Original Medicare (Part A and Part B) is a federal healthcare program that covers most of your healthcare expenses and leaves some out-of-pocket costs for enrollees. When you have Original Medicare, you do not have 100% coverage. However, there are ways to lower your costs.
Find Medicare Plans in 3 Easy Steps
We can help find the right Medicare plans for you today
To fill this coverage gap, many seniors enroll in a Medicare Supplement (Medigap) plan to help cover the costs that Original Medicare leaves for you. Medicare Supplement plans can ensure you receive the most comprehensive coverage possible. So, what is the best Medicare Supplement plan in 2023? Below we answer this question and help determine which plan is best for you.
What is the Best Supplemental Insurance for Medicare?
The best health insurance for any person will depend on their health, financial status, and needs. So, pinpointing the best supplemental insurance for Medicare may differ between individuals. However, the best type of supplemental coverage for Medicare is often a Medicare Supplement plan.
Other supplemental coverage types include Medicare Advantage, veterans’, and employer health plans. However, a Medicare Supplement plan often provides the most comprehensive coverage compared to other options.
What Are the Top 5 Medicare Supplement Plans?
Medicare Supplement (Medigap) plans pay secondary, meaning after Original Medicare pays its portion. Each Medigap plan is identified by a different letter, A through N.
There are 12 Medicare Supplement plans available to those enrolled in Original Medicare; ten lettered plans and two high deductible plans. Across all carriers, benefits from the same letter plan are identical.
However, the top three Medicare Supplement plans are those with the highest levels of benefits. These plans are popular because of their coverage, low out-of-pocket costs, availability, and overall client satisfaction.
Below we review the top three Medicare Supplement plans and how you can benefit from their coverage.
Medicare Supplement Plan F: The Premium-Only Plan
Medicare Supplement Plan F is the most comprehensive Medigap option available, so it is considered one of the best Medicare Supplement plans. This option supplies you with 100% coverage after Original Medicare pays its portion.
Find Medicare Plans in 3 Easy Steps
We can help find the right Medicare plans for you today
Medigap Plan F covers the Medicare Part A and Part B deductibles and coinsurance. While on Medicare Supplement Plan F, you will never spend a dime on any Medicare-covered medical services outside your monthly premium. The plan also includes coverage for some foreign travel emergency care.
However, not everyone with Medicare is eligible for this Medigap Plan F. So. You will need to ensure you qualify. To get Medicare Supplement Plan F, you must have Original Medicare before January 1, 2020.
If you enrolled in Medicare Part A or Part B before 2020, you may keep your Medicare Supplement Plan F, enroll in Plan F, or switch to Plan F from another Medicare plan.
Medicare Supplement Plan F may be the best Medicare Supplement plan for those who:
- Frequently visit doctors and hospitals
- Live in a state that allows excess charges (although that does not mean your doctor will bill for them)
- Often travel outside the United States
If you enjoy the benefits of Medicare Supplement Plan F but want to pay a lower monthly premium, Medigap High Deductible Plan F might be right for you. High Deductible Plan F offers the same benefits as standard Plan F, but there is a $2,700 deductible in 2023. You must reach this deductible before your coverage fully kicks in.
This deductible makes the monthly premium significantly lower than the standard Medicare Supplement Plan F premium. To be eligible for Medicare Supplement High Deductible Plan F, you must also be eligible for Medigap Plan F.
Medicare Supplement Plan G: The Budgeter’s Plan
Medicare Supplement Plan G allows you to budget your medical spending by only being responsible for the annual Medicare Part B deductible. After this, you receive 100% coverage on all Medicare-covered medical expenses.
In 2023, the Medicare Part B deductible is $226. Thus, outside your monthly premium, your only out-of-pocket medical cost for the entire year is $226. Because of these low out-of-pocket costs, Medigap Plan G is one of the best Medicare Supplement plans in 2023.
