Compare Medigap Options in Ohio
Find the best plans in less than 2 minutes
What is Medicare Supplement Plan G?
Medicare Supplement Plan G, also known as Medigap Plan G, is a standardized supplemental insurance policy that fills most of the coverage gaps left by Original Medicare (Parts A and B). Approved and regulated by the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS), Plan G offers some of the most comprehensive coverage available to new Medicare enrollees in 2026.
Since Plan F became unavailable to new Medicare beneficiaries after January 1, 2020, Plan G has emerged as the most popular Medigap option. The key difference between the two plans is that Plan G does not cover the Medicare Part B annual deductible, which is $283 in 2026. Once you pay this deductible, Plan G covers virtually all other Medicare cost-sharing expenses.
Plan G works alongside Original Medicare, not as a replacement. You'll continue paying your Medicare Part B premium ($202.90 per month for most people in 2026, up from $185 in 2025) plus your Plan G premium. In exchange, you gain financial protection against unexpected medical bills and the freedom to see any doctor or specialist who accepts Medicare without network restrictions.
How Plan G Works with Original Medicare
When you have Plan G coverage, Medicare pays its share of approved costs first. For Part B services, Medicare typically covers 80% of the approved amount after you meet the annual deductible. Your Plan G policy then steps in to cover the remaining 20% coinsurance, eliminating most out-of-pocket expenses beyond your monthly premium and the annual Part B deductible.
Understanding the basics of Medicare Supplement insurance helps you appreciate why Plan G has become the gold standard for comprehensive coverage.
Compare Medigap Options in Ohio
Find the best plans in less than 2 minutes
Complete Coverage: What Does Medicare Supplement Plan G Cover?
Understanding exactly what Plan G covers helps you anticipate your healthcare costs and avoid surprises. Here's a comprehensive breakdown of Plan G benefits:
Part A Coverage Benefits
Hospital Coinsurance and Costs: Plan G covers 100% of Part A coinsurance and hospital costs for up to an additional 365 days after Medicare benefits are exhausted. This includes the daily coinsurance for hospital stays beyond Medicare's initial coverage, including $434 per day for days 61-90 in 2026.
Part A Deductible: The 2026 Part A deductible is $1,736 per benefit period, an increase from $1,676 in 2025. Plan G covers this in full, meaning you won't pay anything for hospital admissions once you've met your Part B deductible.
Skilled Nursing Facility Coinsurance: After a qualifying hospital stay, Medicare covers skilled nursing care in a facility for up to 100 days per benefit period. For days 21-100, there's a daily coinsurance of $217 per day in 2026. Plan G covers 100% of this cost.
Hospice Care Coinsurance: Plan G covers the Part A hospice care coinsurance or copayment, ensuring that end-of-life care remains affordable and accessible.
Part B Coverage Benefits
Coinsurance and Copayments: After you pay the annual $283 Part B deductible, Plan G covers 100% of Part B coinsurance (typically 20% of Medicare-approved amounts) for doctor visits, outpatient care, medical equipment, and other Part B services.
Excess Charges: When doctors charge more than Medicare's approved amount (up to 15% extra), Plan G covers these excess charges completely. This benefit is particularly valuable if you see specialists who don't accept Medicare assignment.
Blood Transfusions: Plan G covers the first three pints of blood each year for Part A and Part B services after you've met your Part B deductible.
Additional Coverage Benefits
Foreign Travel Emergency: If you travel outside the United States, Plan G provides coverage for emergency medical care. After you pay a $250 deductible per calendar year, the plan covers 80% of medically necessary emergency care during the first 60 days of your trip, up to a lifetime maximum of $50,000.
