Medigap Plan G
Overview, Coverage and Costs for Medicare Supplement Plan G
Medigap Plan G: An Overview of Medicare Supplement Insurance
Medigap Plan G is one of ten Medicare Supplement Insurance plans that can help fill the gaps left by Original Medicare. Its primary purpose is to provide additional financial protection by covering certain out-of-pocket expenses like deductibles, copayments, and coinsurance. By enrolling in Medigap Plan G, you can enjoy the peace of mind that comes with predictable and manageable healthcare costs.
Let's delve deeper into the details of Medigap Plan G and explore its coverage options. You can also use the menu at the top of this page to navigate directly to specific sections.
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What Does Plan G Cover?
Medigap Plan G offers comprehensive coverage, including the following benefits:
- Medicare Part A coinsurance and hospital costs for up to an additional 365 days after exhausting your Medicare benefits.
- Medicare Part B coinsurance or copayment.
- Coverage for blood (first three pints).
- Part A hospice care coinsurance or copayment.
- Coinsurance for skilled nursing facility care.
- Part A deductible.
- Part B excess charges.
- Foreign travel emergency coverage (up to plan limits).
It is important to note that Medigap Plan G does not cover prescription drugs or dental, vision, and hearing services. If you require coverage for these additional services, you should consider enrolling in a separate Medicare Part D plan as well as dental, vision, and hearing plans.
What About Dental, Vision and Hearing Coverage?
Medicare Supplement plans do not cover dental, vision and hearing insurance. If you're interested in this coverage, a licensed insurance agent at United Medicare Advisors can help you compare plans available in your area and enroll in this additional coverage.
What Does Plan G Cost?
The cost of Medigap Plan G can vary depending on several factors, including your location, age, gender, and health status. Insurance companies offering Medigap plans utilize different pricing methods, so it is crucial to compare quotes from multiple providers to find the best price for your specific circumstances.
In addition, some insurance companies may offer discounts or other cost-saving opportunities, such as household discounts or preferred rates for non-smokers. It's always a good idea to reach out to different insurance carriers and inquire about any available discounts or savings programs they may offer.
Example Plan G Costs
While Plan G premium costs will vary based on age, location and other factors, Medicare.gov has a free tool that allows you to input certain demographic information and receive estimated monthly premium costs across all plan types. Below are sample estimated costs from various regions where our customers live, providing you with guidance on the range of plan premiums you could expect.
However, for real-time and personalized costs, United Medicare Advisors can assist you. We compare data from over 20 national insurance providers to help ensure you find a plan that meets your financial and health needs. Our no-obligation quotes can provide you with accurate and up-to-date pricing information.
*Table data courtsey of Medicare.gov and accurate as of Oct. 2023.
High-Deductible Medigap Plans
Medigap Plans F and G also offer high-deductible versions in some states. These plans typically have lower monthly premiums, but the trade-off is that you must meet the yearly deductible before Medigap coverage begins. A licensed insurance agent at United Medicare Advisors can help you compare all your options if you're interested in these high-deductible plan types.
How & When To Enroll In Medigap Plan G
To enroll in Medigap Plan G, you must first be enrolled in Original Medicare (Part A and Part B). The best time to enroll is during your Medigap Open Enrollment Period, which starts on the first day of the month when you are 65 or older and enrolled in Medicare Part B. During this period, insurance companies are generally not allowed to deny you coverage or charge higher premiums based on your health conditions.
If you miss your Medigap Open Enrollment Period, you may still be able to enroll in Medigap Plan G, but you may be subject to medical underwriting. This means the insurance company can consider your health status and potentially charge you higher premiums or deny coverage altogether.
You also may qualify for Special Enrollment Periods, such as if your current plan has been discontinued, where you can enroll in a new Medicare Supplement plan without underwriting.
If you've missed your Medigap Open Enrollment Period, or are unsure if you qualify for a Special Enrollment Period, United Medicare Advisors can help analyze your situation. Should you require underwriting, our licensed insurance agents can assist you during this process. With access to over 20 national insurance providers with different underwriting standards, we can compare multiple plans and requirements for you to help find a plan that fits your needs.
