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 ($185 per month for most people in 2026) plus your Plan G premium, but 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.

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 daily coinsurance amounts for extended hospital stays beyond Medicare's coverage period.

Part A Deductible: The 2026 Part A deductible is $1,736 per benefit period. 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 you've been in the hospital for at least three days, 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 ($217.50 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.

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:

These ranges reflect premiums for non-tobacco users. Tobacco users typically pay 15-35% more depending on the insurance company.

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 2025. 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 $110-155 per month ($1,320-$1,860 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 $15-30 more per month than Plan G, though the gap has been narrowing. 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: Historical data shows Plan F premiums have increased by an average of 8% annually in recent years, compared to 6% 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 $30-50 less per month than Plan G ($120-$175 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, 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.

Higher-Income Retirees: If you have a comfortable retirement income and prioritize quality healthcare access over minimizing premiums, Plan G provides excellent value.

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 and medical records
• Deny coverage based on pre-existing conditions
• Charge higher premiums based on your health status
• Impose waiting periods for pre-existing condition coverage

State Exceptions: Some states offer additional protections, including birthday rules (California, Idaho, Oregon), anniversary rules, or year-round guaranteed issue. 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:

1. Get quotes from at least 3-5 insurance companies
2. Request quotes for the same coverage effective date
3. Verify whether premiums are community-rated, issue-age-rated, or attained-age-rated
4. 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.

Research Customer Service and Claims Processing

What to Research:

• Customer satisfaction ratings from J.D. Power or Consumer Reports
• Better Business Bureau (BBB) rating and complaint history
• State insurance department complaint ratios
• Online reviews from actual policyholders
• Claims payment speed and reliability

Consider Historical Rate Increases

Ask potential insurers about their historical rate increase patterns for Plan G:

• What were the annual percentage increases for the past 3-5 years?
• How do their increases compare to state averages?
• Do they offer any rate stability guarantees or discounts?

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, competitive pricing in many areas
• Mutual of Omaha: Strong financial ratings, good customer service
• Anthem Blue Cross Blue Shield: Wide availability, strong regional presence
• Humana: Competitive pricing in select markets
• Cigna: Good value in certain states

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.

Timing: Rate increases don't always take effect immediately when filed. If a company files an increase in May effective September 1st, you likely won't pay the new rate until your policy anniversary, which could be months later.

Recent Rate Increase Trends

Historically, Plan G premiums increased by 4-7% annually. However, recent years have seen more substantial increases:

• Average annual increases of 6-11% have become common
• Some companies have filed increases of 15-35% in certain states
• Healthcare inflation, rising costs, and demographic shifts drive increases
• Plan G's popularity means more new enrollees, which helps moderate increases compared to closed plans like Plan F

Factors Driving Rate Increases

Healthcare Inflation: Rising costs for hospital care, physician services, and medical supplies directly impact what insurers pay in claims.

Claims Experience: If policyholders in your rate class use more healthcare services than expected, the insurance company may increase premiums to cover higher-than-anticipated claims.

Aging of the Risk Pool: As policyholders age, they typically require more medical care, increasing claims costs for the entire pool.

State Regulations: States with stricter regulations on rate increases may see more modest annual increases but potentially higher starting premiums.

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 (averaging 3.5% historically).

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.

Accept the Increase: If rates remain competitive and you're satisfied with your coverage and service, staying put may be the simplest option.

Switching Medicare Supplement Plans

Many beneficiaries wonder whether they can or should switch from one Medicare Supplement plan to another, including switching from Plan G to a different plan or from another plan to Plan G.

Can You Switch Plans?

Yes, you can switch Medicare Supplement plans at any time. However, outside your Medicare Supplement Open Enrollment Period, switching typically requires medical underwriting (health questions and potentially medical exams) 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
• Your current insurance company is exiting the market or discontinuing your plan

Switching to Plan G from Another Plan

If you currently have Plan N, Plan K, Plan L, or another Medigap plan and want to upgrade to Plan G's more comprehensive coverage, you'll need to:

1. Apply for Plan G with your chosen insurance company
2. Complete health questionnaires (unless you have guaranteed issue rights)
3. Wait for approval before canceling your current plan
4. Time the effective date to avoid gaps in coverage

Financial Considerations: Upgrading to Plan G means higher monthly premiums but lower out-of-pocket costs. Calculate whether the premium increase is worth the reduction in copayments and additional coverage.

Switching from Plan G to Another Plan

Switching from Plan G to Plan N or another plan to reduce premiums is possible but requires careful consideration:

Health Questions: You'll need to medically qualify for the new plan in most states.

Coverage Changes: Understand what coverage you're giving up. Plan N's copayments and lack of excess charge coverage could cost more than premium savings if you use healthcare services frequently.

Rate Stability: Research whether the plan you're switching to has more stable rate increases historically.

Switching Plan G Between Insurance Companies

Switching your Plan G coverage from one insurance company to another (to get a better rate) follows the same process:

1. Get quotes from multiple companies for Plan G
2. Apply with the company offering the best rate
3. Complete medical underwriting if required
4. Once approved, coordinate effective dates to avoid coverage gaps
5. 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. 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 (typically 20% of approved costs), 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. For a 65-year-old non-tobacco user, typical monthly premiums range from $150 to $225, though prices can be higher or lower depending on your specific circumstances. By age 75, premiums typically range from $180 to $270 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 $30-50 less per month) outweigh the copayments of up to $20 for office visits and up to $50 for emergency room visits. If you see doctors frequently, the copayments could eliminate your premium savings. 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 $150-225). 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. It provides protection against catastrophic medical expenses while minimizing fixed monthly insurance 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. Recent rate increase trends show Plan G premiums rising by an average of 6-11% annually, though some companies have filed increases as high as 15-35% in certain states. 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. Rate increases must be filed with and approved by state insurance departments. Historical data shows Plan G rate increases have been more moderate than Plan F (averaging 8% annually) but higher than Plan N (averaging 3.5% annually), making it important to compare rates periodically and consider switching carriers if your rates become uncompetitive.