Medicare Supplement Plan G is the most comprehensive Medicare Supplement (Medigap) plan available for those new to Medicare. This coverage has increased in popularity in recent years, becoming one of, if not the, most popular Medicare Supplement plan available today. Medicare Supplement Plan G fills the gap between what Original Medicare pays and the costs for which you (the beneficiary) are responsible.
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Below, we review the coverage, costs, and availability of Medicare Supplement Plan G and how you can benefit from this coverage.
What is Medicare Supplement Plan G?
Like other Medicare Supplement plans, Medicare Supplement Plan G pays secondary to Original Medicare (Part A and Part B). Original Medicare does not provide full coverage for medical services. So, a Medicare Supplement plan helps cover the out-of-pocket costs for which you would otherwise be responsible.
Ten standardized Medicare Supplement plans and two high deductible versions are available to those on Medicare nationwide. Each plan is identified by a letter, A through N. Each lettered Medicare Supplement plan has a different coverage level and monthly premium to meet the healthcare and budget needs of any senior on Medicare.
Medicare Supplement Plan G is one of the ten options available to seniors. Medicare Supplement Plan G is the most comprehensive plan for new Medicare beneficiaries and is a top option for all Medicare enrollees. When you sign up for Medicare Supplement Plan G, your out-of-pocket costs are a fraction of what they would be with Original Medicare. After meeting the annual deductible, additional medical costs will be covered at 100% that year.
When you enroll in a Medicare Supplement plan, you can keep all the great benefits of Original Medicare but have predictable healthcare costs. Due to plan standardization, you can receive care from any medical professional who accepts Original Medicare regardless of your Medicare Supplement carrier. A practitioner can never deny you service due to your Medicare Supplement insurance company.
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Medicare Supplement Plan G provides coverage for a wide range of services and helps cut your costs when using Original Medicare.
One of the most notable benefits of Medicare Supplement Plan G is that it covers all Medicare-related costs after you pay the Medicare Part B deductible. Other Medicare Supplement plans involve additional out-of-pocket expenses costs after you reach the Medicare Part B deductible.
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Thus, the only out-of-pocket cost that a Plan G policyholder would need to cover is the Medicare Part B annual deductible. Keep in mind, this amount changes each year and your costs restart on January 1.
Additionally, your Medicare Supplement Plan G will be accepted nationwide as it would in your home state. Any doctor who accepts Original Medicare must accept your Medicare Supplement coverage as it pays secondary to the federal health plan. This is a unique benefit of Medicare Supplement plans. So, if you plan to travel in your retirement, Medicare Supplement may be right for you.
Medicare Supplement Plan G Comparison Chart
See the chart below for a complete summary of Medicare SupplementPlan G benefits.
What Does Medicare Supplement Plan G Cover?
Medicare Supplement Plan G helps keep your out-of-pocket costs as low as possible. Benefits of Medicare Supplement Plan G include:
- 100% coverage for Medicare Part A deductible
- 100% coverage for hospice copayments and coinsurance
- Additional foreign travel emergency benefits
- 100% coverage for Medicare Part B excess charges
- Guaranteed renewable policy, regardless of health
The only cost Medicare Supplement Plan G does not cover is the annual Medicare Part B deductible.
Once you meet the Medicare Part B deductible, you will not have to worry about additional copayments or unexpected medical bills. Further, because the federal government standardizes Medicare Supplement plans, Medicare Supplement Plan G provides the same benefits regardless of the carrier. However, monthly premium rates vary by state and carrier.
Compared to other Medicare Supplement plans, Medicare Supplement Plan G is one of the most comprehensive, second only to Plan F. However, not all Medicare beneficiaries are eligible for Plan F coverage.
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Due to the Medicare Access and CHIP Reauthorization Act of 2015 (MACRA), if you receive Medicare after January 1, 2020, you are no longer eligible for Medicare Supplement Plan F. Due to this change, new Medicare seniors tend to enroll in Medicare Supplement Plan G, as it is the next best option.
What is Not Covered by Medicare Supplement Plan G?
