Explore five Medicare Supplement plans, including Plans G, N, F, D, and C, and understand their coverage benefits and eligibility requirements. Discover how these Medigap options differ, which medical expenses they may cover, and what factors to consider when reviewing premiums, out-of-pocket costs, and policy features to make informed healthcare decisions.
Medicare Supplement Insurance, also called Medigap, helps people with Original Medicare pay certain out-of-pocket healthcare expenses. These policies are offered by private insurance companies and are standardized by letter in most states. Plans differ in the costs they help cover, including deductibles, coinsurance, and copayments. Some options provide broader coverage, while others require beneficiaries to pay a larger share of certain expenses. Understanding the differences between popular Medigap plans can make it easier to evaluate healthcare needs and budget considerations. This guide explains five commonly discussed options and highlights important eligibility requirements and comparison factors.
Medicare Supplement Insurance works alongside Original Medicare, which includes Part A hospital insurance and Part B medical insurance. Medigap can help cover certain expenses that Original Medicare does not pay in full, such as coinsurance and deductibles. It generally does not cover prescription drugs, routine dental care, vision care, or long-term custodial care.
Five plans often considered when reviewing Medigap coverage are:
Plan G: Covers many eligible Original Medicare out-of-pocket costs, except the Part B deductible.
Plan N: Offers broad coverage but includes certain office visit and emergency room copayments.
Plan F: Provides comprehensive benefits for eligible beneficiaries, including coverage of the Part B deductible.
Plan D: Covers several major cost-sharing expenses but does not cover the Part B deductible or Part B excess charges.
Plan C: Includes broad benefits, including the Part B deductible, but is restricted to people who were eligible for Medicare before January 1, 2020.
These plans are not an official ranking. Availability and eligibility depend on individual circumstances and state rules.
Each standardized plan provides a defined set of benefits. For policies with the same letter, the basic benefits are generally the same regardless of the insurance company, although premiums and other pricing factors can differ.
Here is a closer look at the five options:
Plan G: Often considered by people who want broad coverage and can pay the annual Part B deductible themselves.
Plan N: May suit people who are comfortable with certain copayments in exchange for a different coverage structure.
Plan F: Covers the Part B deductible, but it is generally unavailable to people who first became eligible for Medicare on or after January 1, 2020.
Plan D: Provides coverage for several common cost-sharing expenses but leaves some costs to the beneficiary.
Plan C: Has broad benefits, but eligibility is limited under federal rules for people newly eligible for Medicare from 2020 onward.
Plan G is one of the options people commonly review when considering Medigap coverage. It generally covers Medicare Part A coinsurance and hospital costs, skilled nursing facility coinsurance, and Part B coinsurance, subject to the policy rules. Beneficiaries must still pay the annual Part B deductible.
When evaluating Plan G, consider:
The monthly premium charged by each insurer.
The annual Part B deductible.
Whether a high-deductible version is available and appropriate.
How premiums may change over time.
Plan N offers a different balance between premiums and out-of-pocket expenses. It generally covers many of the same cost-sharing categories as Plan G, but beneficiaries may have copayments for certain office visits and emergency room visits that do not result in hospital admission. It also does not cover Part B excess charges.
Before choosing Plan N, consider how often you visit healthcare providers and whether the potential copayments fit your budget.
Plans F and C include coverage for the Medicare Part B deductible. However, federal rules generally prevent people who first became eligible for Medicare on or after January 1, 2020, from purchasing these plans.
People who were eligible before that date may still have access to them, depending on the circumstances and availability. Plan G and Plan D are alternatives worth understanding because they provide many similar benefits without covering the Part B deductible.
Choosing a Medigap policy involves more than looking at the plan letter. Premiums, eligibility, health needs, and long-term affordability all matter. Since insurers can charge different premiums for the same standardized plan, comparing identical plan letters can help clarify the differences.
Consider these steps:
Review your expected healthcare needs and budget.
Compare premiums for the same plan letter.
Check the deductible, copayments, and exclusions.
Confirm eligibility and availability in your state.
Review the Medigap enrollment rules before making a change.
The six-month Medigap Open Enrollment Period generally begins when you are at least 65 and enrolled in Medicare Part B. During this period, federal rules provide important protections for purchasing coverage. Outside it, medical underwriting may apply in some situations.