Medicare Part G is a Medigap policy that fills most gaps left by Original Medicare, covering things like coinsurance, copayments, and the Part A deductible so you pay far less out of pocket for covered care.
You’ll learn how Plan G compares to other Medicare options, what it pays for and what it doesn’t, and how costs and enrollment work so you can pick the right plan for your situation.
The Modern Medicare Agency helps you compare plans one-on-one with licensed agents who match coverage to your needs without charging extra fees, so you get clear choices and real support.
Understanding Medicare Part G
Medicare Part G fills most gaps left by Original Medicare, limits your out-of-pocket costs, and works with many doctors who take Medicare.
You’ll learn what Part G covers, how claims are paid, its main benefits, and whether you qualify.
Definition of Medicare Part G
Medicare Part G, often called Medigap Plan G, is a private supplemental policy that pays many costs Original Medicare (Parts A and B) does not.
It covers items such as Part A coinsurance, hospice coinsurance, skilled nursing facility coinsurance, and Part B coinsurance or copayments.
The single notable cost you still pay with Plan G is the Medicare Part B deductible.
Plan G acts only after Medicare pays its share.
It does not replace Medicare; it works alongside Parts A and B to reduce what you pay at the doctor or hospital.
Private insurers sell the plan under federal standardized benefits, so core coverage stays the same across companies, though premiums vary.
How Medicare Part G Works
When you get care, Medicare Parts A and B pay first for covered services.
After Medicare pays, Plan G pays the remaining eligible charges up to its benefits.
You typically present both your Medicare and Plan G insurance cards at the provider’s office.
Plan G policies are guaranteed-renewable, meaning the insurer cannot cancel coverage if you pay premiums.
Insurers set monthly premiums based on factors like age, location, and tobacco use.
You can buy Plan G during Medigap Open Enrollment for easier acceptance.
Licensed agents at The Modern Medicare Agency can guide you to plans that match your budget without hidden fees.
Key Features of Medicare Part G
- Coverage: Pays nearly all Medicare cost-sharing except the Part B deductible.
- Predictable costs: Reduces surprise bills from coinsurance and skilled nursing expenses.
- Provider access: Works with most providers who accept Medicare; you keep Original Medicare benefits.
- Premiums: You pay a monthly premium to the private insurer; amounts vary by company and location.
- Portability: Plan G stays with you nationwide if the insurer offers it, keeping benefits consistent when you travel.
Eligibility Criteria
To buy Plan G, you must have Medicare Part A and Part B.
Most people become eligible when they turn 65 and enroll in Medicare Parts A and B.
If you enroll during Medigap Open Enrollment (the six-month period starting the month you turn 65 and have Part B), insurers must sell you Plan G regardless of health issues.
Outside open enrollment, insurers can use medical underwriting.
That means they may deny coverage or charge higher premiums based on your health history.
People under 65 with certain disabilities can sometimes buy Medigap plans depending on state rules.
Contact The Modern Medicare Agency to confirm your eligibility, learn about state-specific rules, and get one-on-one help from a licensed agent.
Comparison With Other Medicare Plans
Medicare Part G pays most out-of-pocket costs after Original Medicare, but it differs from other plans in who pays the Part B deductible and how prices and coverage work.
Below you’ll see how Part G stacks up against Plan F and how it relates to Parts A and B.
Medicare Part G vs. Medicare Part F
Medigap Plan G covers everything Plan F does except the Medicare Part B deductible.
With Part G you pay the Part B deductible yourself each year; after you pay that $257 deductible in 2026, Plan G picks up nearly all remaining Part A and B coinsurance and copays.
Plan F is no longer available to people who first enrolled in Medicare after January 1, 2020.
If you already have Plan F, it may have higher premiums than Plan G now.
Many people choose Part G because premiums are often lower while coverage remains strong.
The Modern Medicare Agency helps you compare expected premiums and past claims patterns.
Our licensed agents speak with you 1 on 1 to find whether G or an existing F plan better fits your budget without extra fees.
Differences From Medicare Part A and B
Parts A and B make up Original Medicare.
Part A mainly covers hospital services, skilled nursing facility stays (in limited cases), and some hospice care.
Part B covers doctor visits, outpatient care, durable medical equipment, and preventive services.
Original Medicare leaves you with coinsurance, copays, and deductibles.
Part G supplements this by paying most of those out-of-pocket costs after you meet the Part B deductible.
It does not replace Parts A or B; it works alongside them to reduce your direct medical bills.
If you want help matching Part G to your needs, The Modern Medicare Agency offers real licensed agents who review your expected care and budget.
They show you how Part G interacts with Parts A and B and help you avoid surprise costs.
Coverage Details for Medicare Part G
Medicare Supplement Plan G pays most of the gaps left by Original Medicare.
It covers hospital and medical coinsurance, most hospital costs after Medicare pays, and limits your out‑of‑pocket risk for many common services.
Services and Benefits Covered
Plan G pays Medicare Part A coinsurance and hospital costs up to an extra 365 days after Part A benefits end.
