Introduction
Medicare is a federal health insurance program in the United States designed primarily for people aged 65 and older. While Original Medicare (Part A and Part B) covers many medical services, it does not pay for all healthcare costs. Beneficiaries are still responsible for deductibles, coinsurance, and other out-of-pocket expenses.
This is where Medicare Supplement Insurance (Medigap) becomes important. Medigap plans are designed to fill the “gaps” in Original Medicare coverage. Among the available options, Medicare Supplement Plan G has become one of the most popular choices because it offers extensive coverage with relatively predictable costs.
Plan G covers most Medicare out-of-pocket expenses except for the Medicare Part B deductible, making it one of the most comprehensive options available for new Medicare beneficiaries. According to industry estimates, nearly 40% of Medicare supplement beneficiaries choose Plan G due to its strong coverage and balanced cost structure.
This article provides a detailed overview of Medicare Plan G cost, its benefits, coverage details, comparison with other plans, and enrollment guidelines.
An Overview of Medigap Plans
Medigap (Medicare Supplement Insurance) policies are sold by private insurance companies to cover healthcare expenses that Original Medicare does not fully pay.
These plans are standardized and labeled with letters such as Plan A, B, C, D, F, G, K, L, M, and N. Each plan offers a specific set of benefits, but premiums can vary depending on the insurance company, location, and individual factors.
Key Features of Medigap Plans
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Provider | Private insurance companies |
| Eligibility | Must be enrolled in Medicare Part A and Part B |
| Coverage | Helps pay deductibles, coinsurance, and copayments |
| Standardization | Same benefits for each lettered plan nationwide |
| Premiums | Vary by insurer, location, and age |
| Flexibility | Can visit any provider accepting Medicare |
Medigap plans work alongside Original Medicare rather than replacing it. Medicare pays its share first, and then the Medigap policy covers eligible remaining costs.
Medicare Supplement Plans
Medicare supplement plans differ based on the level of coverage they provide. Some plans cover only basic benefits, while others cover almost all out-of-pocket expenses.
Comparison of Popular Medigap Plans
| Plan | Coverage Level | Typical Monthly Premium |
|---|---|---|
| Plan A | Basic coverage | $80–$150 |
| Plan B | Basic + deductible coverage | $100–$180 |
| Plan D | Moderate coverage | $120–$200 |
| Plan F | Maximum coverage (not available to new enrollees) | $150–$220 |
| Plan G | Comprehensive coverage | $120–$180 |
| Plan N | Lower premium with copays | $90–$150 |
Plan F used to be the most comprehensive plan, but it is no longer available to people who became eligible for Medicare after January 1, 2020. As a result, Plan G has become the top comprehensive option for new beneficiaries.
What Does Medicare Supplement Plan G Cover?
Medicare Supplement Plan G covers most costs left behind by Original Medicare. The only major expense it does not cover is the Medicare Part B deductible.
Key Benefits of Medicare Plan G
| Benefit | Coverage |
|---|---|
| Medicare Part A coinsurance | 100% |
| Hospital costs after Medicare benefits are exhausted | Up to 365 additional days |
| Part A deductible | Covered |
| Skilled nursing facility coinsurance | Covered |
| Hospice coinsurance | Covered |
| Part B coinsurance | Covered |
| Part B excess charges | Covered |
| Foreign travel emergency coverage | 80% |
| Blood transfusion (first 3 pints) | Covered |
| Medicare Part B deductible | Not covered |
Because it covers most out-of-pocket costs, many retirees choose Plan G for predictable healthcare expenses and nationwide provider access.
Medigap Plan G Coverage Chart
The following chart shows how Plan G compares with other Medigap plans in terms of coverage.
| Benefit | Plan A | Plan F | Plan G | Plan N |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Part A coinsurance | Covered | Covered | Covered | Covered |
| Part A deductible | Not Covered | Covered | Covered | Covered |
| Skilled nursing coinsurance | Not Covered | Covered | Covered | Covered |
| Hospice care coinsurance | Covered | Covered | Covered | Covered |
| Part B coinsurance | Covered | Covered | Covered | Covered |
| Part B excess charges | Not Covered | Covered | Covered | Not Covered |
| Foreign travel emergency | Not Covered | Covered | Covered | Covered |
| Part B deductible | Not Covered | Covered | Not Covered | Not Covered |
Plan G is essentially identical to Plan F except that Plan G requires beneficiaries to pay the Part B deductible themselves.
Medigap Plan G Cost-Sharing
Medicare Supplement Plan G significantly reduces out-of-pocket costs for medical services.
