When Congress passed legislation in 2015 eliminating the ability of newly eligible beneficiaries to purchase Medigap Plan F (which covered the Part B deductible), Plan G stepped into the spotlight. Today it is the most popular choice among people new to Medicare, and for good reason. Plan G pays all Medicare‑approved Part A and Part B expenses except the annual Part B deductible, which is around $257 for 2025. After this deductible is met, beneficiaries owe nothing for covered services for the rest of the year.
Plan G provides 100 % coverage for hospital stays, skilled nursing facility care and all medically necessary outpatient services. It includes coverage for hospice care coinsurance and three pints of blood each year. Additionally, it offers 80 % coverage for foreign travel emergencies after a $250 deductible (up to a lifetime cap). Perhaps most importantly, Plan G imposes no network restrictions: beneficiaries can see any provider that accepts Medicare anywhere in the United States. There is no need for referrals or prior authorizations, giving patients and doctors full control over healthcare decisions.
One of the key reasons Plan G has become dominant is the predictability of costs. With a low annual maximum out‑of‑pocket (equal to the Part B deductible), beneficiaries can budget for healthcare expenses more easily than with a Medicare Advantage plan, which might have low premiums but higher and more variable copayments and coinsurance. Plan G premiums vary widely by state, gender, age and insurer; the difference between the lowest and highest premiums can exceed 400 %. That makes shopping for a policy and choosing a financially stable insurer critical. Consumers should also consider the insurer’s rate‑increase history, as premium growth over time can affect affordability.
Plan G is often compared with Plan N. Plan N has lower premiums but requires copays for office and emergency‑room visits and does not cover Part B excess charges. For individuals who visit doctors frequently or who value a simple cost‑sharing structure, Plan G may be the safer option. Meanwhile, high‑deductible Plan G offers lower premiums but a much higher annual out‑of‑pocket limit, which may suit healthier individuals or those with sufficient savings.
For a deeper look at why Plan G stands out and how it compares with other Medigap options, read the original article: Medicare Supplement Plan G.
