Medicare Plan G Detail: Who Can Join, Benefits, Expenses, and Further Information
Medigap Plan G, a Medicare Supplement Insurance plan offered by private companies, can help cover the gaps in Original Medicare (Parts A and B). This popular plan offers comprehensive coverage, but it's essential to understand what it does and doesn't cover.
**Coverage and Exceptions**
Medigap Plan G generally covers nearly all out-of-pocket costs not paid by Original Medicare, except for the Medicare Part B deductible, which was $257 in 2025 (standard option). It pays for Part A hospital costs and coinsurance, hospice care coinsurance, and Part B coinsurance or copayments, plus foreign travel emergency care costs after an initial $250 calendar year deductible[1][2][4]. However, it does not cover long-term care or private duty nursing, vision care and eyeglasses, hearing aids, dental care, prescription medication, or Part B excess charges[2][4].
**Cost and Variations**
The costs of Plan G vary significantly by state and depend on factors such as location, age, gender, whether the policy is standard or a high-deductible version, and the insurance company offering the plan[2][4]. Premiums in 2025 can range widely, often from around $200 to over $400 per month for the standard Plan G. Some states offer a high-deductible Plan G option, where the deductible can be much higher—for example, California's high-deductible Plan G deductible is $2,875 in 2025, plus the Part B deductible of $257[2][4].
**State-Specific Variations**
In states like Minnesota, Wisconsin, and Massachusetts, Medigap policies are standardized differently, which can influence coverage and cost structures[2][4]. In other states, private insurance companies set their own pricing for Medigap plans, leading to significant variations by state and insurer[4].
**Open Enrollment Period**
During the Medigap open enrollment period, which starts when a person turns 65 and enrolled in Medicare Part B, you can buy any Medigap plan without medical underwriting[4]. After this period, obtaining Plan G coverage may involve medical underwriting, leading to possible higher premiums or denial based on health status[4].
In summary, Medigap Plan G offers near-comprehensive coverage for Medicare costs, with the exception of the Part B deductible. Costs and availability of the plan can vary considerably after the initial enrollment period, and it's crucial to compare plans and prices in your area using the Medicare online tool[2][4].
[1] Medicare.gov - Medigap Plans [2] AARP - Medigap Plan G [4] eHealth - Medigap Plan G
- Although Medigap Plan G primarily covers out-of-pocket costs that Original Medicare doesn't, it excludes healthorganizations' charges for prescription medication, dental care, and vision care, among other medical-conditions.
- In the realm of health-and-wellness, Medicare Supplement Insurance plans like Medigap, such as Plan G provided by private healthinsurance companies, fill the gaps left by Original Medicare, but these plans may vary in cost and coverage depending on factors like state, age, and insurance provider.
- Understanding the nuances of Medigap Plan G is key in making the most informed decisions, especially in managing health-and-wellness costs, as the plan offers near-comprehensive coverage for Medicare costs except the Part B deductible, and costs and availability can change significantly during and after the open enrollment period.
