Medicare Supplement High Deductible Plan G is one of the newest standardized Medigap plans. High Deductible Plan G is an option for beneficiaries who want the benefits of standard Plan G but would prefer lower monthly premiums. We’re here to answer your questions about this plan and inform you to make the best decision for your coverage.
Medicare Supplement High Deductible Plan G for 2021
High Deductible Plan G is a Medicare Supplement plan that offers the same coverage as standard Plan G. The premiums for this plan are lower than the premiums for the standard Plan G. Yet, enrollees must pay a higher deductible for coverage to kick in at 100%. Cost-sharing you pay out-of-pocket as well as the Part B deductible applies toward the high deductible amount.
Medigap High Deductible Plan G is Ideal for Those Who:
- Are comfortable paying a higher deductible in exchange for lower monthly premiums
- Semi-frequently see the doctor or need to visit the hospital
- Live in a state that allows excess charges
- Enjoy traveling outside the U.S.
For a full summary of what High Deductible Plan G covers in contrast to other plans, see the chart below.
Medicare Supplement High Deductible Plan G Comparison Chart 2021
How Much Does High Deductible Plan G Cost?
The average cost of High Deductible Plan G is around $40-$90 per month. Medigap premiums vary based on several factors, including your age and location.
What is the Deductible for High Deductible Plan G in 2021?
The deductible for High Deductible Plan G is $2,370. Beneficiaries reaching this deductible is what keeps the premiums low for this plan. Alternatively, if you’re more comfortable with higher monthly premiums and would rather not pay the higher deductible, standard Plan G would be the better choice for you.
Is High Deductible Plan G Better than High Deductible Plan F?
The only difference between High Deductible Plan G and High Deductible Plan F is the same as between Plan G and Plan F; the latter covers the Part B deductible. However, since the amount you pay towards to Part B deductible applies to the high-deductible for the plans, essentially they are the same plan.
So which one is better? If you’re eligible for either plan, the one that has the lower monthly premium in your area would be the better one. Keep in mind, both versions of Plan F have been discontinued to new Medicare beneficiaries.
Can I Use Guaranteed Issue Rights to Enroll in High Deductible Plan G?
Due to the elimination of first-dollar coverage plans, if you aren’t eligible to enroll in one and have guaranteed issue rights, you can use them to enroll in High Deductible Plan G. Conversely, those who can use guaranteed issue rights to enroll in Plan F aren’t eligible to use them to enroll in either version of Plan G.
FAQs
How to Enroll in Medicare Supplement High Deductible Plan G
At MedicareFAQ, we believe that choosing a Medicare Supplement plan isn't something you should have to do on your own. For this reason, our goal is to guide you to make an informed choice so you choose the plan that provides the most value to you. If you think that High Deductible Plan G might be right for you, the next step is to speak to an agent.
To start the process, call the phone number above or fill out our online rate form. An agent licensed in your state will prepare a premium rate comparison with quotes from our top carriers to help you determine the most suitable coverage for years to come.
Re Plan G-HD, what counts towards the high deductible besides Part A/B deductibles. Will I have to pay all of doc visits, lab procedures, etc. until I reach the deductible? Thanks.
Hi Terry – all out-of-pocket costs will count toward your deductible. So, anything you pay for yourself.
Hi. I decided to leave my ex-employers Group Health Plan to take advantage of HDG lower premiums since I rarely ever reach my old plans deductible of $850.00. I applied for and was approved for this HDG plan after answering several questions about my health on their application form and they took my first months premium. However, I have been on Medicare since March, 2018 and I am now reading from several sources that if you were were new to Medicare before January 1st, 2020, then you would not even be eligible for this plan. Did this company make a mistake accepting me, and do you foresee any problems with this in the future?
Hi Thomas – the January 1, 2020 stipulation applies to High-Deductible Plan F (as well as standard Plan F). It does not apply to HDG (or standard Plan G).
Can you switch from a high deductible plan G to regular plan G without going through medical underwriting? I’m assuming there is a 365-day trial period where you can switch no questions asked. But what about past that 365 day window?
Hi Joyce! The 12-month period you’re referring to is known as trial rights. It’s only for those switching from Medicare Advantage to Medigap if they enrolled in an Advantage plan when they were first eligible or switched from Medigap to Advantage. This SEP can only be used once. However, you should not have an issue switching from one Medigap plan to another if it’s with the same carrier.
