer's pricing structure. Plans are priced using community-rated, issue-age-rated, or attained-age-rated methods. Community-rated plans charge the same premium regardless of age, while issue-age-rated plans base the price on how old you are when you first buy the policy. Attained-age-rated premiums increase as you get older.
Beyond the premium, consider the insurer's financial strength, customer service ratings, and whether they offer the standardized Plan G benefits. Every insurance company selling Plan G must offer the same core coverage, but premiums can differ significantly between companies in the same area.
Enrollment and Guaranteed Issue Rights
The best time to buy any Medigap policy is during your six-month Medigap open enrollment period, which starts the first day you are 65 or older and enrolled in Medicare Part B. During this window, insurers cannot deny you coverage or charge higher premiums based on health history.
Outside of open enrollment, you can still apply, but insurers may use medical underwriting to decline coverage or charge more. Certain life events, such as losing employer coverage, may trigger guaranteed issue rights that protect your ability to buy Plan G without underwriting.
Limitations to Know
Plan G does not cover long-term care, vision or dental care, hearing aids, eyeglasses, or private-duty nursing. It also does not cover services Medicare does not cover in the first place. If you travel abroad, Plan G covers 80% of emergency care costs, but you are responsible for the remaining 20% and for any costs that exceed lifetime limits.
- Plan G covers Part A coinsurance and hospital costs up to 365 additional days
- Plan G covers Part B coinsurance and copayments after the deductible
- The Part B deductible is the only annual out-of-pocket cost
- Plan G is not available to new Medicare enrollees who turned 65 after 2019 for Plan F