Medicare Supplement Plan G is one of the most comprehensive Medigap plans available to people new to Medicare. It helps pay many of the out-of-pocket costs left by Original Medicare — but it does not cover everything.
Questions? Call 833-265-9655
Plan G at a Glance
Quick Answer
Medicare Supplement Plan G helps pay most of the Medicare-approved costs that Original Medicare leaves behind. In 2026, you still pay the Medicare Part B deductible yourself — which is $283. After that, Plan G generally pays the remaining Medicare-approved Part A and Part B cost-sharing. Plan G does not include prescription drug coverage, dental, vision, hearing, or long-term care.
The Basics
Medicare Supplement Plan G, also called Medigap Plan G, is a standardized supplemental insurance policy that works alongside Original Medicare (Part A and Part B) to help cover out-of-pocket costs that Medicare does not fully pay.
Plan G is sold by private insurance companies and approved by Medicare. The benefits of Plan G are standardized, meaning the coverage is the same regardless of which company sells it. What differs between companies is the monthly premium, the rate history, and any household discounts or underwriting practices.
Plan G is currently one of the most comprehensive Medicare Supplement plans available to people newly enrolling in Medicare. It covers nearly everything Original Medicare leaves behind — with one exception: the Medicare Part B deductible.
Is it Plan G or Part G?
It is Medicare Supplement Plan G, not Medicare Part G. Medicare “Parts” refer to the Medicare program itself (Part A, Part B, Part C, and Part D). Medigap plans are standardized by letters — Plan G, Plan N, Plan K — and are separate from Medicare Parts.
How Plan G works
Original Medicare pays its approved share first. Then Plan G pays the remaining Medicare-approved Part A and Part B cost-sharing — after you have paid the Part B deductible for the year. You generally do not deal with claim forms; providers bill Medicare and then Plan G directly.
Coverage
Plan G covers a broad set of Medicare-approved cost-sharing items. The table below shows what Plan G covers and a plain-English explanation of each benefit.
| Medicare cost | Plan G covers it? | Plain-English explanation |
|---|---|---|
| Part A hospital coinsurance and costs up to 365 days after Medicare benefits are exhausted | Yes | Hospital stays can be expensive. Plan G covers your share of hospital costs while you are admitted. |
| Part A deductible | Yes | The Part A hospital deductible is $1,676 per benefit period in 2026. Plan G pays this for you. |
| Part A hospice care coinsurance and copayments | Yes | Covers the small copays for hospice-related prescription drugs and inpatient respite care. |
| Skilled nursing facility coinsurance | Yes | After a qualifying hospital stay, Medicare covers skilled nursing facility care but charges daily coinsurance. Plan G covers that coinsurance. |
| First 3 pints of blood | Yes | Medicare does not pay for the first three pints of blood used in a procedure. Plan G covers this cost. |
| Part B coinsurance and copayments | Yes | After the Part B deductible, Medicare pays 80% of approved outpatient costs. Plan G pays the remaining 20%. |
| Part B excess charges | Yes | Some providers charge more than Medicare’s approved amount. Plan G covers those excess charges. Plan N does not. |
| Foreign travel emergency (up to plan limits) | Yes | Covers 80% of medically necessary emergency care outside the U.S., after a $250 deductible, up to a $50,000 lifetime limit. |
| Medicare Part B deductible | No | This is the one cost Plan G does not cover. You pay the $283 Part B deductible yourself in 2026. |
Exclusions
Plan G is comprehensive, but it does not cover everything. The items below are not part of the Medigap Plan G benefit design and require separate plans or out-of-pocket payment.
| Item | Why it is not covered |
|---|---|
| Medicare Part B deductible ($283 in 2026) | Federal law no longer allows Medigap plans sold after January 1, 2020 to cover the Part B deductible for new Medicare enrollees. |
| Prescription drugs | Medigap plans do not include drug coverage. You need a separate Medicare Part D plan. |
| Routine dental care | Original Medicare does not cover routine dental. Plan G follows Medicare’s coverage rules. |
| Routine vision exams and eyewear | Routine vision is not covered by Original Medicare or Plan G. Some Medicare Advantage plans include vision extras. |
| Hearing aids and exams | Original Medicare does not cover routine hearing. Plan G does not either. |
| Long-term custodial care | Custodial care (help with daily activities in a nursing home or at home) is not a Medicare-covered service. |
| Private-duty nursing | Not a covered Medicare service and therefore not covered by Plan G. |
| Non-Medicare-approved services | Plan G only covers cost-sharing for services Medicare approves. If Medicare denies a claim, Plan G generally does not pay. |
Not sure whether Plan G, Plan N, or Medicare Advantage fits better? The Medicare Quiz takes about 2 minutes.