The only out-of-pocket cost left behind by Original Medicare not covered by Medicare Supplement Plan G is the Medicare Part B deductible. You are responsible for meeting this deductible before your Medicare Supplement benefits kick in.
Additionally, Medicare Supplement Plan G does not cover benefits for routine dental, vision, hearing, or prescription drug services.
Medicare Supplement Plan G only covers the benefits that Original Medicare will cover. Meaning that it will only pay after Original Medicare pays. So, if Original Medicare does not pay its portion, neither will your Medicare Supplement Plan G.
Suppose you are interested in these additional benefits. In that case, you will want to enroll in a separate dental, vision, and hearing plan and a Medicare Part D plan to help pay for prescription drugs.
These plans work hand-in-hand with your Original Medicare and Medicare Supplement Plan G to increase your benefits without losing health coverage.
How Much Does Medicare Supplement Plan G Cost in 2023?
The cost of Medicare Supplement Plan G varies depending on multiple factors, including where you live, your age, tobacco-use status, and gender. Still, Plan G’s cost ranges from around $100-$300 per month.
As a rule of thumb, monthly Medicare Supplement premiums tend to be more expensive in areas with higher costs of living.
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If you find the benefits of Medicare Supplement Plan G attractive but cannot pay the monthly premium, you have another option. Medicare Supplement High Deductible Plan G offers the same benefits for a lower monthly premium. However, in exchange for the low monthly cost, you must reach a higher deductible before receiving 100% coverage.
Below we explore the costs of Medicare Supplement Plan G across three different markets. For our methodology, we’re comparing both men and women aged 65 and 75 years old. None of them use tobacco products:
| Plan G Average Monthly Cost in Las Vegas, NV (88901)* | |
| Gender: Female, Age: 65 | $280.00 |
| Gender: Male, Age: 65 | $314.00 |
| Gender: Female, Age: 75 | $298.00 |
| Gender Male, Age: 75 | $334.00 |
| *Please note: the above are sample rates. These are subject to change. Call us for your accurate, personalized quotes today. | |
| Plan G Average Monthly Cost in New York, NY (10001)* | |
| Gender: Female, Age: 65 | $494.00 |
| Gender: Male, Age: 65 | $494.00 |
| Gender: Female, Age: 75 | $494.00 |
| Gender Male, Age: 75 | $494.00 |
| *Please note: the above are sample rates. These are subject to change. Call us for your accurate, personalized quotes today. | |
| Plan G Average Monthly Cost in Chillicothe, OH (45601)* | |
| Gender: Female, Age: 65 | $238.00 |
| Gender: Male, Age: 65 | $269.00 |
| Gender: Female, Age: 75 | $250.00 |
| Gender Male, Age: 75 | $282.00 |
| *Please note: the above are sample rates. These are subject to change. Call us for your accurate, personalized quotes today. | |
Medicare Supplement Plan G Pros and Cons
| Medigap Plan G Pros | Medigap Plan G Cons |
|---|---|
| Medicare Supplement Plan G is a great alternative to those who wish to enroll in comprehensive benefits but aren’t eligible for Plan F. | Just like Plan F, you’ll pay more per month for your benefits because you receive more compared to most other supplemental coverage options. |
| Your only out-of-pocket medical expense to contend with is your Medicare Part B deductible. | While you receive more benefits with Plan G, you may be better off saving on your monthly premiums if you don’t often require healthcare. |
| Travelers love Plan G because not only can you use it throughout the U.S. and its territories, but the foreign emergency travel benefit can provide peace of mind internationally. A lifetime limit applies. | Even though Plan G is the most comprehensive coverage for new beneficiaries, there are several health costs like dental or vision not covered. |
What Carriers Offer Medicare Supplement Plan G?