What Medicare Supplement Plan G Does NOT Cover
While Plan G offers extensive coverage, it's important to understand its limitations:
- Part B Deductible: You must pay the $283 annual deductible before Plan G coverage begins for Part B services
- Prescription Drugs: Plan G does not cover medications. You'll need a separate Medicare Part D prescription drug plan
- Vision Care: Routine eye exams and eyeglasses are not covered
- Dental Care: Dental work, including cleanings, fillings, and dentures, requires separate insurance
- Hearing Aids: Hearing tests and hearing aids are not included
- Long-Term Care: Extended nursing home stays for custodial care are not covered
Medicare Supplement Plan G Costs for 2026
The cost of Plan G varies significantly based on several factors, making it essential to compare quotes from multiple insurance companies. National data shows the average standard Plan G premium at age 65 is approximately $220 per month in 2026, though pricing varies widely by ZIP code and carrier.
Monthly Premium Ranges by Age
While premiums vary by state, insurance company, and rating method, here are typical monthly premium ranges for Plan G in 2026:
| Age | Typical Monthly Premium Range |
|---|---|
| 65 | $155 - $235 |
| 70 | $175 - $260 |
| 75 | $195 - $290 |
| 80 | $215 - $325 |
These ranges reflect premiums for non-tobacco users. Tobacco users typically pay 15-35% more depending on the insurance company. In some high-cost urban markets, premiums can exceed $400 per month.
Factors That Affect Your Plan G Premium
Geographic Location: Your ZIP code significantly impacts pricing. Urban areas may have higher or lower premiums than rural areas depending on local healthcare costs and competition among insurers.
Rating Method: Insurance companies use three different methods to set premiums:
- Community-rated: Same price for everyone in your area regardless of age
- Issue-age-rated: Based on your age when you first buy the policy; doesn't increase due to aging
- Attained-age-rated: Increases as you get older; often starts with lower premiums but rises more significantly over time
Gender: Some states allow gender-based pricing, with women sometimes paying less than men due to longer life expectancies.
Tobacco Use: Smokers pay significantly higher premiums than non-tobacco users.
Household Discounts: Some insurers offer discounts if both spouses purchase policies from the same company.
Part B Deductible: Your Main Out-of-Pocket Cost
The Medicare Part B deductible is $283 for 2026, representing an increase of $26 from the 2025 deductible of $257. This is the primary out-of-pocket cost you'll face with Plan G. Once you meet this deductible (typically early in the year if you use medical services regularly), Plan G covers nearly all remaining Medicare cost-sharing for the rest of the calendar year.
High-Deductible Plan G: A Lower-Premium Alternative
For beneficiaries who want comprehensive coverage but can manage higher upfront costs, High-Deductible Plan G offers an alternative option with significantly lower monthly premiums.
How High-Deductible Plan G Works
With High-Deductible Plan G, you pay all Medicare cost-sharing expenses (Part A and Part B deductibles, coinsurance, and copayments) out of pocket until you reach the plan's annual deductible of $2,950 in 2026. Once you meet this deductible, the plan covers 100% of the same benefits as standard Plan G for the remainder of the calendar year.
Is High-Deductible Plan G Right for You?
High-Deductible Plan G works best for:
- Beneficiaries in excellent health who rarely use medical services
- Those with significant savings who can comfortably cover the $2,950 deductible
- People who want protection against catastrophic costs but don't mind moderate out-of-pocket expenses
- Individuals seeking to minimize fixed monthly insurance costs
Break-Even Analysis: If you're considering High-Deductible Plan G, calculate your potential savings. The premium difference between standard and high-deductible plans is typically $115-165 per month ($1,380-$1,980 annually). If your medical expenses are minimal, you might save money with the high-deductible version.
Plan G Comparisons: How Does It Stack Up?
Understanding how Plan G compares to other Medicare Supplement options helps you make an informed decision about which plan best fits your needs and budget.
Plan G vs Plan F: Understanding the Difference
Medicare Supplement Plan F was long considered the most comprehensive Medigap plan, but it became unavailable to new Medicare beneficiaries starting January 1, 2020. Understanding the difference helps explain why Plan G has become the go-to choice.
