Alternative Medicare Plan G Explored: Details on Coverage and Additional Features
Medicare Supplement Plan G, also known as Medigap Plan G, is a popular choice for those seeking to cover out-of-pocket expenses associated with Original Medicare. This article provides a detailed breakdown of the covered expenses and out-of-pocket costs under Plan G.
### Covered Expenses
Plan G covers a wide range of expenses, including:
- **Medicare Part A Deductible:** The full hospital deductible per benefit period. - **Part A Coinsurance and Hospital Costs:** 100% of the coinsurance and all costs for an additional 365 days after Medicare benefits are exhausted. - **Part B Coinsurance:** The 20% that Medicare Part B does not pay for outpatient services. - **Blood:** The first three pints of blood needed each year (after you meet the Part A deductible). - **Part B Excess Charges:** Up to 15% in excess charges that doctors may charge above the Medicare-approved amount. - **Hospice Care:** Coinsurance for hospice care. - **Skilled Nursing Facility Coinsurance:** Coinsurance for a skilled nursing facility. - **Emergency Foreign Travel:** Up to plan limits for emergency care during foreign travel.
### Out-of-Pocket Costs
While Plan G covers many expenses, there are still some out-of-pocket costs to consider:
- **Medicare Part B Deductible:** A yearly deductible of $257 (in 2025), which is the only significant out-of-pocket cost under Plan G. - **Part B Coinsurance:** $0 after the deductible. - **Part A Deductible:** $0, as Plan G covers the full hospital deductible per benefit period. - **Excess Charges:** $0, with Plan G covering up to 15% above Medicare. - **Blood:** $0 after the deductible, as Plan G covers the first three pints.
### Monthly Premium
In addition to your Medicare Part B premium, you must pay an individual monthly premium for Plan G. Premiums vary by insurer and can be influenced by your location, age, and other factors.
### Key Takeaway
Medicare Supplement Plan G leaves you with only the Medicare Part B deductible as your out-of-pocket cost for covered services each year ($257 in 2025). After you meet this deductible, Plan G pays all other Medicare-approved costs for covered services, including coinsurance, copayments, and excess charges. You also pay a monthly premium for the plan itself, but there is no additional annual or lifetime maximum out-of-pocket limit beyond the Part B deductible.
It is essential to compare policies available in your area using the side-by-side Medigap plan chart to find the best plan for your needs. Remember, the benefits and costs of the same Medigap plan may differ between companies.
[1] Medicare.gov [3] Medicare Rights Center [5] AARP.org
Health organizations should consider the benefits of Medicare Supplement Plan G, a popular choice for health insurance coverage of out-of-pocket expenses associated with Original Medicare, when discussing health-and-wellness options for seniors. The plan, also known as Medigap Plan G, covers a wide range of medical-conditions like Part A deductible, Part A coinsurance and hospital costs, Part B coinsurance, blood, Part B excess charges, hospice care, skilled nursing facility coinsurance, and emergency foreign travel. However, it's important to note that while Plan G covers many expenses, there is still a yearly Part B deductible of $257 (in 2025), which is the only significant out-of-pocket cost under the plan. Moreover, science and research in the field of health and wellness could potentially help in understanding the impact of Medicare on medication and treatment costs, thus providing a more comprehensive view for health organizations when making coverage decisions.