Medicare Supplement Plan G is offered by a wide range of carriers, and here at MedicareFAQ, we are proud to provide many top-rated options for our clients. Here are several examples of top-rated brands offering Medicare Supplement Plan G:
- Accendo
- Aetna
- Aetna Health and Life Insurance Company (An Aetna Company)
- American Continental Insurance Company (An Aetna Company)
- American Retirement Life Insurance Company (A Cigna Company)
- Anthem Blue Cross Blue Shield
- Bankers Fidelity
- Blue Cross Blue Shield
- Cigna
- Combined Insurance
- Continental Life Insurance Company (An Aetna Company)
- Equitable
- ForeThought Life Insurance
- Gerber Life Insurance
- Government Personnel Mutual
- Heartland National
- Humana
- Individual Assurance Company
- Loyal American Life Insurance Company (A Cigna Company)
- Lumico
- Manhattan Life
- Medico
- Mutual of Omaha
- National General
- New Era Life Insurance
- Omaha Insurance Company (A Mutual of Omaha Company)
- Oxford Life
- Philadelphia American Life Insurance
- SilverScript (A CVS Caremark Company)
- Standard Life and Casualty
- Stonebridge Life Insurance (A TransAmerica Company)
- TransAmerica
- TransAmerica Premier (A TransAmerica Company)
- United American
- UnitedHealthcare
- UnitedHealthcare (AARP Medicare Supplement)
- United of Omaha (A Mutual of Omaha Company)
- United World (A Mutual of Omaha Company)
Having the help of a licensed Medicare agent can help you sift through the noise and pinpoint the right carrier for you. By comparing your coverage options, you’ll be able to pinpoint the right option for your healthcare and budget.
Enrolling in Medicare Supplement Plan G
To enroll in Medicare Supplement Plan G, you must have Medicare Part A and Part B.
Pre-existing conditions may play a role in your Medicare Supplement Plan G enrollment, depending on when you apply for coverage and where you live. A pre-existing condition does not affect enrollment if you apply for Medicare Supplement Plan G during your Medicare Supplement Open Enrollment Period or qualify for guaranteed issue rights. During these times, a carrier may not deny you coverage for any reason.
If you enroll at any other time, you may be subject to underwriting health questions. However, specific state rules may also allow you to enroll without needing to answer these questions, so knowing what your state permits is vital.
If you live in a state that does not have exceptions and decide to apply outside of these enrollment periods, you will need to answer Medicare Supplement underwriting questions to determine your insurability. By providing answers to underwriting health questions, carriers may deny you coverage based on any findings.
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Lastly, if you currently have a Medicare Advantage plan and are interested in enrolling in Medicare Supplement Plan G, you will need to switch back to Original Medicare first. You can make this change by using the Annual Enrollment Period in the fall or the Medicare Advantage Open Enrollment Period in the first quarter of each year.
Returning to Original Medicare is just the first step in making the switch from Medicare Advantage to a Medicare Supplement plan. Remember, when you enroll in a Medicare Supplement plan outside a guaranteed issue right window, you must answer underwriting health questions. This may result in the denial of your plan of choice due to pre-existing health conditions.
Medicare Plan G vs. Medicare Advantage
Unlike Medicare Supplement Plan G, a Medicare Advantage plan becomes your primary insurance once you enroll in coverage. Thus, your plan can determine a physician network, set your copayments, and restrict you from seeing specialists without a referral.
The difference between Medicare Advantage and Medicare Supplement plans is not to be taken lightly. Thus, when enrolling in either coverage, you should thoroughly understand each plan type and then decide which option works best for you.
Medicare Supplement Plan G Rate Increase History
Like the monthly premium, many factors impact your Medicare Supplement plan’s rate increases. These factors include your age at the time of enrollment and the pricing method used by your Medicare Supplement plan when you enrolled. The average Medicare Supplement Plan G rate increase is between 2% to 6% annually. Remember, this percentage can be higher or lower based on your carrier.
Understanding the rate increase history for the Medigap carrier you choose is essential. Researching carrier reviews before enrolling is key when selecting your Medicare Supplement insurance company.
Is Medicare Supplement Plan G Available to Those Under 65?
There are no federal mandates requiring Medicare Supplement plans to be available to those on Medicare under 65 due to disability. Yet, some states require insurance companies offering MMedicare Supplement plans to provide at least one option to those under 65. Sometimes, these carriers allow you to enroll in Medicare Supplement Plan G.