Cost Sharing Breakdown
| Expense Type | Who Pays |
|---|---|
| Medicare Part B deductible | You pay |
| Medicare Part B coinsurance | Plan G pays |
| Hospital deductible | Plan G pays |
| Skilled nursing coinsurance | Plan G pays |
| Hospice copayment | Plan G pays |
| Foreign travel emergency | 80% covered |
Once the Part B deductible is paid for the year, Plan G typically covers the remaining approved Medicare costs.
Medicare Supplement Plan G vs. Plan F Example
Although Plan F is no longer available to new Medicare beneficiaries, it is still helpful to compare the two plans.
Plan G vs Plan F
| Feature | Plan F | Plan G |
|---|---|---|
| Part B deductible coverage | Yes | No |
| Premium cost | Higher | Lower |
| Coverage level | Maximum | Nearly maximum |
| Availability | Only for pre-2020 eligibility | Available to all eligible beneficiaries |
Example Scenario
| Scenario | Plan F | Plan G |
|---|---|---|
| Annual premium | $2,400 | $1,800 |
| Part B deductible | $0 | $240 |
| Total annual cost | $2,400 | $2,040 |
In many cases, Plan G may cost less overall even after paying the Part B deductible.
Medicare Supplement Plan G Cost
The cost of Medicare Plan G varies depending on factors such as:
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Age
-
State of residence
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Insurance company
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Tobacco use
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Gender
-
Pricing method
However, industry averages provide a helpful guideline.
Average Monthly Premiums by Age
| Age | Average Monthly Cost |
|---|---|
| 65 | $120 – $180 |
| 75 | $140 – $220 |
| 85 | $170 – $250 |
These estimates show that premiums generally increase with age.
How Much Does Medicare Supplement Plan G Cost?
On average, Medicare Supplement Plan G costs about $155 per month, or roughly $1,864 per year.
However, the actual premium may vary widely depending on location and insurer.
Average Cost Comparison 2025 Estimates
| Medigap Plan | Average Monthly Premium | Annual Cost |
|---|---|---|
| Plan A | $215 | $2,587 |
| Plan D | $160 | $1,928 |
| Plan F | $227 | $2,734 |
| Plan G | $156 | $1,879 |
| Plan N | $128 | $1,537 |
These numbers illustrate that Plan G provides extensive coverage while remaining relatively affordable compared with other comprehensive options.
State-Based Cost Examples
| State | Average Monthly Premium |
|---|---|
| Texas | $141 |
| California | $169 |
| Florida | $217 |
| Illinois | $146 |
| Virginia | $234 |
| New York | $400 |
Premium differences across states can be significant due to insurance regulations and healthcare costs.
What Is Not Covered by Medigap Plan G?
Even though Plan G offers strong coverage, there are some services it does not include.
Services Not Covered
| Service | Coverage |
|---|---|
| Medicare Part B deductible | Not covered |
| Prescription drugs | Not covered |
| Long-term care | Not covered |
| Vision care | Not covered |
| Dental care | Not covered |
| Hearing aids | Not covered |
| Private nursing | Not covered |
To cover prescription drugs, beneficiaries typically enroll in a Medicare Part D prescription drug plan.
How to Enroll in Medicare Supplement Plan G
Enrolling in Plan G is straightforward but timing is very important.
Step-by-Step Enrollment Process
| Step | Action |
|---|---|
| Step 1 | Enroll in Medicare Part A and Part B |
| Step 2 | Compare Medigap Plan G policies from insurers |
| Step 3 | Choose a licensed insurance company |
| Step 4 | Apply during the Medigap Open Enrollment Period |
| Step 5 | Begin coverage once approved |
Medigap Open Enrollment Period
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Duration | 6 months |
| Start | When you turn 65 and enroll in Part B |
| Benefits | Guaranteed acceptance |
| Medical underwriting | Not required |
If you apply after this period, insurance companies may require medical underwriting or charge higher premiums.
For official enrollment information, visit the U.S. government Medicare website
Conclusion
Medicare Supplement Plan G is widely considered one of the best Medigap options available today. It provides extensive coverage for many healthcare expenses that Original Medicare does not fully cover, helping beneficiaries manage their medical costs more effectively.
Although Plan G requires beneficiaries to pay the Medicare Part B deductible, it still offers excellent value compared to other plans because of its lower premiums and comprehensive benefits. With an average monthly premium around $150–$160, it balances affordability and protection.
For retirees seeking predictable healthcare expenses and access to providers nationwide, Medicare Plan G remains one of the most reliable Medicare supplement options.
