Medicare Supplement High Deductible Plan G is one of the newest standardized Medicare Supplement plans. Medicare Supplement High Deductible Plan G is an option for Medicare beneficiaries who want the benefits of standard Medicare Supplement Plan G but would prefer lower monthly premiums.
We are here to answer your questions about the Medicare Supplement High Deductible Plan G and inform you to make the best decision for your coverage.
Medicare Supplement High Deductible Plan G for 2022
High Deductible Plan G is a Medicare Supplement plan that offers the same coverage as the standard Medicare Supplement Plan G. The premiums for the Medicare Supplement High Deductible Plan G are lower than the premiums for the standard Medicare Supplement 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 Medicare Part B deductible applies toward the high deductible amount.
Medicare Supplement 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 Medicare Supplement High Deductible Plan G covers in contrast to other plans, see the chart below.
Medicare Supplement High Deductible Plan G Comparison Chart 2022
How Much Does Medicare Supplement High Deductible Plan G Cost?
The average cost of Medicare Supplement High Deductible Plan G is around $40-$90 per month. Medicare Supplement premiums vary based on several factors, including your age and location.
What is the Deductible for Medicare Supplement High Deductible Plan G in 2022?
The deductible for Medicare Supplement High Deductible Plan G is $2,490. Beneficiaries reaching this deductible is what keeps the premiums low for this plan. Alternatively, if you are more comfortable with higher monthly premiums and would rather not pay the higher deductible, standard Medicare Supplement Plan G would be the better choice for you.
Is Medicare Supplement High Deductible Plan G Better than High Deductible Plan F?
The only difference between Medicare Supplement High Deductible Plan G and High Deductible Plan F is the same as between Medicare Supplement Plan G and Plan F; the latter covers the Medicare Part B deductible. However, since the amount you pay towards the Medicare Part B deductible applies to the high-deductible for the plans, they are essentially the same plan.
So which one is better? If you’re eligible for either Medicare Supplement plan, the Medicare Supplement plan that has the lower monthly premium in your area would be the better choice. Keep in mind, both versions of Medicare Supplement Plan F are now unavailable to new Medicare beneficiaries.
Can I Use Guaranteed Issue Rights to Enroll in Medicare Supplement 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 these rights to enroll in Medicare Supplement High Deductible Plan G. Conversely, those who can use guaranteed issue rights to enroll in Medicare Supplement Plan F are not eligible to use them to enroll in either version of Medicare Supplement Plan G.
FAQs
How to Enroll in Medicare Supplement High Deductible Plan G
At MedicareFAQ, we believe that choosing a Medicare Supplement plan is not 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 could 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.
As to routine preventive screening procedures (done periodically within established Medicare time parameters) – like mammograms, cervical cancer screening, bone mass measurements, cardiovascular screening blood tests, colonoscopy, flu shots and other preventive healthcare listed . Original Medicare states one pays nothing for some procedures if the doctor or other qualified health care provider accepts assignment. I’m going to assume that also applies to High Deductible Plans? Thanks for your knowledge and expertise!
Karen, yes, this assumption is accurate. These preventative services are covered in full by Original Medicare, so your supplement plan would not be billed and in turn, you would not be billed.
Is there a Medigap supplement plan F available at this time for anyone after 2020?
Bill, the Medigap Plan F is available for anyone who received Medicare Part A prior to Jan. 1, 2020. Anyone who received their Part A after that date is not eligible for Plan F.
Can I switch from HD G to standard G if my health declines in later years?
Hi Ann – unless you have guaranteed issue rights, you could face denial from a Medicare Supplement company due to a pre-existing condition.
Does this mean you can switch from HD G to regular G in California without underwriting using the Birthday rule? In other words, are regular G and High Deductible G considered equivalent for switching here?
Ariel, since the Medicare Supplement High Deductible Plan G has a higher deductible, it is considered lesser benefit than the standard Medicare Supplement Plan G. So, if you are using the CA Birthday rule, you are not eligible to change from HDG to the standard Plan G.
For the hi deductible Plan G, does this mean that even my yearly physical would need to be paid for by me and then count towards my $2,490 deductible? I’m just not clear on what counts towards the deductible and what does not.
In the last couple of years that has been, thankfully, my only doctor visits.
Thanks
Do the monthly premiums go towards the $2370 for the Plan G HD?
Hi Mike – unfortunately, premiums don’t count toward deductibles.
Regarding high deductible plan G, I understand it doesn’t kick in until the $2,370 deductible is reached and paid. My question is, do all of the standard medicare deductibles and copays remain in effect before the HD plan G deductible is reached? For example, once I reach $203 for medicare B services, does medicare pay the stated 80% for care received after, even with a HD plan G in place? And if they do, is it the 20% I am required to pay for to the same services what is calculated toward the $2,730 deductible of HD plan G?
Hello – you must pay the ($233 for 2022) Part B deductible to receive 80% coverage from Original Medicare. The $233 as well as all out-of-pocket costs you’ll pay through your 20% coinsurance count toward the ($2,490 for 2022) high deductible.
Do you have an official government source for the fact that the $233 Part B deductible payment counts towards the $2490 high deductible plan G deductible? It would seem, as your materials indicate, that that makes the high deductible versions of the F & G plans identical, which doesn’t seem like it was intended. I’ve looked on Medicare.gov and cms.gov and cannot find this anywhere.
Harold, when looking at them at face value, the High Deductible Plan F and Plan G are the exact same coverage. You are only required to pay $2,490 on either plan. The difference is that you are only eligible to enroll in HD-F if you received Medicare before 2020 and HD-F if you received Medicare after January 1, 2020.
https://www.cms.gov/files/document/cy-2022-fg-j-deductible-amount-medigap-high-deductible-options.pdf
Here you can read about the high deductible plan deductibles.
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.
Hey Mr. Esch , I have enjoyed reading your professional responses back to patrons questions and concerns . I have a question for you . I am still on my employer insurance plan , but in August of this year 2022 I will turn 65 yrs old and I think that I have made my mind up about keeping the the original Medicare and going with a Supplment plan . I hear everyone speaking of the high deducible plan G . Could you answer this question for me if possible . The deducible of 2, 490 dollars on that plan . Does that just means that like for example if you get your annual physical . Will you have to pay a co – pay to see the doctor and then my question is how much of that doctors visit be paid for example .Say the visit is $500.00 dollars how much of the original medicare and your supplement G of that bill will be paid . I know that plan G , is not saying you have to pay that whole deducible up front , but I know the bills will not be paid at 100 percent until the co – pay has been met ! How much of that $500. 00 dollar office bill will be paid ?
Rita, in the context of your example, annual exams would be covered in full by Original Medicare. However, if you go to an additional appointment, Original Medicare will cover 80% of your visit after the Part B deductible has been met. After that, you will pay the remaining 20% until you meet the High Deductible G plan’s deductible of $2,490.
So, you will pay the initial $233 out of pocket. Once you pay $233, Medicare covers 80% and you cover 20% until you pay $2,490.
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.