Medicare Supplement High-Deductible Plan G In Florida
If you're trying to figure out how to lower your Medicare Supplement premiums in Florida, you're in the right place.
I’ve worked with Medicare clients across the state for over 20 years, and I’ve helped many of them discover that High-Deductible Plan G can be a smart alternative to paying $200 or more each month for traditional Medigap coverage.
High-Deductible Plan G (HDG) works like standard Plan G after you meet the annual deductible. In 2025, that deductible is $2,870. Once you hit that number, the plan pays the same benefits as the regular Plan G - including excess charges and all Part A and B coinsurance.
This page is your one-stop Florida guide to understanding how this plan works, how much you can expect to pay, and which companies offer the best rates.
I'll also cover:
- Why HDG might be a great fit if you're healthy and rarely see the doctor
- What to expect in terms of monthly premium savings (often 50–70% less than standard Plan G)
- What it looks like if you do end up using the plan more often than expected
- How to compare top HDG Florida providers like Mutual of Omaha and Cigna
- And what happens if you want to switch plans later down the road
The premium savings can be significant if you live in Florida, especially in higher-cost areas like Miami, Fort Lauderdale, or Naples.
But this Medigap plan isn't perfect for everyone. I’ll walk you through how to tell if it’s a good fit - and if it’s not, I’ll show you what alternatives to look at instead.
Let’s dive in.
How High-Deductible Plan G Works
High-Deductible Plan G (HDG) offers the same benefits as traditional Plan G, but only after you meet an annual deductible. That deductible is what makes the premiums lower - and it’s also the key number to understand before deciding if this plan fits your needs.
In 2025, the annual deductible for HDG is $2,870.
This amount must be met before your policy begins covering Medicare-approved costs. But unlike a deductible you’d pay all at once for a surgery or hospital stay, this deductible accumulates over time.
It’s made up of the out-of-pocket costs you pay throughout the year - things like coinsurance, doctor visits, lab work, and outpatient care.
Once you reach that $2,870 threshold, the plan pays just like a regular Plan G for the rest of the year.
What You Pay Before the Deductible Is Met
Until you reach the $2,870 deductible, you're responsible for all of the following:
- Medicare Part A coinsurance and hospital costs
- Medicare Part B coinsurance or copayments
- Skilled nursing facility coinsurance
- Part B excess charges (if your doctor doesn’t accept Medicare assignment)
- Emergency care outside the U.S. (within plan limits)
In short, everything that standard Plan G normally covers becomes your responsibility until you hit the deductible. These out-of-pocket payments count toward the deductible total.
For example, if you visit a doctor and Medicare approves a $100 charge, you would pay 20%, or $20 - and that $20 is applied to your deductible. If you later have outpatient testing or a hospital visit, those costs are added up as well until the $2,870 is reached.
What Happens After the Deductible?
Once you’ve paid $2,870 in out-of-pocket expenses for Medicare-approved services, your plan steps in and works exactly like standard Plan G.
From that point on, there are no additional deductibles, copays, or coinsurance for covered services for the rest of the year.
That includes:
- 100% of Medicare Part A and B coinsurance
- Full coverage for excess charges
- Hospital and skilled nursing coinsurance
- Foreign travel emergency care (within limits)
At that point, you’re fully covered just like you would be under standard Plan G, but you got there by paying a much lower monthly premium.
Does the Deductible Reset?
Yes - the HDG deductible resets every January 1st. Medicare adjusts it annually, typically increasing it slightly each year based on healthcare inflation. Over the past few years, it has gradually risen from $2,370 in 2021 to $2,870 in 2025.
In a nutshell: High-Deductible Plan G gives you all the benefits of standard Plan G once you’ve paid the deductible, but you save significantly on premiums in exchange for taking on more upfront risk. It’s a great fit for healthy individuals who rarely visit the doctor, want peace of mind for big medical events, and would rather pay lower monthly premiums while self-insuring for everyday care.
Next, let's talk about the top HDG providers in Florida for 2025.