Find Medicare Plans in 3 Easy Steps
We can help find the right Medicare plans for you today
Due to Medicare Supplement Plan F’s enrollment regulations, Plan G is becoming the most popular Medigap option.
Medicare Supplement Plan G may be the best plan for those who:
- Want to avoid surprise out-of-pocket hospital costs
- Seek low annual rate increases
- Like to travel outside of the United States
- Live in a state that allows excess charges
Medicare Supplement High Deductible Plan G is just as it sounds. This plan covers the same benefits as the standard Medicare Supplement Plan G but offers a lower monthly premium due to its higher deductible.
Remember that Medicare Supplement High Deductible Plan G has the same higher deductible as High Deductible Medicare Supplement Plan F, which is $2,700 in 2023.
Medicare Supplement High Deductible Plan G is a more affordable plan option for those who:
- Cannot afford Medicare Supplement Plan G’s premium
- Are looking for catastrophic coverage
Suppose you enrolled in Original Medicare before 2020. In that case, you are only eligible for Medigap High Deductible Plan F. Those who sign up for Original Medicare in 2020 or later are only eligible for High Deductible Plan G.
- Medicare Supplement Plan N: The Pay-As-You-Go Plan
Medicare Supplement Plan N is the most budget-friendly option on our list of the best Medicare Supplement plans. With this, however, comes more out-of-pocket costs. Medicare Supplement Plan N covers the complete Medicare Part A deductible and Part B 20% coinsurance.
Medigap Plan N leaves you responsible for the Medicare Part B deductible and small copays when visiting the doctor or hospital. Additionally, you are responsible for excess charges on this plan if they apply in the state where you receive care. Remember that these charges are rare, even in states that allow them.
Find Medicare Plans in 3 Easy Steps
We can help find the right Medicare plans for you today
With Medigap Plan N, you will owe $20 copayments at the doctor and $50 for an emergency room visit. However, you will not have copays if you visit one of your local urgent care facilities.
Medicare Supplement Plan N is a fantastic option for those who do not regularly go to the doctor or hospital but want emergency coverage.
Medicare Supplement Plan N may be the best choice for those who:
- Seek a relatively low monthly premium
- Do not mind small copayments
- Are not concerned about excess charges
Although Medicare Supplement Plan N is not as comprehensive as other letter plans, it is one of our clients’ most popular Medicare Supplement plans. Medigap Plan N makes the list of best Medicare Supplement plans due to its lower premiums and accessibility for relatively healthy people.
Affordable Medicare Supplements
There is no one-size-fits-all Medicare Supplement plan. Every person enrolling in Medigap has varying health needs and budgets.
It is no secret that the Supplement plans come with the most affordable monthly premiums. Depending on your state, high-deductible Medicare Supplement Plan F or Plan G will cost anywhere from $40-$80 monthly.
However, when you look at overall spending with the high-deductible Medicare Supplement plans, you may find you have a more affordable option. If you enroll in a high-deductible Medigap plan, you must meet the total deductible amount before you receive any coverage. Thus, if you have major surgery or require hospitalization, you will pay most of the cost out-of-pocket.
Find Medicare Plans in 3 Easy Steps
We can help find the right Medicare plans for you today
Regarding overall cost, the most affordable Medicare Supplement plan for most people is Medigap Plan G. This plan has a mid-range monthly premium compared to other Medicare Supplement plans. However, the out-of-pocket costs allow it to be one of the lowest-cost plans when you combine premium and out-of-pocket amounts. Aside from your monthly premium, all you are responsible for out-of-pocket with this plan is the Medicare Part B deductible.
FAQs
How to Compare the Best Medicare Supplement Plans for 2023
Comparing the best Medicare Supplement plans is essential in finding the right coverage for your needs. At MedicareFAQ, we have a full staff of licensed Medicare insurance agents who are available to help you find and review options in your area.
You can easily compare Medicare Supplement plans and rates by filling out our online rate form or calling us at the number above. Let our experts help you find a plan in your area today!
