Medicare Supplement Plan G Deductible 2024: A Comprehensive Guide

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Medicare Supplement Plan G is a popular choice for Medicare beneficiaries, offering comprehensive coverage with a relatively low premium. The plan covers most of the out-of-pocket expenses not paid by Original Medicare, including copays, coinsurance, and deductibles.

In 2024, the Medicare Supplement Plan G deductible is $240, which is a significant reduction from previous years. This deductible applies to Medicare Part A and Part B services, and it's essential to understand how it works to avoid unexpected expenses.

One of the key benefits of Plan G is that it covers the Part B deductible, which is $240 in 2024. This means that once you meet the Plan G deductible, you won't have to pay for Part B services until the next year.

Medicare Supplement Plan G

Medicare Supplement Plan G is a popular choice for those new to Medicare Supplement coverage. It's nearly as good as Plan F, which is why it's so well-liked.

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Plan G's coverage is comprehensive, but it doesn't cover the Medicare Part B deductible. If you're looking for a plan that covers this deductible, you'll need to consider Plan F, which is only available to those who were eligible for Medicare before January 1, 2020.

Plan G is a great option for those who want a more affordable plan with excellent coverage. It's a good idea to weigh the pros and cons of Plan G and Plan F to determine which one is right for you.

Understanding Plan G

Medicare Supplement Plan G is a standardized plan that offers the same coverage no matter which company you buy it from. This is because Medigap plans are standardized, which means coverage doesn't vary between companies.

Plan G covers a wide range of benefits, including Part A coinsurance, Part B coinsurance, blood transfusions, and skilled nursing facility care coinsurance. It also covers Part A deductible, Part B excess charges, and foreign travel emergency care.

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Here are some key benefits of Plan G:

  • Part A coinsurance and hospital costs up to an additional 365 days after Medicare benefits are used up.
  • Part A deductible.
  • Part A hospice care coinsurance or copayment.
  • Part B coinsurance or copayment.
  • Part B excess charges (if a provider is permitted to charge more than Medicare’s approved amount and does so).
  • Blood transfusion (first three pints).
  • Skilled nursing facility care coinsurance.
  • Medically necessary emergency health care service for the first 60 days when traveling outside the U.S. Deductible and limitations apply.

Note that Plan G does not cover your Medicare Part B deductible, which is $257 for 2025.

Eligibility

To qualify for Plan G, you must be an American citizen or a legal resident with at least five years of residency in the US.

You can enroll in Plan G if you're turning 65 or have a disability that qualifies you for Social Security disability benefits.

Having worked 10 or more years in the US is a requirement for getting Part A without a premium.

If you haven't worked 10 years in the US, you may still be eligible for Medicare, but you'll have to pay the Part A premium.

The only exceptions to the 2-year wait for Medicare are amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) and end-stage renal disease (ESRD).

What It Covers

Plan G offers coverage for preventive visits, emergency care, or chronic conditions. This makes it a great option for those who want to have a safety net in place for unexpected medical expenses.

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Plan G covers a wide range of services, including Part A coinsurance and hospital costs, Part A deductible, and Part A hospice care coinsurance or copayment. It also covers Part B coinsurance or copayment, blood transfusions, and skilled nursing facility care coinsurance.

Here are some of the specific benefits of Plan G:

Plan G also covers 80% of foreign travel emergency costs, but you'll need to pay the remaining 20% out of pocket. This is a great benefit for those who travel frequently.

What Is Medicare Supplement

Medicare Supplement, also known as Medigap, is insurance that helps fill the gaps in Original Medicare coverage.

It's designed to work alongside Medicare, not replace it, and is sold by private insurance companies.

Medicare Supplement plans are standardized, meaning they have the same benefits regardless of the insurance company offering them.

Plan G is one of the most popular Medicare Supplement plans, and it covers 100% of Medicare Part B excess charges.

You can purchase a Medicare Supplement plan from any insurance company that's licensed to sell it in your state.

Medicare Supplement plans are available to anyone who's eligible for Medicare Part A and Part B.

Comparing Plans

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Medicare Supplement Plan G is one of the most popular plans available, covering 39% of all Medigap plans sold.

Plan G offers comprehensive coverage, but it's essential to compare it with other options like Plan N, which has lower premiums but higher copays for certain medical visits.

Plan N is a good choice if you don't have frequent medical visits, but if you do, Plan G might be the better deal.

Here's a comparison of Plan G and Plan N:

Keep in mind that you can only buy Plan G if you have Original Medicare, and you can't buy any Medigap plan, including Plan G, if you have a Medicare Advantage plan.

Options

You have several options to consider when comparing Medicare Supplement plans. Plan G is one of the most popular plans, covering 39% of all Medigap plans sold, and offers extensive coverage with competitive premiums.

Plan F is another option, but it's worth noting that it costs $480 per year more than Plan G. It's also only available to those who were eligible for Medicare before 2020. Plan N is a good fit if you prefer a lower premium and can pay the Part B deductible, but it does come with copays for certain medical office and emergency department visits.

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If you're looking for the lowest monthly premiums, Plan K or Plan L might be the way to go, but keep in mind that they offer partial coverage. You'll pay the Part A (Hospital) and Part B (Medical) deductibles, and may still have out-of-pocket costs.

