If you’re researching Medicare Supplement Plan G in Kansas, you’re probably trying to answer a few basic questions: What does Plan G cover? What will I still have to pay? How much does Plan G cost? And how do I compare one insurance company with another?
Medicare Supplement Plan G, also called Medigap Plan G, is designed to work alongside Original Medicare Parts A and B. It helps pay many of the deductibles, copayments and coinsurance costs that Original Medicare leaves to you.
TCG Insurance Solutions, based in Olathe, Kansas, helps Kansas Medicare beneficiaries understand Medicare Supplement coverage and compare Plan G options available from the insurance companies we represent.
What Is Medicare Supplement Plan G?
Plan G is one of the standardized Medicare Supplement plans available to people who have Original Medicare.
“Standardized” is important. A Plan G policy provides the same basic standardized Plan G benefits regardless of which insurance company sells it. The premium charged for that coverage, however, can vary from one insurance company to another.
That makes shopping for Plan G somewhat different from shopping for many other types of insurance.
You aren’t necessarily comparing different Plan G benefit packages. You’re comparing companies offering the same standardized Plan G benefits at potentially different premiums.
What Does Medicare Supplement Plan G Cover?
Plan G provides broad coverage for many of the out-of-pocket expenses associated with Medicare-approved services under Original Medicare. According to Medicare’s standardized Medigap benefit comparison, Plan G includes the following benefits:
| Plan G Benefit | Coverage |
|---|---|
| Medicare Part A coinsurance and hospital costs for up to an additional 365 days after Medicare benefits are used | Covered |
| Medicare Part B coinsurance or copayments | Covered |
| First 3 pints of blood | Covered |
| Part A hospice care coinsurance or copayments | Covered |
| Skilled nursing facility care coinsurance | Covered |
| Medicare Part A deductible | Covered |
| Medicare Part B excess charges | Covered |
| Foreign travel emergency care | 80%, subject to plan limits |
| Medicare Part B deductible | Not covered |
The most important exception for many people is the annual Medicare Part B deductible. Plan G does not pay that deductible.
After you satisfy the Part B deductible, Plan G can help pay the applicable Part B coinsurance or copayments for Medicare-covered services according to the standardized benefits of the policy.
What Doesn’t Plan G Cover?
Plan G is designed to supplement Original Medicare, not provide every type of healthcare coverage.
In addition to not paying the annual Medicare Part B deductible, Medigap policies generally don’t cover routine dental care, routine vision care, hearing aids, glasses, long-term care or private-duty nursing. Medicare Supplement policies sold today also do not include outpatient prescription drug coverage. You can enroll separately in a Medicare Part D prescription drug plan if you want prescription drug coverage.
You will also continue paying your Medicare Part B premium in addition to your Medicare Supplement premium.
Why Do People Consider Plan G?
Plan G may appeal to someone who prefers broad supplemental coverage for the expenses left by Original Medicare and is comfortable paying the annual Part B deductible.
After that deductible, Plan G covers many of the standardized Medicare cost-sharing amounts that would otherwise be your responsibility.
That doesn’t make Plan G automatically right for everyone.
Monthly premium, healthcare usage, budget, travel habits and your comfort with occasional out-of-pocket expenses are all worth considering when comparing Medicare Supplement options.
Does Plan G Have a Provider Network?
Standard Medicare Supplement Plan G works with Original Medicare rather than using a typical HMO or PPO provider network.
With Original Medicare, you can generally receive covered care from any doctor or hospital in the United States that accepts Medicare.
This can be particularly attractive to people who travel frequently, spend part of the year in another state or simply don’t want their Medicare coverage tied to a local provider network.
It’s still a good idea to confirm that a doctor or facility participates in Medicare before receiving care.
What Are Medicare Part B Excess Charges?
A healthcare provider that doesn’t accept Medicare assignment may, in certain circumstances, charge more than the Medicare-approved amount for a covered service. The additional allowable amount is commonly called a Part B excess charge.
Plan G includes standardized coverage for Medicare Part B excess charges.
This is one of the differences people often consider when comparing Plan G with Plan N.
Plan G vs. Plan N
Plan G and Plan N both provide substantial supplemental coverage, but they handle certain costs differently.
Plan G covers Medicare Part B coinsurance or copayments and Part B excess charges after the applicable Part B deductible.
Plan N also covers many of the same Medigap benefits, but it can require copayments for certain office visits and certain emergency room visits, and Plan N does not cover Medicare Part B excess charges. Neither Plan G nor Plan N covers the annual Part B deductible.
Because of these differences, comparing Plan G and Plan N isn’t simply about asking which plan has more coverage.
A useful comparison looks at the premium difference versus the amount of additional cost-sharing you’re comfortable accepting.