Take the Medicare QuizNo drug coverage with Plan G
If you choose Plan G, you must enroll in a separate Medicare Part D prescription drug plan. If you skip Part D and go 63 or more days without creditable drug coverage, you may owe a permanent Part D late enrollment penalty.
Most people with Plan G pair it with a standalone Part D plan. The combined monthly cost is still predictable, and many prefer this to the copay and network structure of Medicare Advantage.
Your Out-of-Pocket Costs
Your only significant out-of-pocket cost under Plan G is the Medicare Part B deductible. In 2026, that is $283. You pay this once per calendar year before Plan G begins covering Part B cost-sharing. After you meet it, Plan G generally picks up the remaining Medicare-approved Part B cost-sharing for the rest of the year.
Once you have paid the $283 Part B deductible, Plan G generally covers the remaining Medicare-approved cost-sharing for covered services. For most Medicare-approved outpatient services, your out-of-pocket cost after meeting the deductible is $0.
Example: Specialist visit with Plan G (after deductible)
You see a specialist for a Medicare-covered visit. Original Medicare approves the service.
Medicare pays: 80% of the Medicare-approved amount.
Plan G pays: The remaining 20% Medicare-approved coinsurance.
Your cost: $0 for that visit (because you already paid your $283 deductible earlier in the year).
2026 Plan G cost reference
Part B deductible: $283 (you pay once per year)
Part A deductible: $1,676 per benefit period (Plan G pays)
Skilled nursing facility coinsurance, days 21–100: $209.50/day in 2026 (Plan G pays)
Part B coinsurance: 20% after deductible (Plan G pays)
Part B excess charges: Covered by Plan G
Monthly Plan G premium: Varies by company, age, location, and underwriting
Source: CMS 2026 Medicare costs. Values subject to annual update.
Important: monthly premium is not standardized
The benefits of Plan G are standardized by letter — every Plan G covers the same things. But the monthly premium is set by each insurance company and varies based on your age, ZIP code, gender, tobacco use, and the company’s pricing method. Comparing Plan G premiums across carriers is worthwhile before enrolling.
High-Deductible Option
High-Deductible Plan G (HD-G) is a version of Plan G with a much lower monthly premium but a high deductible you must meet before the plan begins paying. In 2026, the High-Deductible Plan G deductible is $2,870.
Until you reach that $2,870 threshold, you pay Medicare-approved cost-sharing out of pocket. Once you hit it, HD-G covers the same benefits as standard Plan G for the rest of the year.
High-Deductible Plan G can make sense for people who are generally healthy, want the lowest possible monthly premium, and are comfortable taking on more front-end financial risk. It is not the right fit for people who expect significant medical costs or who prefer predictable expenses.
Standard Plan G
Higher monthly premium. You pay only the $283 Part B deductible per year, then Plan G covers the remaining Medicare-approved cost-sharing. More predictable for people with ongoing medical needs.
High-Deductible Plan G
Lower monthly premium. You pay the first $2,870 in Medicare-approved cost-sharing per year before the plan kicks in. May save money if you are rarely hospitalized or have minimal Medicare claims.
Plan Comparison
Plan G and Plan N are two of the most popular Medicare Supplement plans for new Medicare enrollees. Both cover most Medicare-approved cost-sharing, but there are key differences that affect the right fit depending on how you use Medicare.
| Feature | Plan G | Plan N | Why it matters |
|---|---|---|---|
| Part B deductible | Not covered | Not covered | Both require you to pay the $283 deductible yourself in 2026. |
| Part B excess charges | Covered | Not covered | This is the key difference. If your provider charges more than Medicare’s approved amount, Plan G pays the difference. Plan N leaves you responsible. |
| Office visit copays | None | Up to $20 | Plan N may charge up to a $20 copay per office visit after the deductible. Plan G has no copay. |
| Emergency room copay (non-admitted) | None | Up to $50 | Plan N may charge a $50 ER copay if you are not admitted. The copay is waived if you are admitted to the hospital. |
| Monthly premium | Generally higher | Generally lower | Plan N’s lower premium reflects its slightly higher out-of-pocket exposure. The savings may or may not offset the copays and excess charge exposure depending on how often you use Medicare. |
| Cost predictability | Higher | Moderate | Plan G leaves you with only the Part B deductible. Plan N adds possible copays and excess charges. |
| May fit best if… | You want maximum predictability and your providers charge excess charges | You want a lower premium and your providers accept Medicare assignment | Check whether your doctors charge excess charges before choosing Plan N. |
Want help comparing Plan G and Plan N in your ZIP code? A licensed Medicare agent can check what’s available and what your doctors charge.