Key Differences
Coverage: Plan F covers the Part B deductible ($283 in 2026), while Plan G does not. This is the only coverage difference between the two plans.
Availability: Plan F is only available if you became eligible for Medicare before January 1, 2020. New Medicare enrollees can only choose Plan G.
Premium Costs: Plan F typically costs $20-35 more per month than Plan G. Since Plan F is closed to new enrollees, its pool consists of aging beneficiaries who typically have higher healthcare costs, leading to faster premium increases.
Rate Increases: Plan F premiums have increased by an average of 10-12% annually in recent years in many markets, compared to 8-10% for Plan G. The closed enrollment for Plan F means its risk pool will continue aging without new, younger beneficiaries to balance costs.
Should Plan F Holders Switch to Plan G?
If you currently have Plan F, switching to Plan G could save you money in monthly premiums. However, consider these factors:
- You'll need to pay the $283 Part B deductible annually with Plan G
- If the premium difference is less than $24 per month ($288 annually), staying with Plan F may be financially neutral
- Switching may require medical underwriting in most states unless you have guaranteed issue rights
- Plan F's faster rate increases may eventually make switching worthwhile even if it doesn't save money immediately
Plan G vs Plan N: Comparing Popular Options
Plan N has gained popularity as a lower-premium alternative to Plan G, but it comes with trade-offs in coverage.
Coverage Differences
Part B Deductible: Both plans require you to pay the $283 Part B deductible.
Copayments: Plan N requires copayments of up to $20 for doctor office visits and up to $50 for emergency room visits (waived if you're admitted). Plan G has no copayments.
Excess Charges: Plan G covers the full 15% excess charge when doctors don't accept Medicare assignment. Plan N does not cover excess charges, meaning you could pay significantly more if you see non-participating providers.
Cost Comparison and Who Should Choose Each Plan
Plan N Monthly Premiums: Typically $30-55 less per month than Plan G ($125-$180 for a 65-year-old).
Best for Plan G: Individuals who want completely predictable costs, see doctors frequently, or visit specialists who may charge excess fees.
Best for Plan N: Healthy beneficiaries who rarely visit doctors and can absorb copayments, or those living in states where excess charges are prohibited (Connecticut, Massachusetts, Minnesota, New York, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, and Vermont).
Who Should Choose Medicare Supplement Plan G and How to Enroll
Plan G is ideally suited for Medicare beneficiaries who prioritize comprehensive coverage and predictable healthcare costs over the lowest possible premiums.
Ideal Candidates for Plan G
Frequent Healthcare Users: If you see specialists regularly, have chronic conditions requiring ongoing care, or anticipate surgeries or procedures, Plan G provides peace of mind and financial protection.
Those Seeking Budget Predictability: With Plan G, your major healthcare costs are your Medicare Part B premium ($202.90 in 2026), Plan G premium, and the $283 annual Part B deductible. This predictability simplifies budgeting and eliminates surprise medical bills.
Travelers and Snowbirds: Plan G works with any doctor or facility accepting Medicare nationwide, with no network restrictions. The foreign travel emergency benefit adds protection when traveling internationally.
People Who Value Comprehensive Coverage: If you prefer not to worry about copayments, excess charges, or comparing plan costs versus potential medical expenses, Plan G offers the simplest, most comprehensive solution.
When to Consider Other Plans
Limited Healthcare Usage: If you're in excellent health and rarely see doctors, Plan N or High-Deductible Plan G might offer better value.
Budget Constraints: If every dollar counts and you can manage copayments and some uncertainty in costs, Plan N's lower premiums could be more appropriate.
Existing Plan F Coverage: If you already have Plan F and premiums remain reasonable, the coverage is slightly better (though rate increases may be steeper long-term).
Enrollment Periods and Guaranteed Issue Rights
Understanding when to enroll in Medigap is crucial, as timing affects your ability to get coverage without medical underwriting.