How Much Does Medicare Supplement Plan G Cost in Kansas?
There isn’t one statewide Plan G premium.
Even though Plan G benefits are standardized, Medicare Supplement premiums can vary significantly among insurance companies. Medicare notes that premiums can vary based on the insurance company, the policy and where you live. Available discounts and underwriting circumstances may also affect the premium.
That means it can be worthwhile to compare Plan G from more than one insurance company rather than assuming the first premium you see represents the entire Kansas market.
Compare Plan G Rates in Kansas
The Kansas Department of Insurance provides a free Medicare Supplement comparison tool that allows Kansas consumers to review current estimated Medicare Supplement premiums and other relevant plan information.
Suggested button:
Compare Kansas Medicare Supplement Rates — Kansas DOI
The Department of Insurance tool is a useful starting point, but premium isn’t necessarily the only thing worth reviewing.
When I help someone compare Medicare Supplement policies, I also believe it’s worth looking at factors such as the insurance company, available discounts, underwriting requirements when applicable, and how the premium fits into the person’s overall Medicare budget.
When Is the Best Time to Enroll in Plan G?
For most people, the most important time to consider a Medicare Supplement policy is during their Medigap Open Enrollment Period.
This is a one-time six-month period that begins the first month you’re both 65 or older and enrolled in Medicare Part B. During this period, you can purchase a Medigap policy sold in your state without being denied coverage because of pre-existing health problems.
This Medigap enrollment period is different from Medicare’s Annual Enrollment Period. It does not repeat every fall.
Still Working After Age 65?
Your timeline may be different if you continue working past age 65 and delay Medicare Part B while covered through qualifying employer coverage.
When you later enroll in Part B, your six-month Medigap Open Enrollment Period generally begins when your Part B coverage starts.
Because Medicare enrollment situations can vary, it’s worth reviewing your timing before your employer coverage ends rather than waiting until the last minute.
Can I Change to a Different Plan G Company Later?
Possibly, but this is an area where timing matters.
Outside your six-month Medigap Open Enrollment Period, you generally don’t have a federal right to switch Medicare Supplement policies unless you qualify for a guaranteed-issue situation. An insurance company may require medical underwriting when you apply for different coverage.
This is one reason I don’t recommend choosing a Medicare Supplement policy based solely on which company has the lowest premium on a particular day.
If you’re considering replacing an existing Medicare Supplement policy, don’t cancel your current coverage until you understand the underwriting requirements, have been approved for the new coverage and know when the new policy will become effective.
Is Medicare “Part G” the Same as Medicare Supplement Plan G?
You may see or hear people refer to “Medicare Part G,” but technically there is no Medicare Part G.
Medicare has Parts A, B, C and D.
Plan G is a Medicare Supplement, or Medigap, plan that works with Original Medicare Parts A and B.
So when someone says “Medicare Part G,” they’re usually referring to Medicare Supplement Plan G.
Frequently Asked Questions About Plan G in Kansas
Does Plan G cover the Medicare Part B deductible?
No. Medicare Supplement Plan G does not cover the annual Medicare Part B deductible.
Does Plan G include prescription drug coverage?
No. Medicare Supplement policies sold today do not include Medicare Part D prescription drug coverage. You can consider a separate Part D prescription drug plan if you want outpatient prescription drug coverage.
Can I use Plan G outside Kansas?
Plan G works with Original Medicare. Original Medicare generally allows you to receive covered care from any doctor or hospital in the United States that accepts Medicare.
Plan G also includes a limited foreign-travel emergency benefit under the standardized Medigap benefits.
Are Plan G benefits different depending on the insurance company?
The standardized basic Plan G benefits are the same regardless of the insurance company selling the policy. Premiums can differ among companies.
Is Plan G better than Plan N?
Neither plan is automatically better for everyone.
Plan G provides broader standardized coverage for certain Part B expenses, while Plan N accepts additional cost-sharing in some situations. Premium differences can also affect the decision.
The better fit depends on your budget, healthcare usage and personal preferences.
Can I switch Plan G companies if my premium increases?
You can apply for another Medicare Supplement policy, but outside your Medigap Open Enrollment Period or a guaranteed-issue situation, medical underwriting may apply and approval isn’t guaranteed under federal rules.
It’s a good idea to review the new coverage and approval before cancelling an existing Medigap policy.
Compare Medicare Supplement Plan G Options in Kansas
If you’re considering Plan G, you don’t have to make the decision based on a rate sheet alone.
I can help you compare Medicare Supplement Plan G options from the insurance companies I represent in Kansas, explain the differences in plain English and help you understand how Plan G compares with alternatives such as Plan N.
There is no obligation to ask questions or review your options.
Compare Medicare Supplement Rates — Kansas DOI
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