Enter ZIP Code
Enter your ZIP code to pull plan options available in your area.
Compare Plans
Select which Medicare plans you would like to compare in your area.
Get Quote
Compare rates side by side with plans & carriers available in your area.
Sources:
MedicareFAQ is dedicated to providing you with authentic and trustworthy Medicare information. We have strict sourcing guidelines and work diligently to serve our readers with accurate and up-to-date content.
- Supplements and Other Insurance, Medicare. Accessed May 2022.
https://www.medicare.gov/supplements-other-insurance/how-to-compare-medigap-policies - Learn How Medigap Works, Medicare. Accessed May 2022.
https://www.medicare.gov/health-drug-plans/medigap/basics/how-medigap-works - How to Compare Medigap Policies, Medicare. Accessed May 2022.
https://www.medicare.gov/supplements-other-insurance
I am enrolled in a medicare advantage plan that I want to cancel, not renew for 2023. I would like to enroll in a medicare supplement plan N. Is that possible and when could I enroll in a supplement plan?
Hi Elizabeth! Yes, this is possible. You will first need to apply for Medicare Supplement Plan N coverage. Once you are approved for a January 1 start date, you will then disenroll from your Medicare Advantage plan (before December 7). If you would like help comparing different Medicare Supplement Plan N carriers in your area, we are more than happy to help! Complete our online rate form to hear from an agent!
I am 71 years old and have both Medicare Parts A & B. We reside in the state of Florida for about 4 to 6 months and the rest of the time we like to travel. We have been traveling only in the states but want to start going to Europe. I presently have a Florida Supplement insurance. What is a good Medicare Supplement to have since we like to travel?
Hey, Kathy! Medicare Supplement Plan G and Plan N are two of the best options when it comes to Medigap plans with foreign travel benefits. You will receive foreign travel emergency care for any unexpected issues overseas.
Hi, my husband turns 65 June 2022. He’s been told the Plan G will have premium increases yearly at a higher rate than Plan N. This is due to more people going to plan G which would increase the amount of illness that plan G deals with. What’s your opinion between Plans G & N regarding Year over Year % of premium increase?
Great question! From my experience, each plan’s rate increases are more based on the carrier rather than the plan. While there will be a different rate increase between Plan G and Plan N, it will not be a significant difference. In terms of coverage for cost, Plan G is by far more comprehensive and tends to save you more in out-of-pocket costs in the long run. If you would like more information about both plans and which carriers can provide the lowest rates in your area, we could love to help! You can complete this form to learn more!
Good Morning
I’m a retired Union Carpenter from Philadelphia with Health Care for life, but I understand everyone must get Medicare at 65 and my Blue Cross/ Blue Shield now becomes a secondary insurance. I have to look into Medicare 6 months prior.
My Birthdate is 02/06/1957. What would be the best plan to have if I have BC/BS also?
We do travel weather here in the US and Europe too. I will need insurance to travel with. Please help me make this choice. Thank you
Hi James! Unfortunately, I cannot give you a good answer without knowing more information. If you have a benefits administrator from your union, your best bet is to reach out to them. They will know what your summary of benefits is with your current BCBS coverage and determine what parts of Medicare you should enroll in. You will want to make a choice during your Initial Enrollment Period. Your IEP begins 3 months prior to your 65th birthday and ends 3 months after your 65th birthday.
Hi Lindsey, I am 66 and my wife is turning 65 December 12, 2020. My last day of work is the same day, and that is when my company insurance will end. Both of us are enrolled in Medicare A & B beginning in December 2020. What are our best options if we plan on living in two separate states as we get ready for retirement?
Hi Dale! If you live in two separate states your best option is to enroll in a Medigap plan since it will travel with you. Medicare Advantage plans are county-specific and will not travel with you from state to state. Your Medigap Open Enrollment Period will begin the month your Part B goes into effect. That is your 6-month window to enroll without having to answer health questions.
