ORIGINAL MEDICARELast Updated on by
Medicare Supplement Plan G
Medicare Supplement Plan G was the runner up among supplement plans. It’s now moved on up to become the most popular plan in 2021. Let’s take a look at the details of Plan G and see if this is an option that would work for you.
Overview of Medicare Supplement Plan G
Medicare Supplement Plan G is favored among beneficiaries due to having a lower premium that doesn’t impact your benefits too much.
Plan G is Great for Those Who:
- Want comprehensive coverage
- Want a plan with stable rate increases
- Don’t want out of pocket costs like copays or coinsurance
- Live in a state(s) that allow excess charges
- Travel outside the U.S. to vacation
What Does Medicare Supplement Plan G Cover?
Anything that Medicare covers, Plan G will also cover, minus the outpatient deductible under Part B. It covers your inpatient hospital costs, as well as outpatient. The only thing you have to pay out of pocket is your monthly premium and the above-mentioned deductible.
Medicare Supplement Plan G Comparison Chart
How Much Does Medigap Plan G Cost?
The average monthly premium for Plan G is around $110. But, the cost of Medigap depends on many different factors.
Standardized benefits mean the benefits remain the same even when you choose a different carrier. The only difference between Plan G with one carrier vs. another carrier is the premium. You may find that the same plan, with the same benefits, costs less with a different carrier.
Further, location is a HUGE factor in cost. The premium is different from state to state.
For instance, if you live in Florida, the average monthly premium for Plan G could be anywhere between $160-$200. If you live in Texas, the average monthly premium is between $96-$205.
Now, if you live in a state that has a lower cost of living, you can expect to pay a little less.
That’s why it’s essential to work with an agent that works with multiple carriers. Using this method of research ensures you get a non-biased quote & can compare all carriers side by side.
Plan G for Those Under 65
If you’re on Medicare & under 65, you may not be able to enroll in a Medigap plan. Not all states offer these plans to beneficiaries under 65.
If your state does offer plans to those under 65, the premiums are astronomical. There are a few states that don’t increase your premiums if you’re under 65. Some states are Illinois, Tennessee, and Pennsylvania.
What’s an Alternative to the Standard Plan G?
For those looking for a smaller monthly premium without sacrificing benefits, there is an alternative to the standard Plan G. The newly introduced High Deductible Plan G.
The plan offers beneficiaries a lower monthly premium in exchange for a high deductible.
If we go back to or above cost example, the High Deductible Plan G has a monthly premium of around $46 in Florida and $30 in Texas.
What if I don’t want a High Deductible Plan?
Another good alternative is Plan N. Plan N has a small copay for ER visits & doctor visits. There is a loophole with this. If you go to an urgent care center, there is no copay!
FAQ’s
How to Enroll in Medigap Plan G
Medicare is NOT easy to understand. It changes from year to year, and sometimes more! Our job at MedicareFAQ is to help you learn on all things Medicare. We work around the clock to make sure our clients are well educated on their Medicare options.
Our services are 100% free to you. We work with dozens of carriers to guarantee you’re getting the best possible rate that’s available in your area.
Give us a call today at the number above or fill out an online rate form and discover the options in your area now!
I have unites healthcare select plan G am I covered for dental, vision and hearing?
Hi Laurie. Medicare Supplements do not include coverage for dental, vision, or hearing. You would need to purchase a separate plan for those benefits.
Hi Lindsay. I originally went on the United Health Care, Secure Horizons, AARP HMO when I turned 65. I had it for a few years, and it was OK. Later on I became frustrated with the restrictions, not realizing it was an HMO. I changed to Medico supplement plan G, and have been reasonably happy with it. I don’t mind the small monthly premium as it allows me to have more control over my choices. Now that open enrollment is here, I thought I would do some comparisons and spoke with a broker. He suggested United Health Care Advantage Plan, which is a PPO, but some of my doctor’s are not in network. There would be no monthly premium, but I am reluctant to change. I would need to see a side by side comparison to make a good decision. Would you suggest I speak with a Medico agent?
Hi Ellen! The current Open Enrollment Period is for Medicare Advantage and Part D enrollees. Since you have a Medigap plan, you can change plans at any time. You just may need to answer some health questions. With that said, if you’re happy with your current Plan G, I would not switch to a Medicare Advantage plan. Especially given your previous experience. You will have the same limitations, as you are already seeing with your doctor not being in the network. If you want to compare premiums for Plan G with other carriers in your area to see if we can get you a lower premium without changing any benefits, give us a call. When you compare Medicare Advantage vs Medigap, you’ll see the reason Advantage plans have a zero dollar premium is that they make money off the cost-sharing you pay them as you use the benefits. With Plan G, outside the Part B deductible, you don’t have any cost-sharing.
Hi Lyndsay, I will be retiring in December 2020, I have insurance from my employer plus Medicare, I just turned 65 last June, my husband is also covered with my employer insurance plus Medicare; my question is I am turn between Medicare advantage and getting medigap or supplemental insurance, seems I am leaning to the Plan G with high deductible, do you have idea the price of this plan in FL? thank you
Hi Rosa! I would highly recommend going with high-deductible Plan G over a Medicare Advantage plan. That way, you avoid all the restrictions and limitations. In Florida, the average monthly premium for HDG starts at around $46. I hope this helps!
