Medicare Supplement Plan G Leaves Part B Deductible to Policyholders

Medicare Supplement Plan G does not cover the 2026 Medicare Part B annual deductible of $283, leaving that cost to the policyholder. The standardized plan pays for other cost-sharing expenses after a beneficiary meets this initial threshold.

The plan operates alongside Original Medicare, consisting of Part A hospital insurance and Part B medical insurance. It does not replace the original program. Instead, it addresses specific gaps in coverage that remain after Original Medicare pays its designated share of covered services.

For the 2026 plan year, Plan G covers 100 percent of the Medicare Part A inpatient hospital deductible, which is set at $1,736 per benefit period. The policy also covers Part A hospital coinsurance and provides up to 365 additional days of hospital coverage after Original Medicare benefits are exhausted. This benefit applies only when the hospital classifies the patient as an inpatient, not when they are in an emergency department or under observation status.

For outpatient services under Part B, the plan covers 100 percent of eligible coinsurance or copayments once the $283 deductible is met. If a provider does not accept Medicare assignment and charges an excess amount, Plan G covers 100 percent of that excess charge, subject to federal and state rules. The policy also covers the first three pints of blood for a covered medical service.

Beneficiaries should note that Plan G does not include outpatient prescription drug coverage. Individuals requiring pharmacy benefits must enroll in a separate Medicare Part D plan. The supplement also excludes routine dental, vision, and hearing services. These exclusions mean that expenses for cleanings, fillings, eyeglasses, and hearing aids are generally not paid by the policy unless a specific insurer offers additional non-standard benefits.

The policy does not function as long-term care insurance. It does not pay for ongoing custodial care, such as assistance with bathing, dressing, or eating, when skilled nursing care is not required. Medicare covers qualifying skilled nursing facility coinsurance for days 21 through 100 of a benefit period, but Plan G does not extend coverage for long-term custodial stays in nursing homes or at home.

For emergency medical care received outside the United States, Plan G covers 80 percent of eligible expenses after a $250 annual deductible. This benefit applies to the first 60 days of a trip and has a lifetime maximum of $50,000. Routine medical care abroad is not covered under this provision.

Premiums for Plan G vary by insurer, location, and age-related pricing rules. Policyholders must pay these monthly premiums to maintain coverage, regardless of whether they use medical services during a given month.