If you are thinking about getting a Medicare Supplement plan (or “Medigap”), you are probably looking at Plan G. It is one of the most popular plans for people retiring now, especially because Plan F is not an option anymore for enrollees after 2020. But even if you decide to go with Plan G, you will need to choose between the Standard Plan G and the High-Deductible Plan G (HDG).

Below, this Medicare Supplement provider in Highland, Indiana is going to explain everything you should know to make an informed decision.

What does Plan G cover?

Medigap Plan G covers certain costs that you would otherwise have to pay on your own, like copayments, coinsurance, and some deductibles. It includes these core benefits:

• If you end up in the hospital and use up all your Medicare benefits, Plan G still covers your hospital stay costs under Part A for up to 365 days.
• It covers Part B copayments or coinsurance when you go to the doctor or get outpatient services.
• If you need a blood transfusion, it covers the first 3 pints of blood.
• If you are in hospice care under Medicare Part A, Plan G covers the coinsurance or copays tied to that.
• If you stay in a skilled nursing facility, it picks up the coinsurance that Medicare does not fully cover.
• It covers the deductible for Medicare Part A.
• It covers Part B excess charges, which are extra fees some doctors might charge above Medicare’s standard rates.
• If you are traveling outside the U.S. and need emergency medical care, Plan G covers up to 80% of those costs.

The only cost it does not cover is the deductible for Medicare Part B, which is $257 in 2025. So, you will have to pay that before anything else is covered.

A good Medicare Supplement provider in Highland, Indiana can explain all of this in detail, so you don’t have to figure it out alone.

The main difference is the annual deductible.

The biggest thing that separates Standard Plan G from High-Deductible Plan G is when each plan starts paying for your care.

With Standard Plan G, once you pay that $257 Part B deductible, your plan takes over and starts paying everything it covers. After that, you will not be responsible for any other Medicare-approved costs.

High-Deductible Plan G covers all the same costs as Standard Plan G, but it does not start paying until you have paid a $2,870 deductible out of your pocket (excluding premiums). Medicare will still cover 80% of your outpatient services after you have paid the Part B deductible. But everything else falls to you until you have spent $2,870 in total out-of-pocket costs.

Who should choose Standard Plan G?

Standard Plan G is a better option for people who want their costs to stay steady. If you like knowing what your bills will look like and don’t want any surprises, this plan gives you that. It is especially helpful for people who go to the doctor regularly or have health conditions that need ongoing care.

Once you pay the $257 Part B deductible, this plan handles the rest of your covered services. So, you will not have to keep paying every time you go in for a check-up or treatment.

Who should choose High-Deductible Plan G?

High-Deductible Plan G usually works best for people who are healthy and don’t visit the doctor frequently. You will be responsible for every Medicare-approved cost until you meet the $2,870 deductible. After that, the plan will start covering all eligible expenses for the rest of the year.

High-Deductible Plan G is popular among people who are retired but don’t expect a lot of medical bills, or who are trying to keep monthly expenses down.

Important considerations

• The $2,870 deductible on the High-Deductible Plan G starts over every January. So even if you meet the full amount this year, it will reset again next year.
• Once your initial Medigap enrollment window closes, you usually can’t switch plans in the middle of the year unless you qualify for a guaranteed issue right.
• If you are on Medicare because of a disability and not age, you might have fewer plan choices. Some states do require insurance companies to sell certain Medigap plans to people with disabilities, but that is not true everywhere. This is why talking with a Medicare Supplement provider in Highland, Indiana can be helpful, especially if you are under 65 or on disability.

Looking for a Medicare Supplement Provider in Highland, Indiana?

If you are looking for a Medicare supplement provider in Highland, Indiana who can help you understand your options, Senior Care Insurance Services is just a call away. We can help you compare Standard and High-Deductible Plan G based on your age, location, and health needs. Contact us today to learn more.