It covers Part A hospice care coinsurance and respite care, and offers full coverage for skilled nursing facility coinsurance after Medicare eligibility.
For Part B services, Plan G pays the 20% coinsurance for doctor visits, outpatient surgery, and durable medical equipment once you meet the Part B deductible.
It also covers Medicare‑approved blood transfusions and foreign travel emergency care up to policy limits.
You pay the Part B deductible each year, then Plan G handles most remaining Part A and Part B cost‑sharing.
Expenses Not Covered
Plan G does not cover your Medicare Part B deductible.
You must pay that amount out of pocket each year before full Part B coverage by Plan G begins.
Plan G also does not include Medicare Part D prescription drug coverage.
You need a separate standalone Part D plan for prescriptions.
Routine vision, dental, hearing aids, and long‑term care are not covered by Plan G.
Any care not approved by Medicare or costs above Medicare‑approved amounts remain your responsibility.
The Modern Medicare Agency helps you compare supplemental options and find a Plan G that fits your budget.
Our licensed agents are real people you can speak with 1 on 1 to match Medicare packages to your needs without extra fees.
Costs and Premiums
Medigap Plan G has two main cost parts to consider: the monthly premium you pay to keep the plan, and the out-of-pocket amounts the plan helps cover after Original Medicare pays.
Both affect your yearly budget and choice of carrier.
Premium Amounts
Premiums for Plan G vary by where you live, your age, and the insurance company you pick.
In 2025 the national average was about $155 per month, but your rate could be lower or higher depending on local pricing and underwriting rules.
You pay the premium every month to the private insurer that sells Plan G.
Some carriers offer discounts if you pay annually or enroll with a spouse.
Ask about how premiums change with age — some companies use community-rated pricing, others use issue-age or attained-age methods.
The Modern Medicare Agency can show you several premium quotes for your ZIP code.
Our licensed agents explain pricing differences and help you pick a plan that fits your budget without hidden fees.
Out-of-Pocket Expenses
Plan G pays most Part A and Part B cost-sharing after Medicare pays its share.
You still pay the Medicare Part B deductible, but Plan G covers virtually all other coinsurance and copayments, including hospital coinsurance and skilled nursing facility coinsurance.
Expect to pay the annual Part B deductible out of pocket each year.
Beyond that, you rarely face large bills for covered services when you use Original Medicare plus Plan G.
Note that services not covered by Medicare — like routine dental, vision, or long-term care — remain your responsibility unless you buy extra coverage.
The Modern Medicare Agency’s agents walk you through typical out-of-pocket scenarios and estimate yearly costs based on your health needs.
You can speak one-on-one with a licensed agent to see how Plan G would work with your care pattern and budget.
Enrollment Process
You will learn when to enroll to keep guaranteed rights and how to apply step by step.
Timing affects whether insurers can deny you for health issues and whether you pay more.
When to Enroll
Your Medigap Open Enrollment Period gives you the strongest protection.
It starts the month you turn 65 and are enrolled in Medicare Part B, and it lasts six months.
During this window, insurers must sell you Plan G and cannot charge more for pre-existing conditions.
If you miss this window, you can still buy Plan G, but insurers may use medical underwriting.
That means they can deny coverage or charge higher rates based on your health.
Certain life events or state rules can give you special enrollment rights, so check with a licensed agent.
The Modern Medicare Agency can review your timing and explain any special rights you may have.
Our agents tell you whether you’re still in the guaranteed period and what risks you face if you apply later.
How to Apply
First, confirm you have Medicare Part A and Part B active.
Gather your Medicare card, Social Security number, and a list of current prescriptions and doctors.
This speeds up the application and helps match Plan G with your needs.
You can apply online, by phone, or in person.
Expect to complete an enrollment form and, if outside the guaranteed window, answer basic health questions.
If underwriting applies, be honest—misstatements can lead to denial later.
Talk to a licensed agent at The Modern Medicare Agency for one-on-one help.
Our agents walk you through forms, check deadlines, compare costs from multiple insurers, and find plans that meet your budget without hidden fees.
Choosing a Medicare Part G Policy
You need a plan that fits your health needs, budget, and provider choices.
Focus on cost, coverage details, and who you can call for help.
Factors to Consider
Look at the monthly premium first.
Lower premiums may mean higher out-of-pocket risk if you use services often.
Compare the high‑deductible option if you rarely use care; it has a much lower premium but a $2,950 deductible in 2026 before coverage kicks in.
Check what the policy covers beyond Original Medicare.
Plan G pays almost all Part A and Part B cost-sharing except the Part B deductible ($283 in 2026).
Verify whether the insurer charges different rates by age, gender, or location.
Consider your doctors and hospitals.
Confirm the insurer won’t limit which Medicare providers you can see.
Also ask about customer service hours and how claims get handled.
Think about future changes.
Look at rate history and how often the company raises premiums.
Prefer plans with steady, predictable pricing.
Tips for Comparing Providers
Ask for a side‑by‑side cost breakdown: premium, any enrollment fees, and expected out‑of‑pocket for typical services you use.
