Ultimate Guide to Medicare Supplement Plan G in 2023
Shopping for a Medicare supplement insurance plan, such as Plan G, can be a daunting task. With numerous insurance carriers and varying prices, finding the right plan to suit your needs can be time-consuming. Fortunately, working with an independent broker can streamline the process by exploring and comparing prices on your behalf. In this ultimate guide, we will provide valuable tips and insights to help you navigate the process of shopping for Plan G and make an informed decision about your Medicare coverage.
Plan G offers substantial value for beneficiaries who are able and willing to pay a relatively small annual deductible. Medicare Part G provides full coverage for gaps in Medicare. It will pay for coinsurance, copays, and hospital deductibles.
Keep in mind that Medicare is the federal health insurance program for “people who are 65 or older, certain younger people with disabilities, and people with end-stage renal disease.”(1)
Part A is what covers some home health care, inpatient hospital stays, hospice care, and skilled nursing facility care. Part B is used to cover certain services from doctors, outpatient care, preventive services, and medical supplies. Part D adds prescription drug coverage to several Medicare plans.
Below, we’ll go into more depth about what Plan G Supplemental Medicare can offer you when it comes to healthcare.
- Understand Plan G: Begin by familiarizing yourself with the coverage and benefits offered by Plan G. Plan G is a Medigap plan that provides comprehensive coverage, paying for many out-of-pocket costs that Original Medicare doesn’t cover, such as deductibles, copayments, and coinsurance.
- Determine Your Needs: Assess your healthcare needs and consider factors like your budget, anticipated medical expenses, and preferred level of coverage. This will help you determine if Plan G is the right fit for you and enable you to make a more informed decision.
- Work with an Independent Broker: Engage the services of an independent broker who specializes in Medicare insurance plans. These professionals have in-depth knowledge of various insurance carriers and can provide unbiased guidance and personalized recommendations based on your specific needs.
- Access to Multiple Insurance Carriers: An independent broker has access to multiple insurance carriers, saving you the hassle of contacting each carrier individually. They can gather quotes, compare prices, and present you with a range of options to choose from, simplifying the shopping process.
- Expert Guidance and Advice: An independent broker can guide you through the complexities of Medicare and help you understand the differences between various Plan G offerings. They can explain the terms and conditions, answer your questions, and ensure you have a clear understanding of what each plan entails.
- One-Stop Shopping Experience: By working with an independent broker, you can enjoy a one-stop shopping experience. They can assist you with the enrollment process, handle paperwork, and provide ongoing support, making your journey toward obtaining Plan G coverage smoother and more convenient.
- Save Time and Effort: Instead of spending hours researching and contacting insurance carriers, an independent broker does the legwork for you. They streamline the shopping process, saving you time and effort while ensuring you have access to competitive prices and comprehensive coverage options.
- Independent and Unbiased Advice: Independent brokers are not tied to any specific insurance carrier, which means they can offer unbiased advice. They have your best interests in mind and will recommend the most suitable Plan G options based on your unique circumstances and preferences.
The following benefits are provided by Plan G:
- Blood up to the first three pints
- Foreign travel emergencies up to the plan limits (80%)
- Part A coinsurance and hospital costs
- Part A deductible
- Part A hospice care copayment or coinsurance
- Part B coinsurance or copayment
- Skilled nursing facility coinsurance
This appointment is meant to alleviate any concerns and there is no-cost or obligation to make a change.
Real-World Example of How Plan G Works
When you have access to Medicare Supplement Plan G, it covers all the same things as traditional Medicare except for the outpatient deductible. Anything covered by a Medicare plan is also covered by Medigap insurance.
This plan offers help paying for surgeries, blood transfusions, ambulance rides, skilled nursing, x-rays, hospice care, durable medical equipment, doctor’s visit, diabetes supplies and lab work.
How it works is that Medicare pays first and then Plan G kicks in. It will pay the rest as long as you have paid your annual deductible. This plan also offers up to $50,000 in supplements for foreign travel emergency benefits if you are traveling abroad.
