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Medicare Supplement Plan G Review 2026
Table of Contents
- What Is Medicare Supplement Plan G?
- Plan G Coverage and Benefits
- Medicare Part B Excess Charges Explained
- Medicare Supplement Plan G vs Plan N: Which Is Right for You?
- How to Switch to Medigap Plan G
- Plan G Eligibility and Enrollment
- What Plan G Does Not Cover
- Plan G Costs and Premium Factors
- Frequently Asked Questions
Last Updated: October 1, 2026
What Is Medicare Supplement Plan G?
Medicare Supplement Plan G is a standardized Medigap policy that covers coinsurance, copayments, and other out-of-pocket expenses that Original Medicare doesn't cover when you're enrolled in Medicare Part A and Part B.
Plan G became the most popular choice for newly eligible beneficiaries starting in 2020, when Plan F was restricted to those already enrolled before that date. It covers Part A coinsurance and hospital costs, Part B coinsurance and copayments, blood transfusions, and skilled nursing facility coinsurance. The one significant gap: Plan G does not cover the Part B deductible, which you'll pay out of pocket before your coverage kicks in.
The standardized benefits mean every insurance company selling Plan G must offer identical coverage. What differs is the premium you pay each month, two carriers might charge $120 and $180 for the exact same benefits, so shopping around matters.
Plan G Coverage and Benefits
Plan G covers a comprehensive range of expenses, making it the most protective Medigap option for newly eligible seniors.
Plan G covers 100% of Part A hospital coinsurance and copayments, all Part B coinsurance and copayments (after the deductible), blood transfusions, skilled nursing facility coinsurance for days 21-100, and hospice care copayments.
Plan G also covers 80% of foreign travel emergency medical care after you meet a deductible.
Plan G covers excess charges, when doctors charge more than Medicare's approved amount, Plan G pays the difference.
Medicare Part B Excess Charges Explained
Some doctors don't accept Medicare assignment, meaning they can charge up to 15% more than Medicare's approved amount (Annual Medicare Participation Announcement). That extra 15% is the excess charge, and it comes directly out of your pocket unless you have Medigap coverage.
For example, if Medicare approves $200 for a specialist visit and the doctor doesn't accept assignment, they can charge up to $230. You're responsible for the $30 excess charge unless Plan G covers it.
A senior with multiple specialists seeing non-participating doctors could accumulate thousands in excess charges annually. Plan G eliminates this exposure, which is why it appeals to seniors who see specialists frequently.
Medicare Supplement Plan G vs Plan N: Which Is Right for You?
Plan N is a lower-premium alternative to Plan G, but the trade-off matters. The choice depends on your healthcare patterns and budget priorities.
Plan N doesn't cover Part B excess charges and requires copayments for doctor visits (up to $20) and emergency room visits (up to $50, waived if admitted). Plan G covers both.
If you see doctors infrequently and your physicians accept Medicare assignment, Plan N's lower premium might save you money. If you're a frequent specialist visitor or worry about excess charges, Plan G's comprehensive coverage justifies the higher premium.
According to Medicare.gov's standardized plan comparison, Plan G covers excess charges while Plan N does not, making Plan G the more comprehensive option for seniors concerned about specialist bills.
How to Switch to Medigap Plan G
Switching to Plan G is straightforward during your guaranteed issue window, but becomes complex if you miss it.
Switching During Your Initial Enrollment Period (Guaranteed Issue)
If you're within your Initial Enrollment Period, the six-month window starting the month you turn 65, you have guaranteed issue rights. Insurance companies must accept you regardless of health conditions, and you cannot be denied coverage or charged higher premiums based on health.
Contact the new carrier directly or work with an independent advisor. Provide basic information (name, Medicare number, current coverage), select your coverage start date, and arrange payment. Most carriers process applications within 2-4 weeks.
Switching Outside Your Initial Enrollment Period (Medical Underwriting)
Once your Initial Enrollment Period closes, the rules change dramatically. Most carriers now have the right to require medical underwriting, meaning you'll answer detailed health questions about your medical history, current conditions, medications, and recent doctor visits. Based on your answers, the carrier can:
- Accept you at standard rates (most common outcome for healthy seniors)
- Accept you with a higher premium (if you have significant health conditions)
- Deny you coverage entirely (rare, but possible for seniors with certain conditions)
Massachusetts, Minnesota, and Wisconsin have their own standardized plan structures and more generous switching rules. Check with your state insurance commissioner's office for your specific regulations.
