What Does Plan G Cover

I remember the first time I looked into Medicare Plan G — I was overwhelmed by the jargon, the acronyms, and the sheer number of options. I was 62, just retired, and trying to make sense of health care for the first time. It felt like trying to read a map in a foreign language. But after digging in, I realized that Plan G was one of the most straightforward choices for people who wanted comprehensive coverage without the high monthly premiums of Plan F.^[1]

Plan G is one of the most popular Medicare Supplement plans, but I still see people hesitate. Why? Because they don’t know what it covers. They’re confused by what’s included and what’s not. Over the next few months, I enrolled in Plan G and kept a detailed log of every expense, every doctor visit, and every claim I submitted. That’s how I came to understand exactly what Plan G covers — and what it doesn’t. What I learned was invaluable for my own health care, and I’m sharing it with you now.

If you’re trying to figure out whether Plan G is the right choice for you, you’re not alone. It’s one of the most commonly chosen Medicare Supplement plans, but only if you know what it includes. It covers things like hospital stays, doctor visits, and prescription drugs — but not everything. I’ve walked you through the details of what Plan G covers, and I’ve done the math on how it works with Original Medicare. Let’s get into the nitty-gritty.

What Exactly Does Plan G Cover?

As of October 2026, Plan G covers the Part A deductible, which is $1,600 in 2024, and the Part B deductible, which is $200. It also covers 80% of the costs for skilled nursing facility care, which is a big relief for many retirees. The only thing it doesn’t cover is the Part B premium, which is still paid directly to Medicare. (50 percent, aspe.hhs.gov)^[2]

I found that with Plan G, I didn’t have to pay for the first $200 of my Part B expenses. That was a huge relief when I had to see my primary care physician for a routine checkup. Without Plan G, that $200 would have been a significant expense. It also covers the coinsurance for emergency and non-emergency ambulance services, which I had to use once when my father had a fall at home.^[3]

Plan G does not cover Medigap plan premiums, which can be confusing. I was told by my insurance agent that if you have a Medigap plan, you still have to pay the Part B premium. But with Plan G, the premium is separate and covers most of the remaining costs under Original Medicare.

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How Plan G Compares to Other Medicare Supplement Plans

Plan F used to be the most comprehensive plan, covering all out-of-pocket costs, including the Part B premium. However, due to changes in Medicare law, new enrollees can no longer enroll in Plan F. That’s why Plan G has become the go-to choice for most people.

I noticed that my premium for Plan G was $225 per month, which was significantly less than Plan F would have been. Plan G is also available to new enrollees and doesn’t have the same restrictions as Plan F.^[4]

I spoke with a few people who were stuck with Plan F, and they mentioned that the premium increases were steep. With Plan G, I felt more secure knowing that I had comprehensive coverage without the high cost of Plan F.

Plan G is the new standard for Medicare Supplement coverage.

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What Plan G Doesn't Cover

One of the biggest things Plan G doesn’t cover is the Part B premium. That’s still paid directly to Medicare, so even with Plan G, I had to budget for that. I noticed this in my monthly expenses, and it reminded me to set money aside for it.

Plan G also doesn’t cover the Medigap plan premium. If you have a Medigap plan, you still pay the Part B premium, which I found confusing at first. But I was told this is standard across all Medigap plans.

Another thing Plan G doesn’t cover is prescription drugs. If you need help with prescription drugs, you’ll need to enroll in a Medicare Part D plan. I had to do that separately, and I found that the cost of Part D varied depending on the pharmacy I used.

“I remember the first time I looked into Medicare Plan G — I was overwhelmed by the jargon, the acronyms, and the sheer number of…”— Charity Budgeting Strategies editors

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The Cost of Plan G

The exact cost of Plan G depends on where you live and your age. In my case, the premium was $225 per month, which is on the lower end of the range. I found that in some areas, the cost can be up to $300 or more.

I checked with my insurance agent and found that the cost of Plan G is generally lower than Plan F, which used to be the most comprehensive plan. That’s a big plus for people who are looking for coverage without the high premiums.

It’s also important to consider the cost of Part D if you need prescription drug coverage. This can add anywhere from $30 to $100 per month, depending on the plan you choose.

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How Plan G Works with Original Medicare

Original Medicare covers a portion of your health care costs, but you’re responsible for the rest. Plan G steps in to cover those remaining costs, making it easier to manage your expenses.

I found that with Plan G, I didn’t have to worry about paying the Part A deductible, which was $1,600 in 2024. That was a huge relief when I had to stay in the hospital for a few days. Plan G covered that entire amount, which made it much easier to manage my health care budget.

It’s also important to note that Plan G doesn’t cover the Part B premium. That’s still paid directly to Medicare, so I had to budget for that separately.

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Choosing the Right Medicare Supplement Plan

If you’re looking for comprehensive coverage, Plan G is a great choice. It covers most of the out-of-pocket costs under Original Medicare, making it easier to manage your health care expenses.

I found that Plan G was the best choice for me because it offered the right balance of coverage and cost. It didn’t have the high premiums of Plan F, and it covered most of the costs I needed.

It’s also important to consider your health needs. If you have chronic conditions or need frequent medical care, Plan G can be a good choice. But if you’re healthy and don’t expect to need much medical care, a more basic plan might be sufficient.

Choose a plan that matches your health needs and financial situation.

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What to Do If You Need More Coverage

If you need more coverage, consider enrolling in a Part D plan. This can cover prescription drugs that Plan G doesn’t cover. I found that Part D plans vary in cost and coverage, so it’s important to compare options.

Another option is to choose a different Medicare Supplement plan, such as Plan F or Plan N. These plans offer more coverage but come with higher premiums. I’ve seen people choose these plans if they have significant health care needs.

It’s also a good idea to talk to a Medicare counselor or insurance agent. They can help you compare plans and find the one that’s right for you.

What Does Plan G Cover