Medigap Open Enrollment Period Timeline
Month 1: Your Medigap Open Enrollment Period begins if you are 65+ and enrolled in Medicare Parts A & B.
Month 2: You're able to enroll in a Medigap plan.
Month 3: You're able to enroll in a Medigap plan.
Month 4: You're able to enroll in a Medigap plan.
Month 5: You're able to enroll in a Medigap plan.
Month 6: Your Medigap Open Enrollment Period ends at the end of the month; you can still enroll in a Medigap plan, but you may have to go through an underwriting process unless you have guaranteed issue rights.
Understanding Underwriting For Medicare Supplement Plan G
Underwriting is the evaluation process conducted by insurance companies to assess an individual's health status and determine their eligibility for a Medicare Supplement plan. It involves reviewing medical history, current health conditions, and other relevant information.
Why Is Plan G Popular Among Medigap Plans?
Medigap Plan G has gained popularity among Medicare beneficiaries due to its comprehensive coverage. With Plan G, you have minimal out-of-pocket costs, as it covers almost all of the expenses that Original Medicare does not cover. It provides a high level of financial protection and allows you to visit any doctor or specialist who accepts Medicare patients, without needing a referral.
Medigap Plan G offers stability and peace of mind, as it provides consistent coverage year after year. Unlike some other plans, it does not have any copayment or coinsurance surprises, which makes it easier to budget for healthcare costs.
What Medigap Plans Are Similar to Plan G?
If Medigap Plan G doesn't meet your specific needs, you may want to consider similar plans such as Medigap Plan F or Medigap Plan N. These plans also offer comprehensive coverage, but they differ in terms of benefits and cost-sharing.
Medigap Plan F provides the most comprehensive coverage, including coverage for the Medicare Part B deductible. However, it is no longer available to new Medicare beneficiaries as of January 1, 2020.
Medigap Plan N is another popular option, offering similar coverage to Plan G with a few differences. With Plan N, you may have some cost-sharing responsibilities, such as copayments for doctor's visits and emergency room visits. However, it generally has lower premiums compared to Plan G.
| Area of Comparison | Medigap Plan F¹ | Medigap Plan G | Medigap Plan N |
|---|---|---|---|
| Part A coinsurance and hospital costs up to an additional 365 days after Medicare benefits are used up | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ |
| Part B coinsurance or copayment | ✅ | ✅ | ✅³ |
| Blood (first 3 pints) | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ |
| Part A hospice care coinsurance or copayment | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ |
| Skilled nursing facility care insurance | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ |
| Part A deductible | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ |
| Part B deductible | ✅ | ❌ | ❌ |
| Part B excess charge | ✅ | ✅ | ❌ |
| Foreign travel exchange (up to plan limits) | 80% | 80% | 80% |
| Out-of-pocket-limit⁴ | N/A | N/A | N/A |
1 As of Jan. 1, 2020 Medicare Supplement plan types C and F will no longer be made available to beneficiaries who become Medicare-eligible after Dec. 31, 2019. For those who became Medicare-eligible prior to Jan. 1, 2020, Medicare Supplement plan types C and F will remain active and available for future enrollment.
4 After you meet your out-of-pocket yearly limit and your yearly Part B deductible, the Medigap plan pays 100% of covered services for the rest of the calendar year
Interested in Medigap Plan G? Here are some next steps.
If you are interested in enrolling in Medigap Plan G, here are some next steps you can take:
- Understand Enrollment Periods: Familiarize yourself with enrollment periods, such as the Medigap Open Enrollment Period mentioned earlier. If you miss this period, check if you qualify for any special enrollment periods or guaranteed issue rights that allow you to enroll outside of the usual enrollment periods.
- Research and Compare Plans: Take the time to research and compare different insurance companies that offer Medigap Plan G in your area. Look at factors such as customer reviews, pricing, and additional benefits they may offer.
- Seek Professional Assistance: Consult with a licensed insurance agent who specializes in Medicare and Medigap plans, such as United Medicare Advisors, to receive personalized guidance, to help understand the different options available, and assist with the enrollment process.
- Review Your Options Regularly: It's a good idea to review your Medigap coverage periodically to ensure it still meets your needs. Circumstances and preferences may change, so staying informed about any new plans or changes in coverage can help you make informed decisions.
