No, Medicare Plan G does not cover the monthly Medicare Part B premium. Plan G is a Medigap policy that covers most out-of-pocket costs, such as 100% of Part B coinsurance and excess charges, but you must still pay the standard Medicare Part B monthly premium directly to Medicare.
Plan G offers comprehensive coverage, including Medicare Part B excess charges. This plan does not cover the Medicare Part B deductible.
Medicare Plan G doesn't cover prescription drugs (requiring a separate Part D plan), routine dental, vision, or hearing care, or long-term care, and beneficiaries must first pay the annual Medicare Part B deductible before Plan G starts paying for covered gaps like Part B excess charges and foreign travel emergencies. Essentially, Plan G covers everything Original Medicare doesn't, except for the Part B deductible and services not covered by Medicare at all, like dental, vision, and prescriptions.
Plan G covers most costs besides the Part B deductible. Finally, Medicare supplement plans do not replace Original Medicare. You must remain enrolled in Medicare Parts A and B, and you cannot have a Medicare supplement plan if you're enrolled in a Medicare Advantage (Part C) plan.
Medicare Plan G doesn't cover prescription drugs (requiring a separate Part D plan), routine dental, vision, or hearing care, or long-term care, and beneficiaries must first pay the annual Medicare Part B deductible before Plan G starts paying for covered gaps like Part B excess charges and foreign travel emergencies. Essentially, Plan G covers everything Original Medicare doesn't, except for the Part B deductible and services not covered by Medicare at all, like dental, vision, and prescriptions.
Medicare Plan G (Medigap) costs vary significantly, typically ranging from $90 to over $500+ per month, depending heavily on your location (state/zip code), age, gender, tobacco use, and the insurance company, with averages often falling in the $120-$200+ range for a 65-year-old, but with lower rates for High-Deductible Plan G options. Expect to pay the Medicare Part B deductible ($283 in 2026) out-of-pocket first, after which Plan G covers most remaining costs.
The "best" secondary insurance for Medicare depends on your needs, but Medigap Plan G and Plan N are top choices for most new enrollees, offering comprehensive coverage for costs Original Medicare doesn't cover, with Plan G covering nearly everything (except the Part B deductible) and Plan N being more affordable with small copays. Top providers known for Medigap include UnitedHealthcare (AARP), Aetna, Humana, and Mutual of Omaha, offering nationwide networks and strong customer satisfaction.
In conclusion, Plan G does not cover prescription drugs. Beneficiaries who need prescription drug coverage must enroll in a standalone Part D plan or a Medicare Advantage plan that includes prescription drug coverage.
In addition to the basic benefits, Plan G also provides coverage for: Medicare Part A deductible. Skilled nursing facility care coinsurance. Medicare Part B excess charges (this is the difference between what a doctor or provider charges and the amount Medicare will pay up to Medicare's limiting amount)
Medicare Part B Premium and Share of Cost
A Medi-Cal member who meets their SOC in any month in which the Medicare Part B premium is deducted from their Social Security check is reimbursed that premium amount retroactively for that month in a subsequent Social Security check by SSA.
At what income is Medicare Part B free? Part B is not generally free. In 2025, the base premium is $185, though some people pay more depending on their income. People must also satisfy a deductible of $257 before Part B can cover 80% of any eligible treatment or service.
In 2025, the standard Medicare Part B premium is $185 per month, with an annual deductible of $257, though higher-income earners pay more (Income-Related Monthly Adjustment Amount or IRMAA), and some with Social Security benefits pay less due to the "hold harmless" rule.
Medicare Plan G does provide coverage for emergency room services, but you may still be responsible for certain out-of-pocket costs, such as copayments. Understanding these details is crucial for ensuring you have the financial protection you need in case of an unexpected medical situation.
You can use most GoodRx discounts instead of your Medicare Part D or Advantage plan if the GoodRx price is less than your co-pay. However, you can't combine the two.
No single Medicare plan pays 100% of everything, but Medigap Plan F (for those eligible before 2020) and Medigap Plan G (most newer enrollees) cover nearly all gaps in Original Medicare after the Part B deductible, paying 100% of approved costs, while Medicare Advantage (Part C) plans have an out-of-pocket maximum, after which they pay 100% of covered services. Other Medigap plans like K, L, or N offer lower premiums in exchange for sharing some costs until an annual limit is met, after which they cover 100%.
The average monthly cost for a standard Medicare Supplement Plan G generally ranges from about $90 to $200+, with some estimates showing averages around $150-$180 for younger enrollees, but costs vary significantly by location, age, tobacco use, and insurer, with high-deductible options starting much lower (around $30-$70/month). Expect premiums to rise with age, potentially reaching $200+ for older individuals, and remember you must first pay the annual Medicare Part B deductible ($283 in 2026) before Plan G starts paying.
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