The monthly cost and the Part B deductible are the only expenses you pay for the plan itself. While the rates will vary by the insurance company you choose, you can be sure that there will be no extra payments required as you seek medical care throughout the year.
When you have Plan G, you deal with Medicare directly for approval of claims rather than leaving that responsibility to an insurance company. This means physicians accept Medicare claims and the insurance claim that makes up the difference automatically. Many insurance carriers also offer automatic claims filing where the 20% (or other amount required by the hospital) is paid to the doctor on an automatic basis without the doctor needing to reach out to the carrier for the payment.
An individual with Medicare and Medigap can visit a hospital or a doctor and show them their Medicare card. The senior can ask them to bill Medicare, and the insurance company will pay whatever is leftover in terms of coverage. This is known as the gap in coverage and explains the term “Medigap.”
Who is Plan G For?
Plan G Medicare is increasingly popular because it works well for all sorts of people. It covers the Medicare gaps other than the Part B deductible. Only needing to worry about paying your premiums and a small deductible can help you plan around a fixed budget instead of worrying about unforeseen out-of-pocket expenses. There’s no need to worry about co-payments and out-of-pocket costs that can add up and put seniors in a bind.
Those who are well-suited for Plan G are those who want excellent coverage. The plan covers hospital expenses. It also pays the entire hospital deductible. Every time you enter a hospital after a 60-day period, you would also have to satisfy this deductible cost again. The deductible is required as part of using Part A Medicare and can be alleviated through having Supplement G.
When it comes to outpatient care, Medigap G covers everything except the first Part B expense. This is something that needs to be paid the first time you seek outpatient care for the year. Once it has been paid, Supplement G takes care of other expenses.
Plan G can work well for those who want total coverage of their medical needs. Medicare pays 80% of your outpatient costs, while Supplement G pays an additional 20%, so you don’t need to spend anything extra out-of-pocket.
In places where Medicare Supplement G is much cheaper than Plan F, it makes sense to choose Plan G. You will need to pay the Part B deductible once each year, but you can save hundreds in premiums to make up for that.
Plan G is made for people who are interested in simplicity and convenience. It is ideal for anyone who wants the flexibility to see any doctor they wish without paying extra. Additionally, Plan G is a fantastic choice if you are someone who frequently travels to foreign countries.
Set Appointment
This appointment is meant to alleviate any concerns and there is no-cost or obligation to make a change.
This appointment is meant to alleviate any concerns and there is no-cost or obligation to make a change.
How to Enroll in Medicare Supplement Plan G
You cannot sign up for Plan G unless you are already enrolled in Part A and Part B. The ideal time to enroll is 6 months before you turn 65 or enroll in Part B. However, if you are healthy, it is ideal to change at any time. The reason is that you may be eligible to be placed with a healthier group of seniors. The group you are placed with is a major factor in determining price and it’s always best if you can pay less for the same coverage.
You can both enroll in and switch supplement plans at other times, but insurance companies can choose to charge you more or deny you based on your health if you are outside of your Open Enrollment period.
Does Medicare G Cover Prescriptions?
Medigap plans, including Plan G, provide valuable coverage for Medicare beneficiaries by filling in the gaps left by Original Medicare. However, it’s essential to understand that Medigap plans do not cover prescription drugs. If you require coverage for medications, you have a few options to consider. In this guide, we will explain the prescription drug coverage limitations of Medigap plans and explore alternative options to ensure you have comprehensive healthcare coverage.
Conclusion:
Shopping for Plan G doesn’t have to be overwhelming or time-consuming. By working with an independent broker, you can simplify the process and gain access to a wide range of options from multiple insurance carriers. Their expertise, unbiased advice, and personalized recommendations will help you find the best Plan G coverage that meets your healthcare needs and budget. Save time, effort, and frustration by partnering with an independent broker who can navigate the complexities of Medicare insurance and guide you toward making an informed decision. Contact us at Medicare Nationwide by setting an appointment or calling us today. It’s free to work with us!