Hi Lindsay —
I turned 65 back in April and signed up for Medicare Parts A and B as of April 1. I’ve been waiting to sign up for a Medicare Supplement policy since I’m still covered by my wife’s employer’s plan until July 1. I thought I better get on this today, so I called United Healthcare directly, intending to sign up for the high-deductible option under Plan G. The agent I spoke to said that there was no such option available for me! I was surprised since I was under the impression that, if Plan G was available in your area, then the HD option for that plan was also available. Is the HD option only available in certain areas, or is it only offered by certain carriers and maybe not by UHC? Any information you can provide on the availability of of high-deductible plans would certainly be appreciated!
John
Hey John, great question! It sounds like just UHC does not offer the high-deductible version in your area. I would call a broker that is associated with all carriers vs just one. That way you get all your options instead of being restricted to just one carrier. If you complete our rate form one of our agents will compare the plan you want in your area with all carriers to see who has the lowest premium available.
I am looking to get the Plan G or the HD plan G.
Can I switch from one to another (if I am still healthy) later on and which one would be the easier to switch from? I know that the decision would go to underwriting, before I could do it.
I like to be covered almost 100% with the plan G (except the $203), but I wouldn’t mind saving monthly either.
Thanks for the advice.
Hi Agnes! With Medigap plans, there’s no annual enrollment period. You can enroll at any time of the year. You will just have to go through medical underwriting. So yes, you can switch from one to another. Neither is easier than the other to switch from.
I am in the same boat as Agnes. I plan to get High deductible plan G now since I live overseas and do not foresee a need to use medicare until I return to US. Do not understand why a switch from HD plan G to normal Plan G would go thru underwriting since benefits and coverage are same in both except out of pocket expenses. In HD I bear the cost up of $2370 whereas in normal plan G i pay extra premium of around 1400 – 1500.
Agnes I’m feeling the same
Can’t decide between the HD or regular G plan stressing me out figuring which is better
I believe if I only used Part B Medicare services like doctor office visit my out-of-pocket total may not go to the max. Plan G covers inpatient deductible copay so that cannot be considered as my out-of-pocket costs. Do I have the correct idea of how this plan works? I did have a high f plan some time back and was not in the hospital but had outpatient surgery. I only had to pay my b deductible..however, the agent did say that under high f I was responsible for both the inpatient and outpatient deductibles. per medicare information, my payment of b deductible goes to my $2,370 deductibles so. I will only be liable for $2,167 tops. maybe. thanks
Hi Kathleen! When talking about maximum out-of-pocket max, that’s usually referring to Medicare Advantage plans, which is not the same as Medicare & Medigap. Medicare & Medigap do not have an out-of-pocket maximum. With Plan G, the only out-of-pocket cost outside the monthly premium is the Part B deductible of $203. Once you meet this deductible for the calendar year, you won’t pay anything out of pocket. With High Deductible Plan G, you must meet the deductible of $2,340. However, the $203 deductible you also must meet for Part B counts towards the $2,340 deductible. (as you said in your comment) In addition, the inpatient deductible would be out of pocket if you have not met the $2,340 deductible for the calendar year, BUT you don’t end up paying that at one time. What happens is the hospital may bill you a portion of the inpatient deductible. Whatever you end up paying will count towards the $2,340. Hopefully, that helps clarify!
Lindsay,
Hi I’m Kathi. I’m turning 65 in May 2021. I’ve been receiving social security for a year now and they automatically enrolled me in Part A & Part B effective April 1, 2021.
I’m still working and have credible insurance. My employer has more than 20 employees so according to what I read my Employer cover will be primary as long as I am working.
I’m trying to decide whether to get plan G or N.
My current insurance has a high deductible however, I only have to pay the first 250 of the deductible then the employers HRA picks up the rest. Would the $250 deductible that I have to pay for employer plan suffice for the $203 Part B deductible?
I also have copays where I pay first $10 and HRA picks up rest.
I’m trying to decide whether it is worth paying the additional premium for Part B coverage & a medigap plan as long as I’m working.
As I am starting to have more health issues creeping in, I just want to make sure I’m covered in case things go south, if you know what I mean.
Hi Kathi! Normally, you don’t need to enroll in a Medigap plan if you have employer group coverage. Your Part A & Part B benefits basically become your supplement coverage. When you leave your employer coverage, that is when you would want to enroll in a Medigap plan. Your best bet is to contact your benefits administrator to discuss how your employer coverage will work with your Medicare coverage. If then you decide that you still want to enroll in a Medigap plan, give us a call and we can help!
If I enroll under HD Plan G or F, will I be eligible for a once per lifetime transfer from my IRA to my HSA? If so, what would be the maximum transfer?
Hi Jim! Unfortunately no, you’re not allowed to make any contributions, including transfers from an IRA, to your HSA once you have Part A.