We are confused after watching the video. If you can please clarify the statement about the guaranteed issue rights in the PLAN G. We both currently have PLAN G and plan to remain in this plan for 2021. By doing so and not electing PLAN F will we retain our guaranteed issue rights? We did not realize this was even an benefit we had already and are unsure what we are potentially losing.
Hi Jennifer! Guaranteed Issue Rights only apply if you’re eligible for a Special Enrollment Period due to a change in circumstance. Only certain Medigap plans accept Guaranteed Issue Rights. You are not losing any benefits by staying with Plan G.
thanks so much lindsey for your reply. I have another questions but am not sure you are the person to direct it to. I have a part D plan for my meds and this year i entered the coverage gap in June and cannot seem to figure out by any plan in comparing them this year what the cost is for the insurance company. the combined cost to them and to me on 3 of my meds is what caused me to enter the gap. Do you know of a way that I can see what the total cost of the med is not just my copay! I can better determine which plan i need to chose OR perhaps the cost is the same and i just need to see which plan is the least out of pocket for me initially. thank you in advance for your time
Jennifer, you are very welcome! You can use the Medicare plan finder tool for this. You just put your zip code in, your medications, and select your pharmacy. Then it will give you a breakdown of all your annual costs including copays, coinsurance, deductibles, etc. It should also tell if and when you will enter the donut hole.
Is there a drug plan that covers the donut hole please help
Hi Rose! Medigap plans do not cover prescription medications. Part D does, however, all drug plans include the donut hole.
Hi Lindsay Engle, I’ve been reading everything about the Medicare supplement plans since I’ll be turning 65 next month. There is a lot of information & it can be confusing, but I have decided on your Plan G for my supplement. Do I receive a lower rate if I sign up on-line versus calling to have one of your reps sign me up? Thanks for your help.
Hi Johanna! At this time, you cannot sign up online for a Medigap plan, you have to speak to an agent to enroll. We have a great video on things that impact your Medigap rates that explains why you cannot enroll without speaking to an agent. The rates will be the same regardless if you enroll through us or another agent. The benefit of working with one of our agents is we work with all the top carriers vs just one. So you can compare Plan G with each carrier side by side to see which one has the lowest premium with just one call vs calling each carrier yourself one by one. In addition, you’ll receive ongoing support from our Client Care Team when you enroll through us. You can either give us a call directly at the number above or complete on online comparison form to have an agent contact you with rates in your area. I hope this helps!
Hello, This is all so confusing. I turn 65 next month and my last day of work is Sept 30th so I need to get rolling but its so scary. It appears I need A for hospital, B for medical, D for meds and G for everything else. Is it correct that if you don’t enroll in the traditional Medicare Plan G in the beginning that you can not change and enroll later. You only have one opportunity to enroll and why is that? Do the advantage plans cost less or more? So the advantage plans have a higher risk of yearly increases in premiums? Thanks!
Hi Kendra! Don’t worry, you’re not alone! I will do my best to clarify. You’re correct on combing Part A, Part B, Part D, and Plan G. That will give you the most comprehensive coverage. It is correct that you only get a one time 6-month Open Enrollment Period to enroll in Plan G. However, you can enroll in Plan G at any time. The only difference is that once your OEP has come and gone, you’ll have to answer health questions to enroll. If your health is not great, you could be denied coverage or charged higher premiums. We have a great FAQ that compares Medicare Advantage and Medigap in depth. The short version is… Advantage plans cost less because you pay more out of pocket when you go to use the benefits. With Plan G, once you pay the Part B deductible, you’ll have zero out of pocket costs. Advantage plans also come with network restrictions, where Plan G does not. With Medigap, you can see any doctor that accepts Medicare, and your coverage will follow you if you travel to another state. Advantage plans to not travel with you. In addition, if you enroll in an Advantage plan now, you may not ever be able to get Plan G later. When you’re ready to enroll, give us a call. We’ll go over all your options to make sure you get the best coverage for your situation.
My 81 year old mother had a stroke. She has plan G and will need some basic care in her home (unskilled help a couple days a week – making sure meds are taken daily, help showering, likely cleaning the house). Does any part of Medicare A, B, or G cover this? Could it pay our niece to do this care? She lives near Mom.
Hi Alysia! Under certain conditions, short-term post-hospital home health care, and skilled nursing services have coverage under Part A. However, if your mother needs these services indefinitely, and not after a hospital stay, the services won’t be covered under Medicare. Unfortunately, Medicare does not cover home health care for daily living activities such as showering, cleaning the house, etc. The only option to have these services covered would be to enroll her in your stated Medicaid program. While Medicare will not pay for these services, Medicaid covers limited in-home care or chore services for those who qualify. In some states, there are programs that pay family members to provide care to those receiving Medicaid. A great resource for you would be Caregiver.org.
i have a plan g is it covered dental implant ? mine is aarp
Hi, So Yong! Unfortunately, Medigap plans do not cover dental expenses. You would need to add on additional benefits to cover dental, hearing, and vision medical expenses. Give us a call and we can see what options are available in your area.