Medigap Plan G (Greatest Value Medigap Plan)

Medigap Plan G is known for providing the greatest value of the available options to beneficiaries. Yet, when choosing supplemental Medicare coverage, you’ll want to know ahead of time if Plan G is right for you. We’re here with all the information you need to know about what Plan G covers, the costs associated with this plan, and more.

Medicare Supplement Plan G for 2021

Medicare Supplement Plan G is one of the most popular Medigap plans on the market. This plan increased in popularity when Plan F ceased to be available to newly eligible beneficiaries due to MACRA. Next to Plan F, Plan G covers the most comprehensive range of benefits. Additionally, Plan G premiums tend to be lower than premiums for Plan F.

Medicare Supplement Plan G Coverage

Like other plans, Plan G fills in the gaps that Original Medicare leaves uncovered. Plan G covers everything listed on the benefits chart, with the exception of the Part B deductible. With Plan G, you’ll only be responsible for the annual Part B deductible of $203 outside your monthly premium. Whether you visit your doctor, the hospital, or a specialist, you won’t have to worry about getting hit with an unexpected medical bill.

Plan G covers:

The Part A deductible
Hospice copayments and coinsurance
Foreign travel emergency costs
Part B excess charges

For a full summary of what Plan G covers in contrast to other plans, see the chart below.

Medicare Supplement Plan G Comparison Chart

How Much Does Medicare Plan G Cost in 2021

The average cost of Medigap Plan G is around $100-$200 per month. Medicare Supplement premiums are unique per individual. What you pay depends on a number of factors, your location being a major determinant. Generally, Medigap premiums tend to be more expensive in states where the cost of living is higher.

When compared to Plan F, Plan G has a lower rate increase history. Further, what you save in a year when paying the monthly premiums for Plan G might be more than you save by not paying the Part B deductible while having coverage through Plan F.

What is the deductible for Plan G in 2021

The only deductible that is involved when you have Plan G is the Part B annual deductible, which is $203 in 2021.

Lower Premium Option for Plan G

Do you find the benefits for standard Plan G attractive but the monthly premiums are more than you want to spend? High Deductible Plan G offers the same benefits for a lower premium. However, in exchange for the lower monthly cost, you’ll need to reach the deductible prior to receiving 100% coverage.

Medicare Supplement Plan G Rate Increase History

Many different factors will impact your plan rate increases. This includes the age you are when you enroll and the pricing method used at the time of enrollment. The average Medicare Supplement Plan G rate increase can average anywhere between 2%-6%.

It’s important to discuss with your agent what the rate increase history is based on the carrier you choose to enroll with. Researching carrier reviews before enrolling is a key determinant when choosing which company you enroll with.

Are all Medigap Plan G the Same

Because the federal government standardizes Medigap plans, Plan G provides the same benefits regardless of the carrier. However, monthly premium rates vary per state & carrier.

Is Medigap Plan G Going Away

No, Plan G is not going away. Newly eligible enrollees can no longer get Plan C or Plan F because of the elimination of first-dollar coverage plans. Plan G is not a first-dollar coverage plan and is here to stay.

FAQs

What is Medicare Part G?

When you hear people discuss Part G, they really mean Plan G. There is no Part G in Medicare, only Plan G.

Does Medicare Plan G Cover Eye Exams?

No, Plan G does not include vision coverage. Medigap plans don’t offer any type of vision benefits. You would want to enroll in a separate vision plan to get coverage for vision services.

Does Medicare Plan G Cover Prescriptions?

With Plan G, you’ll have coverage for medications provided in an outpatient setting under Part B since you’re required to have Part B in order to enroll in a Medigap plan. You’ll still need a Part D prescription drug plan for coverage of drugs that you get from the pharmacy and take at home.

Is Medigap Plan G available to those who are under 65?

There is no federal mandate that says Medigap must be available to those under 65. Yet, some states require insurance companies offering Medicare Supplement plans to provide at least one option to those under 65. Usually, the option is Plan A, offering only the most basic benefits. Medigap plans for beneficiaries under 65 are more expensive in most states. In New York, a beneficiary under 65 will pay the same premium as someone over 65.

Is Plan G guaranteed issue?

If you are in your Medicare Supplement Open Enrollment Period or have guaranteed issue rights under another circumstance, you are guaranteed issue into Plan G.

Is Plan G better than Plan F?

Plan F is more comprehensive than Plan G, covering the annual Part B deductible. Yet, Plan F is unavailable to newer beneficiaries and Plan G often comes with a lower premium. It’s best to think about which plan is better for your needs and will provide you with more value.

What is the difference between Plan G and Plan N?

Plan N requires copays for Part B that Plan G does not. Also, Plan G covers excess charges, whereas Plan N does not. Keep in mind that only some states allow excess charges yet many doctors still don’t require them.

Is Medicare Advantage better than Plan G?

The answer to this question is different for each beneficiary. It 100% depends on your unique situation, budget, and healthcare goals. What’s important to you will determine which plan is better. For example, maybe doctor networks are more important to you than what your monthly premium is. In this case, Plan G would be better than Medicare Advantage. However, if having a lower premium outweighs the importance of doctors’ networks to you, then an Advantage plan may be better than Plan G in that scenario.

Is Plan G cheaper than Plan F?

For most beneficiaries, Plan G is cheaper than Plan F. When comparing rates, make sure to take into consideration not only the difference in monthly premiums but the cost of the Part B deductible as well.

How to Enroll in Medicare Plan G

Medicare isn’t easy to understand. Changes come every year and it’s hard to keep up. Our job at MedicareFAQ is to have our finger on the pulse of these changes so we can help you become informed to make the right choice for your coverage. We understand how important it is to find affordable coverage, without sacrificing your healthcare benefits.

Call us for a free Medicare consultation and or fill out our online rate form to see quotes for Plan G policies available near you. We’ll prepare a plan comparison for you to find the best rate available in your area. We work with dozens of carriers to guarantee you’re getting the most value from your plan.

Was this article helpful ?
Yes (14)No

2 thoughts on “Medigap Plan G (Greatest Value Medigap Plan)”

Jacque McCollar says:

February 18, 2021 at 3:39 pm

Do you offer any senior prescription plans?

1. Lindsay Engle says:
  
  February 18, 2021 at 3:58 pm
  
  Hi Jacque! We do offer Part D plans. Give us a call when you’re ready!