Medicare Supplement Open Enrollment Period
The best time to enroll in Plan G is during your Medicare Supplement Open Enrollment Period, which lasts six months and begins the month you're both 65 or older AND enrolled in Medicare Part B.
During this period, you have guaranteed issue rights, meaning insurance companies:
- Cannot deny you coverage based on health conditions
- Cannot charge you more due to pre-existing conditions
- Must sell you any Medigap policy they offer
Guaranteed Issue Rights
Beyond the open enrollment period, you may qualify for guaranteed issue rights in specific situations:
- Your Medicare Advantage plan is leaving your service area or stops providing coverage
- You moved out of your plan's service area
- Your plan violated its contract or misled you
- You're returning to Original Medicare within the first year of joining Medicare Advantage
- Your employer group health coverage is ending
During guaranteed issue periods, you can purchase Plan G (or certain other Medigap plans) without medical underwriting, regardless of pre-existing conditions.
Outside Open Enrollment: Medical Underwriting
If you apply for Plan G outside your open enrollment period and don't have guaranteed issue rights, insurance companies in most states can require health questionnaires, deny coverage based on pre-existing conditions, or charge higher premiums based on your health status.
State Exceptions: Some states offer additional protections, including birthday rules (California, Idaho, Oregon, and newer additions like Delaware, Indiana, and West Virginia), anniversary rules, or year-round guaranteed issue. By 2026, 21 states offer some form of birthday or anniversary rule. Check your state's specific regulations.
How to Choose the Best Insurance Company for Plan G
Since Medicare Supplement plans are standardized, Plan G offers identical coverage regardless of which insurance company sells it. This means your decision should focus on price, customer service, and company stability.
Compare Premium Prices
The most important factor is cost. Premiums for identical Plan G coverage can vary by $50-100 per month between companies in the same ZIP code.
Steps to Compare:
- Get quotes from at least 3-5 insurance companies
- Request quotes for the same coverage effective date
- Verify whether premiums are community-rated, issue-age-rated, or attained-age-rated
- Calculate 5-year and 10-year projected costs based on historical rate increases
Evaluate Financial Stability Ratings
Choose companies with strong financial stability ratings from agencies like:
- A.M. Best: Look for ratings of A- or higher
- Standard & Poor's: Seek ratings of A or higher
- Moody's: Target ratings of A3 or higher
These ratings indicate the company's ability to pay claims and remain solvent long-term.
Top Medigap Insurance Companies for 2026
While prices vary by location, several companies consistently receive high marks for Plan G coverage:
- AARP/UnitedHealthcare: Largest market share, predictable rate increases, competitive pricing in many areas
- Mutual of Omaha: Strong financial ratings, often competitive initial rates for new 65-year-olds
- Aetna: Competitive pricing and household discounts in many states
- Anthem Blue Cross Blue Shield: Wide availability, strong regional presence
- Cigna: Stable premium increases and good value in certain states
- Humana: Competitive introductory pricing in select markets
Understanding Rate Increases for Plan G
One of the most common concerns about Medicare Supplement insurance is premium rate increases. Understanding how and why rates increase helps you plan for long-term costs.
How Rate Increases Work
Medicare Supplement rate increases typically occur once per year, usually on your policy anniversary date or birthday month. Insurance companies must file rate increase requests with state insurance departments, which review and approve or deny the requests.
Recent Rate Increase Trends
Historically, Plan G premiums increased by 4-7% annually. However, recent years have seen substantially larger increases driven by healthcare inflation and the 9.7% jump in the Part B premium for 2026:
- Industry projections expect average Plan G increases of 8-12% in 2026
- Some carriers have filed increases of 15-20%+ in certain states on older blocks
- Plan G's popularity means more new enrollees, which helps moderate increases compared to closed plans like Plan F
- Healthcare inflation, rising hospital costs, and demographic shifts continue to drive premiums higher
Managing Rate Increases
When you receive a rate increase notice, you have several options:
Shop for Better Rates: Contact other insurance companies to compare Plan G premiums. You may find a better rate, though switching may require medical underwriting in most states.
