What is Plan G and what does it cover?
The short answer
Plan G is a Medigap (Medicare supplement) plan that covers most of the out-of-pocket costs Original Medicare does not pay, including the 20% coinsurance you owe after Medicare pays its share. The one cost it does not cover is the Part B deductible.
The full explanation
Medigap plans are sold by private insurance companies to fill the gaps in Original Medicare. Plan G is one of the most comprehensive options available. After you pay the yearly Part B deductible (the amount you pay before Medicare kicks in for outpatient services), Plan G covers nearly everything else Original Medicare leaves on the table.That includes the Part A hospital deductible, your coinsurance for hospital stays, skilled nursing facility coinsurance, the Part B coinsurance (the 20% you would otherwise pay on doctor visits and outpatient care), and even emergency care during foreign travel. Once you meet that one deductible each year, your out-of-pocket costs for covered services are essentially handled.Plan G is popular because it offers predictability. You pay your monthly premium plus that one deductible, and from there you are largely protected from surprise bills on covered services. Premiums vary by carrier, your age, where you live, and whether you smoke, so it is worth comparing options. Plan G is not available to people who became eligible for Medicare on or after January 1, 2020 through a new-to-Medicare pathway for Plan F, but most people turning 65 today can still apply for Plan G. Always verify current benefits and pricing with a licensed agent.
Related Medicare Resources
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In Utah, Plan G is offered by several carriers including SelectHealth, Regence BlueCross, UHC, Humana, Aetna, and others. Premiums can vary significantly between carriers for identical coverage, so comparing quotes is genuinely worth your time.
What this means for you
For you, this means Plan G can protect you from large, unpredictable medical bills, leaving you with one predictable deductible per year and a monthly premium rather than ongoing cost uncertainty.
Related Questions
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Are all Medigap Plan G benefits the same regardless of company?
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