Is Medicare Plan G the best?

Medicare Plan G is often considered the best for comprehensive coverage for new enrollees, covering almost all out-of-pocket costs after the Part B deductible (around $283 in 2026), offering predictable expenses and freedom to choose providers. However, "best" depends on your needs; it has higher premiums than other plans, doesn't cover prescriptions (requiring a separate Part D plan), and isn't ideal if you rarely use healthcare services. For those new to Medicare after 2020, it's the most robust option, offering more than Plan N (which has copays) and similar to Plan F (which is no longer available to new enrollees).

What are the disadvantages of Medicare Part G?

The main disadvantages of Medicare Plan G are that it requires you to pay the annual Medicare Part B deductible out-of-pocket, doesn't cover prescription drugs (requiring a separate Part D plan), and excludes dental, vision, and hearing care, often leading to higher premiums than less comprehensive plans. It also means managing two separate policies (Medigap + Part D) and can have enrollment restrictions if you're outside guaranteed periods, notes Omaha Insurance Solutions.
 

Why is Plan G better than Plan N?

After you meet your annual Medicare Part B deductible (just $240 in 2025), Plan G covers nearly all other out-of-pocket costs. Medicare Advantage plans may lure you with low premiums, but they often come with higher out-of-pocket maximums, copays, and coinsurance—especially for hospital stays or specialist visits.

What is not covered under Plan G?

Medicare Plan G doesn't cover prescription drugs (requiring a separate Part D plan), routine dental, vision (like glasses/contacts), hearing aids, long-term care, private-duty nursing, or the annual Medicare Part B deductible, but it covers nearly everything else Original Medicare doesn't pay after you meet that deductible, making it very comprehensive.
 

What does Medicare Part G not cover?

Medigap Plan G doesn't cover things Original Medicare doesn't, primarily prescription drugs (requiring a separate Part D plan), dental, vision (glasses/exams), hearing aids, long-term care, or private-duty nursing, and you're responsible for the annual Part B deductible before it starts paying. Plan G is comprehensive for Medicare-approved services, covering most gaps like copays and coinsurance, but excludes these common health & wellness items. 

Is Plan G The Best Medicare Supplement Plan? The Pros and Cons of Plan G

Who has the best medicare plan G?

The "best" Medicare Plan G depends on your needs, but top providers in 2026 include UnitedHealthcare, Cigna, Anthem, and Aetna, balancing comprehensive coverage (covering all Original Medicare costs except the Part B deductible) with potential extra perks like wellness programs, says Investopedia and MedicareGuide.com research, Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services | CMS (.gov). Key factors for choosing are your budget (premiums), potential discounts (Cigna), customer service (UHC), and state availability, as benefits are standardized but prices and perks vary significantly by carrier. 

How much does Medicare Plan G cost per month for seniors?

36% of Medigap beneficiaries have Plan F. The average cost of Medicare Supplement Plan G in in 2025 are lowest for beneficiaries at age 66 ($142.67 per month) and highest at age 98 ($319.38 per month). 39% of Medigap beneficiaries have Plan G.

What is the maximum out-of-pocket for Plan G?

Medigap Plan G has no true out-of-pocket maximum for most services; your only required yearly cost is the Medicare Part B deductible (e.g., $257 in 2025), after which it covers everything else 100%. However, there's a High-Deductible Plan G, which requires you to pay up to a separate deductible (around $2,870 for 2025) for Medicare-approved services before coverage kicks in, but then covers 100%.
 

Does Medicare Plan G cover emergency room visits?

Medicare Plan G does provide coverage for emergency room services, but you may still be responsible for certain out-of-pocket costs, such as copayments. Understanding these details is crucial for ensuring you have the financial protection you need in case of an unexpected medical situation.

Which medicare supplement is better, Plan G or Plan N?

Neither Plan G nor Plan N is universally "better"; the best choice depends on your health and budget, with Plan G offering comprehensive coverage (fewer out-of-pocket costs) for higher premiums, while Plan N has lower premiums but requires copays for doctor/ER visits and doesn't cover Part B excess charges, making it cheaper for healthier individuals who want cost predictability but don't mind small costs. 

Can I switch from Plan G to N?

Yes, you can switch from Medicare Plan G to Plan N, but it's not guaranteed and usually requires medical underwriting outside your initial enrollment, meaning you might be denied or charged more, unless you're in a state with special guaranteed issue rights like California, Connecticut, or New York. Plan N has lower premiums but requires copays for doctor/ER visits and doesn't cover Part B excess charges, unlike Plan G, making the switch a trade-off between cost and comprehensive coverage. 

