Plan G leaves $283 deductible unpaid

The Medicare Part B annual deductible for 2026 stands at $283, a cost that Medicare Supplement Plan G does not pay.

This specific exclusion defines the boundary of coverage for the standardized policy. While Plan G eliminates most other out-of-pocket expenses associated with Original Medicare, it leaves the initial Part B deductible entirely to the beneficiary.

Medicare Supplement Plan G functions alongside Original Medicare, which consists of Part A and Part B. The policy is designed to cover eligible cost-sharing amounts that Original Medicare leaves behind. Premiums and customer service vary by insurer, but the core medical benefits remain standardized across most states. Unlike Medicare Advantage plans, Plan G generally does not restrict patients to specific provider networks.

For inpatient hospital stays, Plan G covers 100% of the Medicare Part A deductible. In 2026, that deductible is set at $1,736 per benefit period. The plan also covers Part A hospital coinsurance and provides up to 365 additional days of hospital cost coverage after original benefits are exhausted.

Outpatient services under Part B are treated differently. Original Medicare typically pays 80% of approved amounts after the deductible is met. Plan G covers the remaining 20% coinsurance or copayments. It also covers 100% of eligible Part B excess charges, which some providers may bill above Medicare-approved amounts if they do not accept assignment.

The policy extends to skilled nursing facility care, covering coinsurance for days 21 through 100 of a benefit period. It includes hospice care coinsurance and copayments under Part A. Additionally, Plan G covers cost-sharing for the first three pints of blood for a covered medical service.

For medical emergencies occurring outside the United States, Plan G provides limited coverage. It pays 80% of eligible expenses after a $250 annual deductible, subject to a $50,000 lifetime maximum. This benefit generally applies only during the first 60 days of a trip and does not cover routine care abroad.

Prescription drugs are not included in standard Plan G benefits. Beneficiaries must enroll in a separate Medicare Part D plan to cover pharmacy expenses. Routine dental, vision, and hearing services are also excluded from the standardized medical benefits.

Long-term custodial care, such as ongoing assistance with bathing or dressing, is not covered. Plan G is not long-term care insurance. If Original Medicare excludes a service, Plan G generally will not pay for it. Beneficiaries must continue paying monthly premiums regardless of whether they use medical services during the month.