Question 1

What is the difference between Plan G and Plan F?

Accepted Answer

Plan F covers the Part B deductible ($240 in 2026); Plan G does not. Plan F is no longer available to people who became Medicare-eligible on or after January 1, 2020. Existing Plan F holders can keep it. For new enrollees, Plan G is the most popular comprehensive option.

Question 2

Why is Plan N cheaper than Plan G?

Accepted Answer

Plan N has cost-sharing: $20 copay per office visit, $50 copay per ER visit (waived if admitted), and does not cover Part B excess charges (rare, mostly limited to a few states). For healthy enrollees with under ~15 doctor visits per year, the premium savings on Plan N typically outweigh the copays.

Question 3

Should I choose High-Deductible Plan G?

Accepted Answer

HDG has the lowest premium but you pay the first $2,800 (2026 deductible) of Medicare-covered services before benefits start. It works best for healthy enrollees willing to self-fund moderate medical costs in exchange for lower premiums. Use this calculator to model your specific scenario.

Question 4

Can I switch Medigap plans later?

Accepted Answer

Yes, but with caveats. During your initial 6-month Medigap Open Enrollment (starting when you turn 65 and enroll in Part B), you can buy any plan at the best rate without medical underwriting. After that, switching usually requires medical underwriting — you can be denied or charged more for pre-existing conditions. A few states (CA, MA, OR, others) have additional consumer protections.

Question 5

Do I still need Original Medicare with Medigap?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Medigap supplements Original Medicare (Parts A and B); it does not replace them. You must remain enrolled in both Part A and Part B and continue paying Part B premiums. Medigap pays for things Original Medicare does not (deductibles, coinsurance, etc.).

Question 6

Is Medigap better than Medicare Advantage?

Accepted Answer

Different choices. Medigap (with Original Medicare + Part D) gives nationwide provider freedom, predictable costs, and freedom from networks — but higher premiums. Medicare Advantage (Part C) typically has lower or zero premium but uses networks, requires referrals for specialists, and can have surprise out-of-pocket maximums. Switching from MA to Medigap later often requires underwriting. Many advisors recommend Medigap for those who can afford the premium and want max flexibility.

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