Request copies of recent rate change notices so you can see real increases over the last 3–5 years.
Verify licensing and complaints.
Check state insurance records and complaint ratios, then call the company to judge response time and clarity.
Speak directly to a licensed agent who answers your questions without pressure.
Work with The Modern Medicare Agency for one‑on‑one support.
Our licensed agents are real people you can talk to who match plans to your needs without extra fees.
They will show quotes, explain the Part B deductible, and help you choose the right Plan G option for your budget and doctors.
Limitations of Medicare Part G
Medicare Part G does not pay the Part B deductible.
You must pay that annual deductible before Part G starts covering certain costs.
This can be a surprise if you expect zero out-of-pocket expenses.
Part G works only with Original Medicare (Part A and Part B).
You cannot use it with a Medicare Advantage plan.
If you prefer network-based plans or extra benefits like vision or dental, Part G will not provide them.
Premiums for Part G can be higher than other options.
You trade lower monthly costs for broader fee coverage.
That higher premium may not fit every budget over time.
Part G does not cover prescription drugs.
You need a separate Part D plan for drug costs.
Without Part D, you could face large medication bills.
Availability and pricing vary by state and insurer.
You might pay more based on your age, location, or the company’s pricing rules.
Shopping around matters.
Who Should Consider Medicare Part G
You should consider Medicare Part G if you want predictable out-of-pocket costs for Medicare-covered care. After you pay the Part B deductible, Part G covers most remaining coinsurance and copayments, so your bills stay smaller and steadier.
Part G fits well if you use many medical services or have frequent doctor visits. It also suits you if you prefer Original Medicare over Medicare Advantage but want extra protection for gaps in coverage.
If you live on a fixed income, Part G can help you budget health costs each year. The plan’s predictable structure reduces surprises from high medical bills.
You may also choose Part G if you travel often within the U.S. and want broad Medicare acceptance. Because it works with Original Medicare, you can see any provider who takes Medicare.
Consider costs and timing: premiums may be higher than some alternatives. You should compare rates and check underwriting rules if you apply after your initial enrollment period.
The Modern Medicare Agency can help you evaluate Part G. Our licensed agents speak with you one-on-one, listen to your needs, and find Medicare packages that fit your budget without extra fees.
Contact The Modern Medicare Agency to get clear answers and personalized plan options.
Frequently Asked Questions
This section answers specific choices between Medigap options, what Plan G covers, who can enroll, and how costs compare. You’ll find clear details on benefits, limits, and when Plan G may fit your needs.
What are the differences between Medicare Plan F and Plan G?
Plan F pays the Part B deductible and most other out-of-pocket costs after Original Medicare pays. Plan G covers nearly everything Plan F does except the Part B deductible, so you pay that deductible yourself each year.
Plan F is no longer available to new enrollees who became eligible for Medicare after January 1, 2020. Plan G remains widely available and often costs less in monthly premiums than Plan F because you pay the Part B deductible separately.
How does Medicare Plan G coverage compare to Plan N?
Plan G and Plan N both cover Medicare Part A coinsurance, hospice care, skilled nursing, and Part B excess charges. The main difference: Plan N may require copayments for some office visits and emergency room visits, while Plan G generally has no copays for covered services.
Plan N usually has lower premiums than Plan G. But you could pay small copays and potentially Part B excess charges with Plan N, which Plan G would cover.
What are the advantages and disadvantages of Medicare Plan G?
Advantages: Plan G offers near-complete coverage of Original Medicare out-of-pocket costs, limiting surprise bills. It has no copays for most services and covers Part B excess charges.
Disadvantages: You must pay the Part B deductible each year. Monthly premiums for Plan G can be higher than some other Medigap plans like Plan N or high-deductible options.
Costs vary by insurer and where you live.
What does Medicare Plan G cover for seniors?
Plan G covers Medicare Part A coinsurance and hospital costs up to an extra 365 days after Medicare benefits end. It pays Part A deductible, hospice care coinsurance, skilled nursing facility coinsurance, and Part B coinsurance or copays.
Plan G also covers blood transfusions, Part A hospice care, and Part B excess charges. It does not cover the Medicare Part B deductible, prescription drugs, dental, vision, or hearing services.
What are the eligibility requirements for Medicare Plan G?
You must have Original Medicare Part A and Part B to buy Plan G. If you apply during your Medigap Open Enrollment Period—six months starting when you turn 65 and enroll in Part B—insurers must sell you Plan G regardless of health issues.
Outside that window, insurers can use medical underwriting and may deny coverage or charge higher rates for pre-existing conditions. Some states have additional enrollment rules that can affect eligibility.
How do Medicare Plan G premiums compare to other Medicare Supplement plans?
Plan G premiums are often lower than Plan F premiums but higher than Plan N or a high-deductible Plan G.
Premiums depend on your age, location, tobacco use, and the insurer’s pricing method.
The Modern Medicare Agency can help you compare premiums side-by-side.
Our licensed agents are real people you can speak to one-on-one.
