The Five Plans Most Seniors Choose

The five most popular Medicare Supplement plans are Plan G, Plan N, Plan F, Plan D, and Plan C. Plan G and Plan N are the newest choices for people turning 65 now, because Plan F and Plan C are no longer sold to new enrollees as of 2020. Which plan makes sense for you depends on how much you want to pay in premiums each month versus how much you want to pay out of your own pocket when you see a doctor or go to the hospital.

All Medicare Supplement plans cover the same things within their category — there is no difference between Plan G from one insurance company and Plan G from another. The price varies by insurer and by where you live, but the coverage does not. This means you can compare plans by looking at what each one covers, then shop around for the lowest price once you know which plan fits your budget.

Key Takeaways

  • Plan G and Plan N are the main options for people new to Medicare, since Plan F and Plan C stopped being sold to new enrollees in 2020.
  • Plan G covers more than Plan N but costs more per month; Plan N has lower premiums but you pay more when you visit the doctor or use urgent care.
  • All Medicare Supplement plans with the same letter cover identical benefits no matter which insurance company sells them — only the price changes.
  • You can switch plans during your open enrollment period each year, and some people move to a lower-cost plan as they age if their health needs change.
  • Premiums, deductibles, and copays vary by state and by insurance company, so comparing quotes from multiple insurers is the only way to find your lowest cost.

Plan G: The Most Comprehensive Option for New Enrollees

Plan G is now the most complete Medicare Supplement plan available to people turning 65 or new to Medicare. It covers your Part B deductible (the amount you pay before Medicare starts paying), all coinsurance amounts, and copays for hospital and doctor visits. The main thing Plan G does not cover is the Part B excess charge — a small amount some doctors charge above what Medicare allows, though most doctors do not use this charge.

Plan G premiums tend to be higher than Plan N, but your out-of-pocket costs when you use healthcare are lower. If you see doctors regularly, have ongoing prescriptions, or want the most predictable costs, Plan G is often the better choice even though the monthly payment is larger. Premiums vary by insurance company and by state; you will need to get quotes to know what Plan G costs where you live.

Plan N: Lower Monthly Costs With More Out-of-Pocket Expenses

Plan N costs less per month than Plan G, but you pay more when you actually use healthcare. With Plan N, you pay a copay (usually $20) when you see your doctor and a copay (usually $50) for urgent care visits. You also pay the Part B deductible yourself, though Medicare covers the rest. Plan N does cover hospital coinsurance and most other costs that Medicare does not.

Plan N works well if you are generally healthy, do not see the doctor often, or want to keep your monthly premium as low as possible. The tradeoff is that if you do need care, you will pay something at the time of the visit. Over a year, if you see your doctor four times and use urgent care once, your out-of-pocket costs with Plan N might be $130 to $150 — but your monthly premiums will be noticeably lower than Plan G.

Plan F: Still Available to People Already on Medicare

Plan F covers everything — your Part B deductible, all copays, all coinsurance, and excess charges. It is the most complete plan available, but it is only sold to people who were already on Medicare before January 1, 2020. If you turned 65 or first became may be able to access for Medicare after that date, you cannot buy Plan F, even if you wanted to.

If you already have Plan F, you can keep it. Some people with Plan F choose to stay on it because it covers everything and they do not have to think about copays or deductibles. Others switch to Plan G to lower their monthly premium, especially if their health is stable and they do not expect to use much healthcare in the coming year.

Plan C: Available Only to Current Medicare Members

Plan C is similar to Plan G but includes coverage for the Part B deductible. Like Plan F, Plan C is only sold to people who were on Medicare before January 1, 2020. If you have Plan C, you can keep it, but new people cannot buy it.

Plan C premiums are usually lower than Plan F but higher than Plan G. Some people with Plan C stay on it because they are used to the coverage and the cost is stable. Others switch to Plan G when they turn a certain age or when their circumstances change, since Plan G is now the most complete option available to them.

Plan D: A Rarely Chosen Middle Option

Plan D covers some but not all of the costs that Medicare does not pay. It includes coverage for the Part A deductible and some hospital coinsurance, but not the Part B deductible or doctor visit copays. Plan D premiums are lower than Plans F, G, or C, but higher out-of-pocket costs mean you still pay when you see a doctor.

Plan D is not popular because Plan N offers similar out-of-pocket costs with lower premiums, and Plan G offers much better coverage for only a slightly higher monthly cost. Most people choose either Plan N (if they want the lowest premium) or Plan G (if they want the most coverage). Plan D sits in the middle and does not offer a clear advantage over either one.

How to Compare Plans and Find the Right One for You

Start by deciding whether you want the lowest monthly premium or the lowest total out-of-pocket costs. If you are healthy and do not see doctors often, Plan N will probably cost you less overall. If you see doctors regularly or want predictable costs with no surprises, Plan G will probably cost you less overall even though the monthly payment is higher.

Once you choose a plan letter, get quotes from at least three insurance companies. The same plan costs different amounts depending on which company sells it and where you live. You can call insurance companies directly, use Medicare's Plan Finder tool on Medicare.gov, or work with a local insurance agent who represents multiple companies. Compare the monthly premium, any deductibles, and the copays or coinsurance amounts — add them up to see your true cost.

You can change plans once a year during the Medicare open enrollment period, which runs from October 15 to December 7. If you find a better price or decide you want different coverage, you can switch then. Some people move to a lower-cost plan as they age if their health stays stable, or switch to a more complete plan if they start seeing doctors more often.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I switch from Plan G to Plan N if my premiums get too high?

Yes. During the annual open enrollment period from October 15 to December 7, you can switch to any other Medicare Supplement plan. If your Plan G premium increases and you want to lower your monthly cost, you can move to Plan N. Keep in mind that your out-of-pocket costs will go up when you see doctors, so compare the total cost before you switch.

What is the difference between a Medicare Supplement and Medicare Advantage?

Medicare Supplement (also called Medigap) works alongside Original Medicare — you keep your Medicare card and use it at any doctor or hospital that takes Medicare. Medicare Advantage is a different type of plan run by private insurance companies that replaces Original Medicare. The two are separate products with different costs and coverage rules.

Do all insurance companies charge the same price for Plan G?

No. The same Plan G covers the same benefits no matter which company sells it, but prices vary widely by insurance company and by state. One company might charge $150 per month while another charges $200 for identical coverage. Always get quotes from multiple companies to find your lowest price.

If I am already on Plan F, do I have to switch to Plan G?

No. You can keep Plan F as long as you want. You only have to switch if you choose to — some people stay on Plan F because it covers everything and they do not want to change. Others switch to Plan G to lower their monthly premium if their health is stable.

Can I buy a Medicare Supplement plan anytime, or only during open enrollment?

You have the best protection if you buy during your open enrollment period, which is the six months starting the month you turn 65 and enroll in Medicare Part B. Outside that window, insurance companies can deny you or charge more based on your health. You can still buy outside open enrollment, but you may face restrictions or higher costs.