Consider Plan N: If your health is good and you can qualify, Plan N typically has lower premiums and more modest rate increases.
Evaluate High-Deductible Plan G: If you're healthy and can manage the $2,950 deductible, this option offers much lower premiums with more stable rates.
Use State Resources: Some states offer guaranteed issue periods on your birthday or policy anniversary, allowing you to switch carriers without medical underwriting.
Switching Medicare Supplement Plans
Many beneficiaries wonder whether they can or should switch from one Medicare Supplement plan to another. Yes, you can switch Medicare Supplement plans at any time. However, outside your Medicare Supplement Open Enrollment Period, switching typically requires medical underwriting in most states.
Exceptions: You may be able to switch without medical underwriting if you live in a state with birthday or anniversary rules, you qualify for guaranteed issue rights due to specific circumstances, or your current insurance company is exiting the market.
When switching Plan G between carriers, follow these steps:
- Get quotes from multiple companies for Plan G
- Apply with the company offering the best rate
- Complete medical underwriting if required
- Once approved, coordinate effective dates to avoid coverage gaps
- Cancel your old Plan G policy only after the new one is active
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Medicare Supplement Plan G cover the Part B deductible?
No, Medicare Supplement Plan G does not cover the Part B deductible, which is $283 in 2026 (up from $257 in 2025). This is the primary difference between Plan G and the discontinued Plan F. Once you pay this annual deductible, Plan G covers virtually all other Medicare cost-sharing, including Part B coinsurance, Part A hospital deductibles, skilled nursing facility coinsurance, and hospice care copayments. The Part B deductible is your main predictable out-of-pocket cost each year beyond your monthly premiums.
How much does Medicare Plan G cost per month in 2026?
Medicare Supplement Plan G costs vary significantly based on your age, location, gender, tobacco use, and the insurance company you choose. National averages show standard Plan G costs about $220 per month at age 65, with typical ranges between $155 and $235 for non-tobacco users. By age 75, premiums typically range from $195 to $290 monthly. To get accurate pricing, request quotes from multiple insurance companies in your area, as prices for identical coverage can vary by $50-100 per month between companies in the same ZIP code.
Can I switch from Medicare Plan G to Plan N to save money?
Yes, you can switch from Plan G to Plan N at any time, and many people do so to reduce their monthly premiums. However, in most states, this switch requires medical underwriting unless you have guaranteed issue rights or live in a state with special protections like birthday rules. Before switching, carefully evaluate whether Plan N's lower premiums (typically $30-55 less per month) outweigh the copayments of up to $20 for office visits and up to $50 for emergency room visits. Plan N also doesn't cover Part B excess charges, which could result in additional costs if you see providers who don't accept Medicare assignment.
What is High-Deductible Plan G and how does it differ from standard Plan G?
High-Deductible Plan G offers the same coverage as standard Plan G but with significantly lower monthly premiums (typically $40-70 for a 65-year-old compared to $155-235 for standard Plan G). The trade-off is that you must pay all Medicare cost-sharing expenses out of pocket until you reach the plan's annual deductible of $2,950 in 2026. Once you meet this deductible, the plan covers 100% of the same benefits as standard Plan G for the rest of the calendar year. High-Deductible Plan G works best for healthy beneficiaries who rarely use medical services and can comfortably manage the upfront costs.
How often do Medicare Supplement Plan G premiums increase?
Medicare Supplement Plan G premiums typically increase once per year, usually on your policy anniversary date or birthday month. With Part B premiums rising 9.7% for 2026 (from $185 to $202.90), industry projections expect Plan G premiums to rise by an average of 8-12% in 2026, though some carriers have filed increases of 15-20% or more on older blocks. Factors driving these increases include healthcare inflation, rising costs for hospital and physician services, claims experience of the insurance pool, and the aging of policyholders. It's important to compare rates periodically and consider switching carriers if your rates become uncompetitive.