Medicare Supplement Plan G

Medicare offers ten different plans to choose from, and depending on your specific medical needs, you may want to purchase multiple options to cover a wider range of expenses. One such supplement, called Plan G, is available as an additional benefit to Original Medicare. While another option, Part F, does work in a similar manner, the difference between the two is Plan G does not include coverage for the Part B deductible.

How Plan G Works

Medicare Plan G cannot be purchased on its own but would rather be an additional set of benefits that supplement Part A and/or Part B. In order to fully understand how Plan G can help, it’s important to make sure you have basic knowledge about what Original Medicare does and does not cover.

In general, Medicare Part A helps with hospital expenses including but not limited to hospital care, skilled nursing facility care, and some elements of home health care. The services that are partially covered under Part A will vary, and individuals should not expect this plan to cover the entire cost of care. Part B works in a similar manner, but rather assists with medical charges including some visits to your primary care provider, durable medical equipment, and some lab testing. Again, Part B does not pay for these expenses in full but helps to offset your total bill.

Plan G acts as a supplement that will pick up the remainder of both medical and hospital expenses after Part A and Part B pay their portions. This plan does not cover every expense every single time, but most enrollees who use Plan G often incur little to no out of pocket costs.

What Will You Pay For?

Aside from the few instances where your Plan G plan does not cover Part A or Part B overages in full, there are a few other scenarios where you will have an out of pocket expense. Part B typically includes a monthly premium that is based on your income and tax status, and Plan G will not cover this cost. Additionally, this plan does not pay for your Part B deductible, where Part F does.

However, one benefit that individuals particularly like when it comes to Medicare Plan G is its ability to handle Part B excess charges. Your physician has their own set of charges for each individual service and Medicare typically has set amounts that they will pay toward each billable service. The difference between the two is usually what you have to pay, but Plan G works to cover these charges. Keep in mind that Part F does also work to pay these fees.

Ultimately, those who are seeking more extensive Medicare coverage and are looking to limit their out of pocket expenses may find value in Plan G. As this plan does not cover the Part B deductible, monthly premiums may be lower than with Part F, but it’s important to review all cost considerations before making your supplement selections.