Annual Enrollment Period (October 15 - December 7)
During the Annual Enrollment Period (October 15 - December 7), you can switch plans with guaranteed issue rights in most states. Coverage starts January 1. Submit your application in mid-October to ensure processing is complete before your January 1 start date.
Practical Steps to Execute Your Switch
- Verify your current doctors are in-network with the new carrier (call their office or check the carrier's provider directory)
- Request the new carrier's application and complete all health questions honestly and thoroughly
- Submit the application with your Medicare card copy
- Confirm your coverage start date in writing once approved
- Keep your current plan active until your new coverage begins to avoid gaps
Plan G Eligibility and Enrollment
You're eligible for Plan G if you're enrolled in Medicare Part A and Part B. Your enrollment experience and approval odds depend on when you apply and which state you live in.
Federal Guaranteed Issue Rights (All States)
During your Initial Enrollment Period, the six-month window starting the month you turn 65, you have federal guaranteed issue rights. Every carrier must accept you without medical questions, regardless of health conditions.
Annual Enrollment Period (October 15 - December 7)
State-Specific Variations (Critical Difference)
Massachusetts, Minnesota, and Wisconsin use their own standardized plan structures and allow more flexible switching throughout the year without medical underwriting. All other states follow federal standardized plans. Outside the Initial Enrollment Period and Annual Enrollment Period, you may face medical underwriting. Check with your state insurance commissioner's office for your specific rules.
Medical Underwriting Outside Guaranteed Issue Windows
If you apply for Plan G outside a guaranteed issue window and your state doesn't offer special protections, the carrier will require medical underwriting. You'll answer questions about:
- Current and past medical conditions
- Medications you're taking
- Recent hospitalizations or surgeries
- Doctor visits in the past 12 months
- Surgeries or treatments planned in the next 12 months
Based on your answers, the carrier can accept you at standard rates, accept you with a higher premium, or deny you coverage. This process typically takes 4-8 weeks.
Timing Matters for Lifetime Costs
Your age at enrollment affects your lifetime premium costs even with issue-age rating (where your premium is locked at the age you enroll). Enrolling at 65 typically results in lower lifetime costs than waiting until 70, since you'll pay premiums for five additional years at the younger rate. A senior who enrolls at 65 in an issue-age rated plan will pay the 65-year-old rate for their entire enrollment, while a senior who waits until 70 will pay the 70-year-old rate for their entire enrollment, a significant difference over 20+ years.
What Plan G Does Not Cover
Understanding Plan G's limitations prevents surprise bills and helps you plan for out-of-pocket costs.
Plan G does not cover the Part B deductible, which is $283 in 2026.
Plan G Costs and Premium Factors
Plan G premiums vary significantly by carrier, age, location, and rating method. Understanding these factors helps you anticipate costs and shop effectively.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Medicare Supplement Plan G cover the Part B deductible?
No. Plan G does not cover the Part B deductible, which is $283 in 2026. You pay this amount out-of-pocket before Plan G's benefits begin. Once you meet the deductible, Plan G covers 100% of Part B coinsurance and copayments for most services. This is an important distinction between Plan G and Plan F, which does cover the Part B deductible.
What is the difference between Medicare Supplement Plan G and Plan N?
Plan N costs less monthly but has higher out-of-pocket costs per visit. You pay copayments for doctor visits ($20) and emergency room visits ($50, waived if admitted). Plan G has no copayments for doctor visits but typically costs more monthly. Plan G covers Part B excess charges, while Plan N does not. Choose Plan N if you visit the doctor rarely; choose Plan G if you need frequent medical care or want predictable, comprehensive coverage.
How much does Medicare Supplement Plan G cost per month?
Plan G premiums vary widely based on your age, location, and insurance carrier. Premiums also increase with age and may rise annually due to inflation and claims experience. Contact Your Medicare Advantage Guy for a free, personalized quote based on your specific location and age.
When can I switch to Medicare Supplement Plan G?
You have guaranteed issue rights during your initial Medicare enrollment period, which begins three months before you turn 65 and lasts through three months after. If you miss this window, you may face medical underwriting and potential coverage denials. If you already have a Medigap plan, you can switch during the annual open enrollment period (October 15 to December 7) without underwriting, but timing and availability vary by state and carrier.
