What Does Medicare Supplement Plan G Cover?
Medicare Supplement Plan G is the most comprehensive Medigap plan available to new Medicare enrollees in 2026 — and it's not even close. Once you've paid the annual Part B deductible ($283 in 2026), Plan G essentially acts as a near-complete financial backstop for Original Medicare's cost-sharing gaps.
Here's a full breakdown of what Plan G covers:
| Benefit | Plan G Coverage |
|---|---|
| Part A coinsurance & hospital costs | 100% (up to 365 extra days after Medicare exhausts) |
| Part A deductible | 100% ($1,676 in 2026) |
| Part A hospice care coinsurance/copayments | 100% |
| Part B coinsurance or copayments | 100% (after Part B deductible) |
| Part B excess charges | 100% |
| Skilled nursing facility (SNF) coinsurance | 100% |
| First 3 pints of blood | 100% |
| Foreign travel emergency | 80% (up to plan limits) |
One benefit worth highlighting: Part B excess charges. If a provider does not accept Medicare assignment, they can bill up to 15% above the Medicare-approved amount. Plan G covers that extra cost entirely — something Plan N does not.
Medicare Savings Tip
The One Gap: The Part B Deductible & Why Plan G Still Wins Over Plan F
Plan G has one well-known gap: it does not cover the Medicare Part B deductible, which is $283 in 2026. That means every January you'll owe the first $283 of Medicare Part B costs out of pocket before Plan G starts covering Part B coinsurance.
Why Can't Plan G Cover the Part B Deductible?
Under the Medicare Access and CHIP Reauthorization Act (MACRA), no Medigap plan sold to new Medicare enrollees after January 1, 2020 is allowed to cover the Part B deductible. Previously, Plan F and Plan C covered this cost — but both plans are now closed to anyone who became eligible for Medicare on or after January 1, 2020.
Plan G vs. Plan F: Which Is Better?
For anyone newly eligible for Medicare, this debate is settled: Plan F is not available to you. Plan G is the closest equivalent and covers identical benefits in every other category. In fact, Plan G enrollees often pay a lower monthly premium than Plan F enrollees because Plan F pools are aging and shrinking — which typically drives up Plan F premiums over time.
Plan F
- Part B Deductible Covered
- Part A Deductible
- Part B Coinsurance
- Part B Excess Charges
- Available to New Enrollees After 2020
Plan G
- Part B Deductible NOT Covered ($283)
- Part A Deductible
- Part B Coinsurance
- Part B Excess Charges
- Available to All New Enrollees
Already on Plan F?
Medicare Supplement Plan G Costs in 2026
Plan G premiums are not set by Medicare — each insurance carrier sets its own rates, and they can vary significantly by age, gender, state, and carrier. Shopping around is essential.
Typical Monthly Premium Ranges in 2026
| Age | Standard Plan G (Monthly) | High-Deductible Plan G (Monthly) |
|---|---|---|
| 65 | $140 – $220 | $52 – $102 |
| 70 | $160 – $235 | $58 – $110 |
| 75 | $190 – $260 | $65 – $120 |
Key Factors That Affect Your Premium
- Age: Premiums increase as you get older. Most carriers use "attained-age" pricing, meaning your rate rises each birthday.
- Gender: Women often pay slightly higher premiums due to longer average lifespans.
- State/Location: Local healthcare costs heavily influence pricing. High-cost states like New York or California can price Plan G significantly higher than states like Iowa or Nebraska.
- Carrier: For the same standardized benefits, one insurer might charge $50/month more than another. This is the biggest opportunity for savings — always compare at least 3 to 5 carriers.
- Tobacco use: Smokers typically pay 10–25% higher premiums.
Medicare Savings Tip
For more context on how Plan G stacks up against other top Medigap options, see our full guide to the best Medicare supplement plans.
Plan G vs. Plan N vs. High-Deductible Plan G
Plan G isn't your only Medigap option. Two alternatives are worth seriously considering depending on your health usage and budget.
Plan G vs. Plan N
Plan N is the second most popular Medigap plan in 2026. It costs less per month but comes with trade-offs.
| Feature | Plan G | Plan N |
|---|---|---|
| Monthly Premium (avg.) | $140 – $260 | $121 – $219 |
| Part B Deductible | You pay ($283) | You pay ($283) |
| Part B Coinsurance | 100% covered | Covered (with copays) |
| Office Visit Copay | None | Up to $20 |
| ER Visit Copay (not admitted) | None | Up to $50 |
| Part B Excess Charges | Covered | Not covered |
Plan N's lower premium can save you $19 to $50/month — roughly $228 to $600/year. But if you visit doctors frequently or see specialists who don't accept Medicare assignment, those copays and potential excess charges can quickly close the gap.
Bottom line: Choose Plan G if you want predictable, worry-free costs. Choose Plan N if you're healthy, rarely visit doctors, and want to save on monthly premiums. Learn more about how the best Medicare supplement plans compare side by side.
High-Deductible Plan G
High-Deductible Plan G (HD-G) offers the same comprehensive benefits as standard Plan G — but only kicks in after you've paid $2,950 out of pocket in 2026 (this deductible includes your Medicare Part B deductible).
Pros
- Much lower monthly premiums ($52–$120/month)
- Same benefits as standard Plan G once deductible is met
- Great for healthy enrollees with savings to self-insure
- Access to any Medicare-accepting provider nationwide
Cons
- You pay up to $2,950 before coverage kicks in
- Higher financial risk if you have a major health event
- Less predictable annual costs vs. standard Plan G
HD-G works best for people in their early 60s who are generally healthy, have an HSA or savings cushion, and want to minimize monthly premiums while keeping catastrophic coverage in place.
FAQ: Medicare Supplement Plan G
Is Medicare Supplement Plan G worth it in 2026?
For most new Medicare enrollees, Plan G is widely considered the best value in Medigap coverage. After paying the $283 Part B deductible, Plan G covers nearly 100% of remaining Medicare-approved costs — giving you complete financial predictability. The peace of mind alone is worth it for many retirees, especially those with chronic conditions or frequent healthcare needs.
How much does Medicare Supplement Plan G cost per month?
Standard Plan G premiums in 2026 typically range from $140 to $260 per month depending on your age, gender, state, and the insurance carrier you choose. At age 65, many enrollees find rates in the $140–$180 range. Rates increase with age, and premiums can vary by $50 or more between carriers for the exact same coverage — making it critical to shop and compare.
What is the difference between Plan G and Plan N?
Plan G covers all Medicare cost-sharing after the Part B deductible with no copays, while Plan N charges up to $20 for office visits and $50 for emergency room visits (if not admitted). Plan N also does not cover Part B excess charges. Plan N typically costs $19–$50 less per month than Plan G. The right choice depends on how often you use healthcare services.
What is High-Deductible Plan G and who should consider it?
High-Deductible Plan G requires you to pay a $2,950 deductible in 2026 before the plan begins covering costs — but in exchange, monthly premiums are dramatically lower, ranging from about $52 to $120/month. It's best suited for healthy enrollees who rarely need medical care and have the savings to cover potential out-of-pocket costs. Once the deductible is met, coverage is identical to standard Plan G.
When should I enroll in Medicare Supplement Plan G to avoid medical underwriting?
You should enroll during your Medigap Open Enrollment Period, which is a 6-month window that begins the month you turn 65 and are enrolled in Medicare Part B. During this period, insurers are legally required to offer you coverage regardless of your health history — no medical underwriting, no denials, and no higher rates due to pre-existing conditions. If you miss this window and try to enroll later, most states allow carriers to deny coverage or charge higher premiums based on your health.