The most common plan option available to those under 65 is Medicare Supplement Plan A. Medicare Supplement Plan A offers only the most basic benefits. However, some carriers understand the importance of widespread plan availability and will allow those on disability to enroll in Medicare Supplement Plan G.
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However, when enrolling in a Medicare Supplement plan under age 65, it is important to know that your premium may be double or even triple that of someone over 65. Carriers increase the price to account for high medical costs due to your disability. However, some carriers understand the importance of widespread plan availability and will allow those on disability to enroll in Medicare Supplement Plan G.
Why Should You Choose Medicare Supplement Plan G?
Medicare Supplement Plan G is among the highest-rated and most popular Medicare Supplement plans. Whether you are new to Medicare or looking for a policy to fit your budget or healthcare needs better, Medicare Supplement Plan G may be the right fit.
Medicare Supplement Plan G covers 100% of your costs after the Medicare Part B deductible. So, you will see that enrolling in this plan could save thousands of dollars per year on healthcare.
Once you decide that Medicare Supplement Plan G is suitable for you, purchasing your plan through a top carrier is crucial. Working with a brokerage with access to all the top carriers in your area is the best way to ensure that you are enrolling in the right plan for you.
If you contact a carrier directly, you only receive premium rate quotes for that carrier’s Medicare Supplement Plan G option. So, by working with a broker, you will receive Plan G options from various carriers. Thus, you can decide which carrier and plan are right for you.
How to Compare Medicare Supplement Plan G Options in Your Area
We know Medicare can be difficult to understand. Our job at MedicareFAQ is to have our finger on the pulse of Medicare at times, so we can best help you make the right choice for your coverage.
We understand how important it is to find affordable coverage without sacrificing healthcare benefits. Therefore, our licensed Medicare agents take the time to provide clients with a side-by-side plan comparison from all the top carriers in your area.
With the help of our team, you can find benefits to fit your health needs and budget all in one place. Complete our online rate form to access all available options near you. By answering a few simple questions, you can review all carriers in your area, the best plan options available to you, and all price points.
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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.
- Medigap, CMS . Accessed May 2022.
https://www.cms.gov/medicare/health-drug-plans/medigap - Cost of Medigap Policies, Medicare . Accessed May 2022.
https://www.medicare.gov/supplements-other-insurance/whats-medicare-supplement-insurance-medigap/medigap-costs/costs-of-medigap-policies
I’ve been on original medicare with a plan F supplemental. Does F cover a gym membership? Could I switch from plan F to G when it’s open enrollment?
Hi Sheila! Unfortunately, Medicare Supplement plans do not cover gym memberships. A gym membership would be a benefit provided to you by the carrier you enroll in (regardless of the supplement plan letter). You’ll need to check with your carrier regarding gym membership coverage. Additionally, you can switch Medigap plans at any time. You do not have to wait for a specific enrollment period. However, your application is not guaranteed to be approved as you will have to undergo medical underwriting.
Do you know where I can find the history of pricing for Medicare supplement plans sorted by company?
Hi Bill, unfortunately, this information is not stored in a public database, and most companies only provide this information to agents/brokers who offer the plans. However, were more than happy to speak with you and help you in your search!
What agency sets the excess premium rate by zip code? I am new to Medicare and plan G. My premium is costing $270 per month for plan G. Nobody seems to know who determines the higher premium for your ZIP Code?
Maryanne, there is no agency that sets Medigap prices. The prices are set by each individual carrier. Each carrier bases their premium rates off of several factors within each set ZIP Code including median household income among Medicare beneficiaries within the ZIP Code.
Does part G cover pay for in home care?
Roy, Medicare Supplement Plan G will cover the in-home services covered by Original Medicare. Home healthcare and in-home infusions would be an example of the type of in-home care covered by Medicare.
Hi, I’m trying to get resolution about my Plan G paying for the uncovered Medicare amount for a sclera shell. My plan G company is only paying 20% of the medicare portion. My ocularist said Plan G should pay all of the cost that medicare doesn’t. I’m kind of stuck in the middle, so appreciate if you can clarify for me.
