Should you Select Medicare Supplement Plan G - Medigap Plan

Medicare Supplement Plan G is one of the most comprehensive plans available for health coverage options.

If you turned 65 after December 31, 2019 you would be eligible to apply for Medicare Supplement Part G. On top of your existing Medicare deductible, this supplement plan will help cover most out of pocket costs, to help reduce deductibles and coinsurance.

How do Deductibles Work?

In health insurance, deductibles have to be paid first and then coinsurance will become active. A deductible is an amount you would have to pay before your health insurance company starts to pay for any medical services. After your deductible has been paid, there will then be a coinsurance payment. 

Typically most coinsurance payments are only a small percentage of the total cost of an office or doctors visit such as 20% - 30%. These are also known as out-of-pocket expenses, and do not go towards your premiums. 

Medicare Supplement Plan G

Medicare Supplement Plan G is comparable to Plan F, missing only the portion that covers physician and outpatient deductibles. 

The plan covers:

Part A costs associated with Hospital Costs or Skilled Nursing Facility Visits

Hospice Care Coinsurance, and Copayments

Skilled Nursing Facility Care Coinsurance

Part B costs associated with Physician & outpatient services, test, and medical equipment

Blood Transfusions Services - Up to three pints included.

Plan G - Plan Options

Plan G - Paying the High Deductible

You can choose to pay the high deductible of $2,370 before the benefits of the plan kick in. This option is ideal for individuals who have good health, and expect to have little to no medical services rendered to them. 

For services rendered by physicians, outpatient care, testing, and medical supplies (Part B); Medicare Plan G recipients will still have to pay the $203 yearly deductible before Medicare will start paying medical bills. This $203 dollars will be applied to the total of $2,370 (high) deductible balance for the 

In the case of an emergency, such as visiting a hospital for emergency services the high deductible of $2,370 will have to be paid before the benefits of Plan G become active. The Plan G Medicare Supplement Plan will continue to pay for all services for up to one year.  

If you're traveling abroad for an extended period of time (more than 30 days), you'll need to pay out of pocket for any medical expenses incurred, as plan G doesn't cover foreign travel emergency related costs.

Plan G - Paying the High Premium

You can choose to pay the high monthly premium (approximately  $300-$400) so that the benefits kick in immediately. No Deductibles. This option is ideal for people who don't want to haggle with medical bills and need their medical services streamlined. 

Other Comprehensive Medicare Plans

Medicare Plan F and Plan C were the next two most comprehensive medial plans in the Medicare program, but In 2020, the plans F and C were discontinued for all other eligible applicants. If you were eligible for Medicare before 2020, you can still apply for Plan C, F, and high-deductible Plan F.

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Frequently Asked Questions:

Are prescription drugs covered by Plan G?

Plan G does not include coverage for prescription drugs, and if you take medications you can get this coverage as a part of an insurance plan called "Part D." 

Are dental and vision coverage available with Plan G?

Many insurance companies offer these additional benefits for their Medicare supplement plans, but they're not standard features. You will have to pay an additional fee each month for dental and visual insurance coverage.

Some companies offer additional benefits when they sell Medicare supplement insurance policies. For example, Humana's Health Insurance Company offers a plan called Healthy Living Plan G which includes vision, dental, and a sneaker benefit.

Does Plan G require in-network providers?

Medicare supplement plans do not require in-network eligibility, as long as your physician takes Medicare you are eligible to see that provider. 

Providers will then bill your Medicare health insurance plan (also known as Medigap). 

Get In Touch

If you or anyone you know needs assistance with enrolling in medicare, please reach out to Elder Needs Law for assistance we are happy to help.