| Benefit | Plan G ⭐ Most Popular | Plan N | High-Ded. G | Plan A (Basic) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Part A hospital deductible | ✓ Covered | ✓ Covered | ✗ Not covered | ✗ Not covered |
| Part A coinsurance & hospital costs | ✓ Covered | ✓ Covered | ✓ After ded. | ✓ Covered |
| Part B coinsurance/copayment | ✓ Covered | Up to $20 copay | ✓ After ded. | ✓ Covered |
| Part B deductible ($283) | ✗ You pay | ✗ You pay | ✗ You pay | ✗ You pay |
| Part B excess charges | ✓ Covered | ✗ Not covered | ✓ After ded. | ✗ Not covered |
| Emergency room visits | ✓ Covered | Up to $50 copay | ✓ After ded. | ✓ Covered |
| Foreign travel emergency | ✓ 80% | ✓ 80% | ✓ 80% | ✗ Not covered |
| Skilled nursing coinsurance | ✓ Covered | ✓ Covered | ✓ After ded. | ✗ Not covered |
| Typical monthly premium (age 65) | $120–$200 | $90–$160 | $45–$85 | $70–$120 |
| High annual deductible (2026) | None | None | $2,950 | None |
Plan G — The Most Popular Choice in 2026
Plan G is the most comprehensive Medicare supplement available to new enrollees in 2026. It covers virtually everything Original Medicare does not — except the $283 annual Part B deductible, which you pay once per year before your supplement coverage kicks in. After that single $283 payment, Plan G covers 100% of your approved medical costs for the rest of the year.
Plan G is ideal for people who want maximum predictability in their healthcare costs and do not want to think about copays or coinsurance. Your maximum out-of-pocket exposure beyond your monthly premium is just $283 per year.
Plan N — The Smart Alternative
Plan N offers nearly identical coverage to Plan G but typically costs $25–$40 less per month. The trade-offs are small: up to a $20 copay for doctor visits, up to a $50 copay for emergency room visits if you are not admitted, and no coverage for Part B excess charges (when doctors charge more than the Medicare-approved amount).
Plan N is a smart choice if your doctors all accept Medicare assignment (eliminating the excess charge risk), you are generally healthy and do not visit the doctor frequently, and you are comfortable with small predictable copays in exchange for lower monthly premiums. At $35/month savings, Plan N saves $420/year — or $4,200 over 10 years.
High-Deductible Plan G — For the Healthy and Budget-Conscious
High-Deductible Plan G has the same coverage as standard Plan G but requires you to pay a $2,950 deductible before any supplement benefits kick in. In exchange, monthly premiums are dramatically lower — often $45–$85/month vs $120–$200 for standard Plan G. If you are healthy and rarely need significant medical care, High-Deductible Plan G can save thousands annually in premiums.
When should I sign up for Medicare?
You have a 7-month Initial Enrollment Period (IEP) that begins 3 months before the month you turn 65, includes your birthday month, and ends 3 months after. Enrolling in the first 3 months of your IEP ensures coverage starts the month you turn 65. If you are still working and covered by employer insurance you can delay enrollment without penalty, but you must enroll within 8 months of losing that coverage to avoid a lifetime penalty.
What is the difference between Medicare Supplement and Medicare Advantage?
Medicare Supplement (Medigap) works alongside Original Medicare (Parts A and B). You see any doctor who accepts Medicare nationwide, pay your monthly premium, and your supplement covers most remaining costs. Medicare Advantage (Part C) replaces Original Medicare with a private insurance plan that usually has lower premiums but requires you to use a network of doctors, get referrals for specialists, and face higher out-of-pocket costs when you need significant care. Supplement plans offer more predictability and flexibility; Advantage plans often have lower premiums.
Is there a best time to buy a Medicare supplement plan?
Yes — the best time is during your Medigap Open Enrollment Period, which begins the month you are both 65 or older AND enrolled in Medicare Part B. During this 6-month window, insurers must sell you any plan they offer at the same price as everyone else regardless of your health status. Outside this window insurers can charge more or deny coverage based on pre-existing conditions (except in states with special protections like Connecticut, Massachusetts, Maine, and New York).
Does Medicare cover prescription drugs?
Original Medicare (Parts A and B) does not cover most prescription drugs. Prescription drug coverage comes from Medicare Part D — a separate plan you purchase from a private insurer. Medicare Supplement plans also do not include drug coverage. You need to separately enroll in a Part D plan if you want prescription coverage. Even if you do not currently take medications, enrolling in a low-cost Part D plan when first eligible is recommended to avoid the permanent late enrollment penalty.
Can I switch Medicare supplement plans later?
Yes, but outside your Open Enrollment Period you may face medical underwriting — meaning the insurer can ask health questions and charge more or deny coverage based on pre-existing conditions. In most states if you want to switch from Plan N to Plan G after your open enrollment period has passed, you may be subject to underwriting. Some states have birthday rules or anniversary rules that allow annual switching without underwriting — check your state's specific regulations.
What does Medicare not cover?
Original Medicare and Medicare Supplement plans do not cover routine dental care and dentures, routine vision care and eyeglasses, routine hearing exams and hearing aids, most long-term care (nursing home care beyond 100 days), cosmetic surgery, or acupuncture (except for chronic low back pain). These gaps are significant — dental and vision costs especially can be substantial in retirement. Separate dental, vision, and hearing plans are available and worth considering.
How much does Medicare cost per month in 2026?
Most people pay no premium for Part A (hospital). Part B (medical) costs $202.90/month in 2026 for most people — higher-income individuals pay more under IRMAA. A Medicare Supplement plan (Plan G or N) adds $90–$200/month depending on your age and state. A Part D drug plan adds roughly $25–$50/month. Total monthly cost for comprehensive coverage typically runs $350–$500/month for most people, plus the one-time $283 Part B annual deductible.