What is the difference between Medicare Part D and Medicare Part G?

Asked by: Jerrold Von I  |  Last update: December 6, 2025
Score: 4.5/5 (38 votes)

Medicare Supplement Plan D This plan covers everything that Plan C does, except for that Part B deductible. The only difference between Plan D and Plan G is that Part B excess charge coverage.

What is the difference between Medicare D and Medicare G?

For example, Plan D doesn't cover Medicare Part B excess charges (if a provider is permitted to charge more than Medicare's approved amount and does so). Medigap Plan G is an option to consider if you want excess charge coverage on top of everything included in Plan D.

What are the disadvantages of Medicare Part G?

Medicare Plan G does not cover dental, vision, or prescriptions. Medicare Plan G does not cover the Part B deductible or any service that Medicare does not cover. Medicare Plan G does not cover dental, vision, or prescriptions.

What does Medicare Part G pay for?

Plan G covers 100% of the Medicare Part A and Part B co-pays and coinsurance, those gaps and holes that Medicare doesn't cover. Plan G covers Skilled Nursing and rehab facility stays and also Hospice care. You also won't have to worry about any balance billing, known as excess charges.

What plan G does not cover?

High deductible plan G does not cover the Medicare Part B deductible. However, high deductible F and G count your payment of the Medicare Part B deductible toward meeting the plan deductible. 2Plans K and L pay 100% of covered services for the rest of the calendar year once you meet the out-of-pocket yearly limit.

Here's How Much We Paid With Medicare | Medicare Supplement vs Advantage

19 related questions found

What is the best medicare plan that covers everything for seniors?

Original Medicare with Medigap likely offers the most comprehensive coverage, but it may also be the most costly. A person can consider their income and how much they are able to spend before choosing a Medicare plan. Original Medicare with Medigap also offers a lot of flexibility when choosing a doctor or specialist.

How much does Medicare Part G cost per month?

Your monthly costs vary depending on your state, your provider, and the policy you choose. On average, most Medicare Plan G premiums will be between $100-$200 per month. Medigap policies may set prices in three ways: Community-rated.

Why is a plan G better than an advantage plan?

FREEDOM 3: With a Medicare Supplement Plan G, no specialist referral is needed. One can go directly to see a specialist without a referral. With a Medicare Advantage HMO plan, a referral is usually required before seeing a medical specialist. (With a Medicare Advantage PPO plan, a referral is not usually required.)

Does Medicare Plan G cover emergency room visits?

Once you meet this deductible, Medicare will kick in its coverage for your emergency room visit.In addition to the coinsurance coverage, Medicare Plan G also covers the additional costs associated with hospitalization that may occur if your emergency room visit leads to an inpatient stay.

Why are people leaving Medicare Advantage plans?

Key takeaways: People leave Medicare Advantage plans because out-of-pocket costs vary between plans, network restrictions can cause frustration, prior authorization requests can delay care, and it can be difficult to use the additional benefits they provide.

Why do doctors not like Medicare Advantage plans?

Across the country, provider grumbling about claim denials and onerous preapproval requirements by Advantage plans is crescendoing. Some hospitals and physician practices are so fed up they're refusing to accept the plans — even big ones like those offered by UnitedHealthcare and Humana.

Does Plan G include dental?

Plan G doesn't cover routine dental care. This means you'll either have to enroll in a stand-alone dental plan, pay for your dental visits out of pocket, or choose to enroll in a Medicare Advantage plan that may include your Part A, Part B, and additional benefits, such as dental care.

Can I drop my Medicare Advantage plan and go back to original medicare?

Medicare Advantage Open Enrollment Period: Between January 1 and March 31 of each year, if you already have a Medicare Advantage Plan (with or without drug coverage) you can: Switch to another Medicare Advantage Plan (with or without drug coverage). Drop your Medicare Advantage Plan and return to Original Medicare.

What are the 6 things Medicare doesn't cover?

Some of the items and services Medicare doesn't cover include:
  • Eye exams (for prescription eyeglasses)
  • Long-term care.
  • Cosmetic surgery.
  • Massage therapy.
  • Routine physical exams.
  • Hearing aids and exams for fitting them.

What does Medicare Plan G not cover?

Medigap Plan G does not cover: the Part B deductible. prescription medication. vision care and eyeglasses.

What is the three-day rule for Medicare?

A qualifying inpatient hospital stay means you've been a hospital inpatient for at least 3 days in a row (counting the day you were admitted as an inpatient, but not counting the day of your discharge). Medicare will only cover care you get in a SNF if you first have a “qualifying inpatient hospital stay.”

What are the disadvantages of Medicare Part G for seniors?

Key Takeaways:

Medicare Supplement Plan G does have higher premiums than some Medicare Advantage plans and some of the other Medicare Supplement plans. Medicare Supplement Plan G doesn't provide prescription drug coverage or extra benefits that often come with Medicare Advantage plans.

Does Medicare Plan G cover cataract surgery?

Since cataract surgery is often outpatient and covered by Part B, your Medicare Supplement Plan G will cover all associated costs, with the exception of your annual Part B deductible and your premium payments for your Medigap plan.

Does everyone have to pay $170 a month for Medicare?

Most people pay no premiums for Part A. For Medicare Part B in 2025, most beneficiaries will pay $185 per month. Certain factors may require you to pay more or less than the standard Medicare Part B premium in 2025.

How much is Plan G with AARP?

Plan G from AARP costs $158 per month, on average. In about half the country, AARP is a cheaper-than-average choice for Plan G, although its other plans can be expensive. The price you pay for a Medigap plan will depend on what plan you choose and when you buy a policy.

Is there a Medicare Supplement that covers everything?

With Medicare Supplement Plan F, you get the most complete coverage available. And because Plan F also covers costs in excess of Medicare-approved amounts, you may have no out-of-pocket costs for hospital and doctor's office care.