Here are some key features of popular Medigap plans:

Ultimately, the best plan for you will depend on your individual needs and circumstances. Be sure to do your research and compare the features and costs of different plans before making a decision.

Pros and Cons

Medicare Supplement Plan G has some great benefits, but it's not all sunshine. Here's a breakdown of its pros and cons.

Plan G covers nearly all of your medical costs, making it a great option if you're concerned about out-of-pocket expenses.

It's also widely available from most insurance companies, so you should be able to find a plan that fits your needs.

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If you're willing to take on a higher deductible, you can even opt for a high-deductible version of Plan G at a lower rate.

However, Plan G is more expensive than other Medigap plans, which might be a deal-breaker for some people.

And if you're in good health, you might find that other plans like Plan D or Plan N offer similar benefits at a lower cost.

Here's a quick comparison of some of the key Medigap plans:

Keep in mind that excess charges are rare, but Plan G does cover them if a provider is permitted to charge more than Medicare's approved amount and does so.

Plan F vs Plan N

Plan F vs Plan N is a crucial decision for anyone considering Medicare Supplement insurance. Plan F offers the most comprehensive coverage, covering all Medicare-approved expenses with no out-of-pocket costs.

Plan F has a higher premium, often 25-50% more than Plan N, which may be a significant factor for some individuals.

Plan N, on the other hand, requires a copayment for doctor visits and emergency room visits, typically $20 and $50 respectively.

Original vs Advantage

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Medicare Advantage plans are your main insurance, bundling Parts A and B together and often including prescription drug coverage.

You'll typically need to use doctors and hospitals within the plan's network, which can limit your choices if you have a preferred doctor or specialist.

Medicare Advantage plans usually require you to pay a premium, copays, and a deductible.

A Medicare Supplement plan, on the other hand, is a supplement to Original Medicare, helping cover healthcare costs not covered by Original Medicare.

You can use a Medicare Supplement plan with any doctor or hospital that accepts Medicare, giving you more flexibility.

Medicare Supplement plans don't include prescription drug coverage, but you can buy a separate prescription drug plan to complement your coverage.

It's essential to consider your healthcare needs and preferences when deciding between Original Medicare and a Medicare Advantage plan.

How to Enroll

Enrolling in Plan G can be a bit complex, but don't worry, I've got you covered. The best time to enroll in Plan G is during your initial Enrollment Period (IEP), which starts three months before your 65th birthday and lasts through your birthday month and three months following your birthday.

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You'll also need to have Medicare Part B in effect. This is a great time to enroll because, during IEP, healthy people and those with health conditions will pay the same premium for Plan G from the same company.

If you're under 65 and have Medicare, you may be able to apply for a Medicare Supplement plan, but each state has its own rules. Some states require Medigap insurance companies to sell Medigap plans to Medicare enrollees younger than 65.

You can switch to Plan G from a Medicare Advantage plan during the Annual Election Period from October 15 to December 7, or the Medicare Advantage OEP from January 1 to March 31. However, in most states, you won't have guaranteed-issue rights, which means you might face medical underwriting and higher premiums.

To see what the Medigap rules are where you live, check with your state insurance department. They can provide you with specific guidelines and help you navigate the process.

Cost and Coverage

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Plan G premium costs vary widely, depending on where you live, with the lowest monthly premium being $99 in Dallas, TX, and the highest being $705 in New York, NY.

The coverage for Plan G is standardized, meaning it's the same no matter which company you buy it from. This means you can shop around for the best price without worrying about sacrificing coverage.

A 65-year-old woman who doesn't smoke can expect to pay an average of $159 per month for Plan G, while the high-deductible version costs an average of $49 per month.

Here's a breakdown of the average monthly rates for Plan G from different insurance companies:

Deductible 2024

The high-deductible version of Medicare Supplement Plan G costs an average of $49 per month.

You'll have to pay the first $2,870 of your medical costs before the plan starts paying.

Medicare Supplement Plan G's standard version costs an average of $159 per month for a 65-year-old woman who doesn't smoke.

Costs

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Plan G premiums vary widely depending on your location, with the lowest monthly premium being $99 in Dallas, Texas, and the highest being $705 in New York City.

The average monthly premium for Plan G is $159 for a 65-year-old woman who doesn't smoke. This is a significant cost, but it's essential to consider when choosing a Medicare Supplement plan.

In some states, costs also vary based on your gender and whether you smoke or vape. This means that your premium could be different from someone who lives in the same area but has different characteristics.

The high-deductible version of Plan G costs an average of $49 per month, which is a much lower premium than the standard version. However, with this plan, you have to pay the first $2,870 of your medical costs before the plan starts paying.

Here are some average monthly rates for Plan G from different insurance companies:

These rates are for a 65-year-old woman who doesn't smoke, and they give you an idea of the different prices you might pay depending on the insurance company you choose.

Felicia Koss

Junior Writer

Felicia Koss is a rising star in the world of finance writing, with a keen eye for detail and a knack for breaking down complex topics into accessible, engaging pieces. Her articles have covered a range of topics, from retirement account loans to other financial matters that affect everyday people. With a focus on clarity and concision, Felicia's writing has helped readers make informed decisions about their financial futures.

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