Author: Kelechi Edeh
Health insurance is a sure bet to lower the cost of medical services. As a senior citizen, you can benefit from America’s government insurance scheme named Medicare.
Original Medicare (Parts A and B, for example) covers various services, including hospital stays and doctor visits, and can help you save money on these services through monthly premiums.
However, deductibles, coinsurance, and copays can still be quite expensive. Medicare supplements, or Medigap policies, help close these coverage gaps and occasionally provide extra services.
Two of the most robust Medigap plans for Medicare users are the Medicare Supplement Plan G and the High Deductible Plan G (HD Plan G). Except for Medigap Plan F, they provide a more comprehensive range of coverage than other Medigap plans.
But what are Medicare Supplement Plan G and HD Plan G, and what do they cover? Which one should you choose?
 Let’s take a closer look at these plans to see which is best for you.
What Is Medicare Supplement Plan G and High Deductible Plan G?
Medicare Supplement Plan G and HD Plan G pay supplementary to Original Medicare, like other Medicare Supplement plans. A Medicare supplement plan can help fund the out-of-pocket expenses because Original Medicare packages do not fully cover medical services.
Beneficiaries have ten options, with Medicare Supplement Plan G being one of them.Â
Plan G is the top choice for all Medicare participants and one of the most comprehensive plans for new members. Your location, age, and gender are just a few variables that affect how much this plan will cost you. However, the monthly price ranges from $100 to $400 – with a $2,490 deductible.
On the other hand, the HD Plan G is a new choice for those who desire the same advantages as the regular Plan G but would rather pay lower monthly premiums (between $40 and $90 per month). It also has a $2,700 deductible. With these plans, you can maintain Original Medicare’s excellent benefits while having fixed healthcare costs.
What Do Medicare Supplement Plan G and High Deductible Plan G Cover?
Original Medicare covers hospitalizations, doctor visits, and other associated services. However, it excludes some treatments, like those for dental work, hearing aids, and cosmetic procedures that are not medically essential. Additionally, you will still be required to pay coinsurance or copay charges.
The initial cost of Original Medicare deductibles, copays, and coinsurance are covered by Medicare Supplemental Plan G and HD Plan G.
Benefits of Medicare Supplement Plan G and HD Plan G include:
- Deductible for Medicare Part A in full
- Coverage for an extra 365 days of hospitalization following the use of Original Medicare benefits
- Medicare Part B copayment and coinsurance coverage
- Additional emergency benefits for international travel (up to 80%)
- Care in an institution for skilled nursing
- The first three pints of blood transfusions are covered.
- Hospice coinsurance and copayment for Medicare Part A
The yearly Medicare Plan B deductible is the sole expense that these Medicare plans do not cover. Additionally, neither the Medicare Supplement Plan G nor the HD Plan G provides benefits for vision, hearing, dental, or prescription medication services.
Where To Buy Medicare Supplement Plans
Medicare Supplement Plan G and HD Plan G are available from private health insurance providers like UnitedHealthcare and Aetna. Plan G isn’t provided by all insurance companies, though. To get the best deal, you should research the insurance companies that offer the plans that best suit your needs and budget.
You have seven months to sign up for Plan G and Medicare starting three months before you hit 65. Additionally, during the annual open enrollment period, which runs from October 15 to December 7, you can enroll in or make changes to your Medicare plan.
Medicare Supplement Plan G or High Deductible Plan G?
Two of the most comprehensive Medicare plans are Medicare Supplement Plan G and HD Plan G. While both plans provide the same benefits, the standard Medicare Supplement Plan G may be the best option for you if you are more satisfied with higher premiums and would prefer not to pay the higher deductible. You may require additional assistance determining which Medicare Plan best meets your needs. To make the best decision, speak with an expert or contact Medicare agents.