Why should I switch from Plan F to Plan G?

While Plan F provides more comprehensive coverage, it comes with a higher monthly premium, and it is no longer available to new Medicare beneficiaries. Plan G offers almost the same coverage as Plan F but requires payment of the Medicare Part B deductible before coverage begins, resulting in a lower monthly premium.

Does Plan G cover cataract surgery?

Yes, Medicare Plan G covers cataract surgery by paying the Part B coinsurance (usually 20%) for medically necessary procedures after you meet the small annual Part B deductible, essentially covering surgeon fees, facility costs, anesthesia, and standard lens implants, leaving you with minimal out-of-pocket costs. Plan G supplements Original Medicare (Part A & B), so it works with those benefits to cover most costs associated with the surgery. 

What is the best health insurance for seniors on Medicare?

There's no single "best" health plan, as it depends on your needs, but top providers for Medicare Advantage (Part C) include Humana, UnitedHealthcare, Aetna, and BCBS, offering diverse benefits like $0 premiums, extra perks, and strong networks, while Medigap (Medicare Supplement) complements Original Medicare by filling gaps, with popular carriers like AARP/UHC, Anthem, and Cigna providing standardized policies (Plans G, F, N), with personalized choices best found via your State SHIP counselor or broker. 

Which medicare advantage plan denies the most claims?

Centene (Wellcare) and CVS Health (Aetna) have faced scrutiny for high prior authorization denial rates in Medicare Advantage (MA) plans, with reports showing they had the most denied requests in 2023, though many denials were overturned on appeal, indicating issues with their strict criteria, while UnitedHealthcare also faces lawsuits and uses technology that has led to increased denials, especially for post-acute care, highlighting systemic challenges with MA plan claim approvals. 

What does Dave Ramsey say about Medicare?

Dave Ramsey's Medicare advice centers on planning ahead, understanding enrollment periods to avoid penalties, using Health Savings Accounts (HSAs) if possible, and supplementing Original Medicare with Medigap or Medicare Advantage (Part C) to cover gaps like dental, vision, and long-term care, stressing that mistakes can be costly and recommending expert advice for personalized choices. 

Who has the best Plan G Medicare Supplement?

There's no single "best" Plan G provider, as it depends on your needs, but top-rated companies often include AARP/UnitedHealthcare (overall best/membership perks), Wellabe/Mutual of Omaha (low prices/variety), Anthem (extra benefits/BCBS network), and State Farm (customer satisfaction). Since Plan G benefits are standardized by Medicare, differences lie in pricing, discounts, service, and extra perks, so compare quotes in your area from carriers like Aetna, Cigna, and Humana. 

Does Medicare Plan G cover ambulance service?

Medicare will help cover ground ambulance services when certain conditions are met. To be eligible for coverage: The transportation must be medically necessary as determined by your doctor, not by Medicare in advance. You must need services that can't be provided in another type of vehicle (like a car or taxi)

What are the 5 things Medicare does not cover?

Original Medicare (Parts A & B) doesn't cover most dental, vision (like glasses/contacts), hearing aids, routine foot care, and long-term custodial care, plus many alternative therapies, cosmetic surgeries, and prescription drugs (without Part D). You'll need supplemental plans (like Medigap or Part C) or separate insurance for these common needs. 

Does plan G cover 100%?

Once deductible is paid, Medicare and Plan G cover 100% of all approved services for the rest of the year. Same benefits as Standard Plan G, but with a deductible before coverage begins. The total deductible in 2025 is $2,870 (includes the Part B deductible).

Do plan G premiums increase with age?

Yes, Plan G premiums can increase with age, but it depends on the insurer's pricing method: Attained-Age plans raise rates as you get older, making them cheaper at first but pricier later; Issue-Age plans lock in your initial enrollment age, so premiums don't rise due to age; and Community-Rated plans charge everyone the same, regardless of age, though all types can see increases from inflation. 

What are the cons of Medicare Plan G?

The main disadvantages of Medicare Plan G are that it requires you to pay the annual Medicare Part B deductible out-of-pocket, doesn't cover prescription drugs (requiring a separate Part D plan), and excludes dental, vision, and hearing care, often leading to higher premiums than less comprehensive plans. It also means managing two separate policies (Medigap + Part D) and can have enrollment restrictions if you're outside guaranteed periods, notes Omaha Insurance Solutions.
 

Does everyone have to pay $170 a month for Medicare?

If you don't get premium-free Part A, you pay up to $565 each month. If you don't buy Part A when you're first eligible for Medicare (usually when you turn 65), you might pay a penalty. Most people pay the standard Part B monthly premium amount ($202.90 in 2026).