If you're getting close to Medicare—or helping a parent or spouse through the process—one of the first big questions is how to cover what Medicare doesn’t pay. That’s where Medicare Supplement Insurance, also known as Medigap, comes in.
This guide breaks down everything you need to know about Medicare and supplements, how Medigap programs work, and what people mean when they talk about “Medicare Part G” or “Part G of Medicare.” It’s written in real-world language so you can make an informed, confident decision.
You purchase a Medigap plan from a private insurance company to complement Original Medicare (Parts A and B
What Are Medicare Supplements (Medigap)?
Original Medicare—Part A (hospital) and Part B (medical)—covers a large portion of your healthcare costs, but it doesn’t pay for everything. You’re responsible for:
The Part A deductible
The Part B deductible
20% coinsurance for most outpatient care
Excess charges in some states
Certain copayments
Medicare Supplement plans, or Medigap programs, are private insurance policies that help cover these gaps. Their purpose is simple:
to reduce or eliminate what you would normally pay out-of-pocket with Medicare alone.
Medigap plans are standardized in most states. That means a Plan G from one carrier must provide the same medical coverage as a Plan G from another—no matter the price.
How Medigap Programs Work
All Medigap plans work alongside Original Medicare:
Medicare pays its portion of your medical bill first.
Your Medigap policy pays the rest (based on the plan you choose).
You keep your same doctors. There are no networks, no referrals, and no restrictions as long as the provider accepts Medicare.
The Most Common Medigap Plans Today
The most popular Medicare Supplement options include:
Plan G – the most comprehensive for new Medicare beneficiaries
Plan N – lower premiums with small copays
Plan A – basic coverage
High-Deductible Plan G – lower premiums, higher deductible
Because of its strong coverage and predictable costs, Plan G has become the leading choice for many Americans turning 65.
Understanding Medicare Part G (Plan G of Medicare)
People often search for “Part G of Medicare” or “Medicare Part G,” but technically, there is no Medicare “Part G.”
Parts only refer to A, B, C, and D.
What people really mean is:
👉 Medicare Supplement Plan G
Plan G is a Medigap policy—not a Medicare Part—and it fills almost all the coverage gaps in Parts A and B.
What Medicare Plan G Covers
Plan G pays for:
Part A hospital deductible
Part A coinsurance and copayments
Part B coinsurance (the 20% you’d normally pay)
Part B excess charges (in states that allow them)
Skilled nursing facility coinsurance
Hospice costs
Foreign travel emergency coverage
The only thing Plan G does not cover is the Medicare Part B yearly deductible.
Once you pay that small deductible, Plan G pays 100% of approved costs for the rest of the year.
This is why so many people search for terms like:
medicare supplemental insurance medigap
medicare medigap programs
medicare part g
part g of medicare
They’re usually trying to understand whether Plan G is worth it—and for most people, the answer is yes if they want strong coverage and doctor freedom.
Is Medicare Plan G Worth It?
For many people, Plan G strikes the perfect balance between:
Strong coverage
Predictable yearly costs
The freedom to see any doctor that takes Medicare
No referrals
Nationwide acceptance
If you want to avoid large surprise bills and prefer the comfort of knowing nearly everything is covered, Plan G is often the best all-around Medigap choice.
How Much Does Medicare Plan G Cost?
Premiums vary by:
Your age
Your ZIP code
Tobacco use
Insurance company
In many states, people turning 65 see premiums ranging from $110–$180 per month. Some areas are lower, others higher.
If you prefer a lower premium, High-Deductible Plan G offers the same benefits with a yearly deductible instead of a higher monthly cost.
Medicare Supplement vs. Medicare Advantage: Which Should You Choose?
Even though this article focuses on Medicare and supplements, it’s worth knowing how Medigap compares to Medicare Advantage.
Medicare Supplement (Medigap)
No networks
Nationwide coverage
Higher premium, very low out-of-pocket costs
No doctor referrals
Medicare Advantage
Networks (HMO/PPO)
Copays for most services
Lower or $0 premiums
Caps on yearly expenses (MOOP)
Extra benefits like dental/vision (varies by plan)
Your choice depends on budget, lifestyle, and how you prefer to access care.
When Can You Enroll in a Medigap Plan?
The best time is during your Medigap Open Enrollment Period, which begins:
The month you turn 65 and
Are enrolled in Medicare Part B
During this window, you can get any Medigap plan with no health questions.
After this period, many states allow carriers to review your medical history. Some states also offer additional guaranteed-issue protections.
Who Is a Good Fit for Medigap Plan G?
Plan G is a strong choice if:
You want predictable healthcare costs
You prefer to see any doctor without a network
You travel or split time in multiple states
You want coverage that mirrors the old Plan F
You want the most comprehensive option available to new Medicare members
For people who like simplicity, Plan G is often the easiest Medicare option to understand.
Final Thoughts: Choosing the Right Medicare Supplement Plan
Understanding Medicare and supplements doesn’t have to feel overwhelming. Medigap plans were created to give you peace of mind—especially plans like Medicare Plan G, which continue to be the most popular choice nationwide.
Whether you're turning 65, retiring, or helping a parent navigate coverage, the right Medicare Supplement can:
Protect your savings
Reduce your out-of-pocket costs
Give you the freedom to choose your doctors
Provide predictable costs year after year
If you need help comparing rates or deciding whether Plan G is right for you, I can walk you through the numbers step-by-step and explain your options in clear English. Request an appointment.