Thinking about changing from supplement plan to advantage because advantage is 0 premium plan.are advantage plans worry free
Hi Gerald! Medicare Advantage plan premiums are low, and in some areas zero dollars, because your out of pocket costs are high. It’s important to understand what you’re enrolling in before you make the change. If you leave your Medigap plan for a Medicare Advantage plan, you may never be able to enroll back into another Medigap plan in the future in case you need better coverage. We have a great video and article that explains in detail the differences between Medigap plans vs Medicare Advantage plans.
My husband is retired and has Part A only because he is covered by my employer’s health insurance. I plan on retiring in Jan. 29th, 2021 and need to get coverage for him. He needs Part B & D But I read that Advantage plans called Part C cover all of these. Is this the best way to go as far as price and coverage. He does have to go to the Dr pretty often. No major issues like heart problems. Mainly vascular, clotting issues and arthritis. Knee replacement in his future.
Hi Cheryl! The answer to that question depends on many different factors. Factors that include what your comfortable paying out of pocket as you use the benefits, do you travel, do you have more than one doctor, etc. Medicare Advantage does not work the same as Medigap. It’s important to understand the differences, we have a great article that compares Medicare Supplements and Medicare Advantage you can read.
I am under 65 and became covered under Medicare (disability) after January 2020. Do I have to pay for my part A and B? Also, if I was already enrolled in vision and dental insurance through the healthcare marketplace is it more beneficial for me to continue that coverage through the marketplace or do I need to purchase supplemental insurance (Medigap) or (Medicare Advantage) that includes vision and dental?
Hi Sonya! If you’re collecting SSDI, you won’t be eligible for Medicare until you’ve received SSDI benefits for 24 months. On the 25th month, you’ll qualify for Medicare. As long as you paid into Medicare for at least 40 quarters, your Part A benefits will be premium free. You don’t have to enroll in Part B if you don’t want to, but you’ll be automatically enrolled in the 25th month of collecting benefits. You’ll want to call your local Social Security office to tell them you don’t want to be automatically enrolled to avoid your SSDI checks from being automatically drafted the Part B premium. Neither Medicare or Medigap include vision or dental benefits. You’ll want to either continue your vision and dental insurance through the Marketplace, or look into enrolling in a separate stand-alone dental, vision, and hearing plan outside of the Marketplace. Some Medicare Advantage plans include dental benefits, however, those benefits are very limited. Since you’re under 65, depending on the state you live in, you will more than likely have sky-high premiums for a Medigap plan. You may find that a Medicare Advantage plan is more affordable until you age into Medicare at 65. Once you turn 65, your premiums will be much cheaper for a Medigap plan. However, you will only have Guaranteed Issue for the first six months after turning 65 and enrolling in Part B. You will want to make sure you enroll in a Medigap plan within the first six months, otherwise your disability could get you denied coverage. It’s only during the first six months you have Guaranteed Issue and cannot be denied coverage. I hope this helps!
Is it still possible to find a medicare supplemental plan that offers unlimited lifetime hospitalization? thanks…
Hi Jeff! Thank you for your question. Unfortunately, there are no Medigap plans that offer unlimited lifetime hospitalization.
What states have a plan g high deductible policy available for purchase now?
Hi Peggy! It’s more based on the carriers than the state. There is not an up to date list of states available at the moment. Give us a call and our agents can see what carriers offer high-deductible Plan G in your state as of now.
I am interested in changing my medicare coverage. I became disabled in Mississippi and became covered by Medicare before I turned 65. I have since had my 65th birthday. I would like to learn what may be the best plan option for me at this time.
Hi William! Those who enroll in Medicare before 65 get a second Medicare Supplement Open Enrollment Period when they do turn 65. The first 6 months you’re 65 & your Part B is in effect you’ll be able to enroll in any Medigap plan that’s available in your area. To be able to see what plan is the best option for you, we would need some more information. Give us a call so we can help!