Schedule a Medicare ReviewPlan Comparison
Plan G with Original Medicare and Medicare Advantage are two fundamentally different ways to receive your Medicare benefits. The right choice depends on your priorities, not just cost.
| Question | Plan G with Original Medicare | Medicare Advantage |
|---|---|---|
| Can I use any doctor that accepts Medicare? | Yes — nationwide | Usually no — local network applies in most cases |
| Do I need referrals to see a specialist? | Generally no | Depends on the plan; many HMO plans require referrals |
| Are there provider networks? | No network — use any Medicare provider | Yes — HMO or PPO networks vary by plan and ZIP code |
| Do I need a separate Part D drug plan? | Yes — standalone Part D plan required | Usually no — drug coverage often included |
| Are monthly premiums usually higher? | Yes — Medigap premiums can be significant | Often lower or $0 premium options available |
| Are out-of-pocket medical costs more predictable? | Generally yes — after the Part B deductible, most costs are covered | Varies — copays and out-of-pocket maximums apply |
| Does it include extras like dental, vision, or OTC benefits? | No — Plan G does not include these extras | Many plans include dental, vision, hearing, and OTC allowances |
| Can I switch later without underwriting? | Enrolled during guaranteed issue: generally yes. Enrolling later: underwriting likely applies in most states |
Can switch plans during Annual Enrollment, but switching back to Medigap may require underwriting |
There is no universal right answer. The best fit depends on your doctors, prescriptions, how often you travel, your comfort with networks and copays, and your budget for premiums vs out-of-pocket costs. A licensed agent can walk through both paths clearly.
Key Takeaways
Plan G is simple once someone explains it: Original Medicare pays first, Plan G fills most of the remaining gaps, and you pay the Part B deductible yourself.
Plan G benefits are standardized by letter. The monthly premium is not. Comparing carriers matters before you enroll.
The real decision is whether the predictability of Plan G is worth the premium compared with Plan N or Medicare Advantage.
Is Plan G Right for Me?
Plan G can be a strong fit for many Medicare beneficiaries, but it is not right for everyone. Understanding both sides helps you make a more confident decision.
Plan G may fit if…
Plan G may not fit if…
Enrollment Timing
The best time to buy Plan G is during your Medicare Supplement Open Enrollment Period, which begins the month you turn 65 and are enrolled in Medicare Part B. During this 6-month window, insurance companies cannot deny you Plan G, charge you more due to health conditions, or impose a waiting period for pre-existing conditions. This is called a guaranteed issue right.
Outside of this window, most states allow insurers to use medical underwriting for Medicare Supplement plans. That means they can deny you coverage or charge you a higher premium based on your health history.
Do not wait to compare
Your Medigap Open Enrollment Period lasts only 6 months and does not repeat. Once it passes, switching to Plan G may require underwriting in most states. Compare your options before this window closes.
Other guaranteed issue situations
You may also have a guaranteed issue right to buy a Medicare Supplement plan without underwriting in these situations:
Switching Plans
You can apply for Plan G at any time, but outside of guaranteed issue periods, insurance companies in most states can use medical underwriting. That means they can decline your application or charge you more based on health conditions. Pennsylvania and some other states have additional Medigap protections, such as birthday rules or anniversary rules, that may allow you to switch with more flexibility.
If you are currently on Medicare Advantage and considering a switch to Plan G, be aware that in most states you will face underwriting. The exception is the Medicare Advantage trial right period: new Medicare enrollees who try Medicare Advantage within their first 12 months may have a one-time guaranteed right to switch to a Medicare Supplement plan.
Worried about losing coverage or want to explore switching? A licensed agent can review your specific situation and state protections.
Schedule a Medicare ReviewChoosing a Company
Because Plan G benefits are standardized, the coverage is identical from one company to the next. What differs is the monthly premium, the company’s rate history, and any household discounts or underwriting practices.
Comparing Plan G is not just asking “What does Plan G cover?” It is also asking “Which company’s Plan G makes sense for me now, and what could the rate history look like later?”
Things to compare across carriers
Plan G can be a strong fit, but the right choice depends on your doctors, prescriptions, budget, travel habits, and enrollment timing. A licensed Lehigh Partners agent can compare Plan G options available in your area and walk through the trade-offs clearly.
Common Questions
Plan G can be a strong fit, but the right choice depends on your doctors, prescriptions, budget, travel habits, and enrollment timing. A licensed Lehigh Partners Senior Benefits agent can compare Plan G and other Medicare options available in your area.
No pressure. No obligation. Just clear Medicare guidance from a licensed agent.