Susan, if the sclera shell was deemed medically necessary by a licensed medical professional who accepts Medicare Assignment, it will be covered by Part B. The part B deductible does apply. If you have met the deductible for the year, your plan G should cover the remaining balance. However, if this is not considered medically necessary by Medicare, your supplement will not cover the costs.
I have Plan F are you staying the only difference is the deductible on Plan F being paid versus Plan G have to pay the deductible. Otherwise it pays everything I am paying on F
Hi Mary – yes, Plan G covers everything Plan F covers, except for the Part B deductible. People who became eligible for Medicare in 2020 or later can’t get the Part B deductible coverage, so Plan G isn’t available to them.
Hi, if I were interested in enrolling in plan G and wanted to add a prescription drug plan how much would that be per month?
Hi Geraldo, to obtain that coverage, you would need to purchase a Part D prescription drug plan to pair with your Medicare and Medigap coverage. The average cost of a Part D plan is $33.06. With an average-priced Plan G policy at around $150, you would be looking at spending about $180-$185 for these plans on top of your Part B premium. Of course, this depends on where you live and which carriers and Part D plan you choose to go with.
My husband is holding off on signing up for his social security. Last year he signed up for a managed Medicare does that mean he isn’t eligible for part B or G if he wants to change his plan. He is 67 years old.
Hi Fran – Managed Medicare, also known as Medicare Advantage, does not work with Plan G or any other Medigap plan. However, during the Annual Enrollment Period (which is currently going on, through December 7), he can drop his Medicare Advantage plan and go back to Medicare Parts A and B. If he’s interested in Plan G, he can apply for this coverage at any time; he will just need to answer health questions and go through the medical underwriting process.
Is the Part G deductible ($203) applied to “Wellness Visits” and routine doctor visits to treat things such as diabetes management? What constitutes a “Wellness Visit”?
Thomas, wellness visits are an annual visit provided by Medicare at no cost to the beneficiary. When utilizing this service, you will not be required to pay a deductible or copayment for any preventative services performed. However, if there are any findings from the tests run during this visit, you could be charged for the diagnostic services. You can check out more information about Wellness visits here!
Hi Lindsay, is there a supplemental plan G family plan that my wife and I can both enroll in? Or do we both have to enroll in our own individual plans? Thanks
Hi Peter! Medicare & Medigap are only individual plans, there are no family options. This is because you have to be 65 years old or have been collecting SSDI for 24 months to be eligible for Medicare. You’re not eligible based on a family member becoming eligible, eligibility is indiviual.
Does G not cover prescriptions?
Hi Diane! Medigap plans do not cover prescription drugs, Part D plans do.
I have a Pre-existing condition and currently have A & B Medicare in FL. Can I get G, and will it cover the Pre-existing condition?
Hello! As long as you have Part B, you can enroll in a Medigap plan at any time. It depends on what your pre-existing condition is in regards to if there’s a waiting period or not.
What is the out of pocket limit with Plan G?
Hi Nancy! Plan G does not have an out-of-pocket limit since the only cost-sharing is the Part B deductible. An out-of-pocket limit is not needed.
Does Plan G include a gym/fitness membership?
Hi Jan! That depends on the carrier you enroll with. Most Medigap plans do not include a gym membership, but you might get lucky and find one in your area that does.
I would like to know if my husband can get plan G he is 52 and disabled
Hi Barbara! He might be able to, it depends on what state he lives in. Not all states offer Medigap plans to those under 65. He would also need to be in his 6-month Medigap Open Enrollment Period. If he is outside this timeframe, he will have to go through medical underwriting. Most Medicare beneficiaries under 65 decide to enroll in Medicare Advantage since the premiums for Medigap when you’re under 65 are significantly high. Once your husband ages into Medicare at 65, he will get a second Medigap Open Enrollment Period to enroll in Medigap without going through medical underwriting.
What network does my provider need to be part of?
Hi Thomas! With Plan G, there are no networks. As long as your provider accepts Medicare, they will accept Plan G. Medicare Advantage plans comes with networks, Medigap plans do not.
Do you offer any senior prescription plans?
Hi Jacque! We do offer Part D plans. Give us a call when you’re ready!