The Five Plans Most People Choose

Medicare Supplement plans are sold by private insurance companies and work alongside Original Medicare (Parts A and B) to cover costs that Medicare itself does not pay — copayments, coinsurance, and deductibles. The five plans people choose most often are Plan G, Plan N, Plan F, Plan D, and Plan C. Plan G and Plan N are the most popular right now because Plan F is no longer sold to people new to Medicare, and the other plans cover fewer gaps in your costs.

Each plan is standardized by the federal government, which means Plan G from one insurance company covers exactly the same things as Plan G from another company. The only difference between companies is the monthly premium you pay. This standardization makes it straightforward to compare: you pick the plan that fits your needs, then shop for the lowest price among insurers offering it in your area.

Key Takeaways

  • Plan G and Plan N are the most common choices today because they cover most of your out-of-pocket costs under Original Medicare at a reasonable monthly premium.
  • Plan F, once the most popular, is no longer sold to people turning 65 after 2019, though existing customers can keep it.
  • The same plan number covers identical benefits no matter which insurance company sells it — you are shopping for price, not coverage differences.
  • Your choice depends on how much you want to pay monthly versus how much you want to pay out-of-pocket when you see a doctor or go to the hospital.
  • You can switch plans during the annual open enrollment period (October 15 to December 7) or during your initial enrollment window when you first turn 65.

Plan G: The Most Popular Choice Today

Plan G covers your Part B deductible, coinsurance for hospital and doctor visits, blood transfusions, and skilled nursing facility coinsurance. It does not cover your Part A deductible (the hospital deductible), which is $1,676 in 2024, though this amount changes each year. For most people, Plan G means you pay the monthly premium plus the Part A deductible if you are hospitalized, and then Medicare and your supplement plan cover the rest.

Plan G premiums vary widely by location and insurance company. In some areas you might pay $120 a month; in others, $200 or more. Because the plan is standardized, the only reason to choose one company over another is price. You can call multiple insurers or use a comparison tool to see what they charge in your zip code. Plan G is popular because it strikes a balance: it covers most of your costs without being the most expensive plan available.

Plan N: Lower Monthly Cost, Higher Doctor Visit Costs

Plan N covers your Part B deductible, hospital coinsurance, skilled nursing facility coinsurance, and blood transfusions — the same as Plan G — but it does not cover your Part B copayments and coinsurance. This means when you see a doctor, you pay a copayment (usually $20 per visit) and any coinsurance the doctor charges above Medicare's approved amount. Plan N also does not cover the Part A deductible.

Plan N premiums are typically $30 to $50 lower per month than Plan G in the same area. You save money on the premium but pay more when you use medical services. If you are healthy and do not see doctors often, Plan N can cost less overall. If you see specialists regularly or have chronic conditions requiring frequent visits, Plan G usually costs less in total because you avoid the per-visit copayments. Run the numbers for your own situation: add up what you expect to spend on doctor visits, then compare that to the monthly premium difference between the two plans.

Plan F: No Longer Sold to New Medicare Members

Plan F was once the most comprehensive supplement plan — it covered everything, including the Part A deductible and Part B copayments. It is no longer sold to people who turned 65 on or after January 1, 2020. If you became may be able to access for Medicare before that date, you can still buy Plan F, and if you already have it, you can keep it. But if you are new to Medicare, Plan F is not an option.

The reason Plan F was discontinued is that it removed all financial incentive for beneficiaries to be cost-conscious. Medicare policy makers wanted people to have some skin in the game, so they stopped allowing insurance companies to sell plans that covered everything. If you are may be able to access for Plan F and considering it, know that premiums are often higher than Plan G because the plan covers more. For most new Medicare members, Plan G or Plan N will be a better choice.

Plan D and Plan C: Older Plans with Limited Availability

Plan D and Plan C are standardized plans that still exist but are rarely sold today because they cover fewer costs than Plan G or Plan N. Plan D covers Part B coinsurance, blood transfusions, and skilled nursing facility coinsurance but not the Part A or Part B deductibles. Plan C covers the Part A deductible, Part B deductible, coinsurance, and blood transfusions but not skilled nursing facility coinsurance.

These plans are less popular because they leave you exposed to significant out-of-pocket costs. Plan C does not cover skilled nursing facility coinsurance, which can run into thousands of dollars if you need rehabilitation after a hospital stay. Plan D leaves you paying both deductibles. Insurance companies still sell them in some areas, but most people find Plan G or Plan N a better value. If you are shopping and see Plan D or Plan C quoted, compare the total cost (premium plus expected out-of-pocket costs) to Plan G or Plan N before deciding.

How to Compare Plans and Find the Right One for You

Start by listing what you expect to use: How many times a year do you see your primary care doctor? Do you see specialists? Do you take many medications? Have you been hospitalized in the past year? This helps you estimate your out-of-pocket costs under each plan. Then get premium quotes from at least three insurance companies for the plans you are considering. Medicare.gov has a plan comparison tool, or you can call insurers directly.

Calculate the total cost for each plan: monthly premium multiplied by 12, plus the out-of-pocket costs you expect to pay. A plan with a lower premium might cost more overall if you use medical services frequently. Once you have chosen a plan, you can switch to a different one during the annual open enrollment period (October 15 to December 7) each year. If you are new to Medicare, you have a one-time initial enrollment window of seven months centered on your 65th birthday — during this window, you cannot be denied coverage or charged more because of pre-existing conditions.

When You Can Enroll and What Happens If You Miss the Window

If you are turning 65 soon, your initial enrollment window is three months before your birthday, the month of your birthday, and three months after. During this window, you can buy any supplement plan without medical underwriting — the insurance company cannot ask about your health or charge you more because of a pre-existing condition. This window is important because it is the only time you have may provide access to any plan you want.

If you miss your initial window and try to buy a supplement plan later, insurance companies can deny you or charge you a higher premium based on your health history. Some states have protections that limit this, but not all. After your initial window closes, you can only switch plans during the annual open enrollment period in the fall. If you are already on Medicare and want to switch plans, you can do so during October 15 to December 7 each year, with the new plan starting January 1.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I switch from one supplement plan to another?

Yes, during the annual open enrollment period (October 15 to December 7) each year. The new plan takes effect January 1. If you are within your initial enrollment window (three months before to three months after your 65th birthday), you can switch at any time. Outside these windows, insurance companies can deny you or charge more based on health.

Do supplement plans cover prescription drugs?

No. Supplement plans cover gaps in Original Medicare's hospital and doctor costs, but not medications. You need a separate Part D prescription drug plan for that. You can have both a supplement plan and a Part D plan at the same time.

What is the difference between a supplement plan and an Advantage plan?

Supplement plans work with Original Medicare and cover costs that Medicare does not pay. Advantage plans (Part C) replace Original Medicare entirely and are run by private insurance companies. They often have lower premiums but require you to use in-network doctors and may have higher out-of-pocket limits.

Will my supplement plan premium go up every year?

Yes. Insurance companies raise supplement premiums annually, though the amount varies by company and location. Some companies raise premiums more than others, so it is worth shopping every year during open enrollment to see if a different company offers a better price for the same plan.

Can I be denied a supplement plan because of my health?

During your initial enrollment window (three months before to three months after your 65th birthday), no — insurance companies must sell you any plan you want. Outside that window, companies can deny you or charge more based on pre-existing conditions, though some states have protections that limit this practice.