Top High-Deductible Plan G Companies in Florida (2025)
High-Deductible Plan G (HDG) isn’t offered by every Medicare Supplement company - and even among those that do offer it, premiums and features can vary significantly.
In Florida, two companies consistently stand out for offering competitive HDG plans: Cigna and Mutual of Omaha.
Here’s a breakdown based on real 2025 quotes for a 65-year-old male in Lake County (ZIP 34787), with monthly premium figures based on automatic bank draft.
Bottom Line:
If you’re looking for the best all-around option with strong perks and generous discounts, Cigna is likely the right fit. If brand name and long-term reliability matter more to you - and you’re comfortable with a slightly higher monthly cost - Mutual of Omaha’s plan through United World Life is a dependable alternative.
Next up, let's compare HDG against the top two most popular Medigap plans - Plan G and Plan N.
High-Deductible Plan G vs. Standard Plan G
The core difference between High-Deductible Plan G and Standard Plan G comes down to how you prefer to pay for your healthcare - a little at a time (higher premiums with fewer surprises) or less each month with more out-of-pocket risk upfront.
Both plans cover the exact same benefits after the deductible is met. The only real difference is how you pay to get there.
Premiums vs. Deductibles
With Standard Plan G, you’ll pay a higher monthly premium but have nearly full coverage after paying the annual Medicare Part B deductible ($257 in 2025). Most of your out-of-pocket costs stop there.
High-Deductible Plan G flips that: You pay a much lower premium each month, but you’re responsible for up to $2,870 in Medicare-approved out-of-pocket costs before your coverage kicks in.
So the question becomes: Would you rather pay more each month for predictability, or save up front and take on more financial risk if you need care?
Real-World Cost Scenarios
Here’s how these two plans can look depending on your healthcare usage.
Low-Use Scenario
You only go to the doctor once or twice a year for checkups and labs.
- Standard Plan G: $180/month × 12 = $2,160 in premiums
- HDG: $68/month × 12 = $816 in premiums
- Out-of-pocket under HDG: $300 (for a couple visits and labs)
- Total HDG cost: $816 + $300 = $1,116
- Savings with HDG: $1,044
Moderate-Use Scenario
You see a few specialists, get regular labs, and have some outpatient services.
- Out-of-pocket under HDG: $1,200
- HDG: $68/month × 12 = $816 in premiums
- Total HDG cost: $816 + $1,200 = $2,016
- Compared to $2,160 for Standard Plan G - you’re still slightly ahead with HDG
High-Use Scenario
You’re hospitalized, need outpatient surgery, or have frequent medical needs.
- You hit the full $2,870 deductible
- HDG premium: $68/month × 12 = $816 in premium
- HDG cost: $816 + $2,870 = $3,686
- Standard Plan G total: $2,160 (plus the $257 Part B deductible) = $2,417
- In this case, Standard Plan G saves you around $1,200
This is why High-Deductible Plan G works best for healthy people or those who simply don’t use many medical services year after year.
Premium and Annual Cost Comparison Table
Summary
If you expect to use Medicare frequently - or if you simply want predictable costs - Standard Plan G is likely the better fit.
But if you're healthy, use few medical services, and are comfortable managing the risk of paying out-of-pocket for minor care, High-Deductible Plan G can potentially save you over $1,000 per year.
High-Deductible Plan G vs. Plan N
If you’re trying to decide between Medicare Supplement plans, it’s not just a matter of “Plan G or High-Deductible Plan G.”
Plan N is another option many people consider - especially those who want lower premiums but aren’t comfortable with a $2,870 deductible.
What Is Plan N?
Plan N is often seen as the middle ground between High-Deductible Plan G and Standard Plan G. It typically has lower monthly premiums than Plan G, but comes with some out-of-pocket costs when you use medical services.
Here’s what Plan N requires you to pay:
- Medicare Part B deductible: $257 in 2025
- Up to $20 copay for each doctor’s office visit
- Up to $50 copay for ER visits (waived if admitted)
- For Part B excess charges - meaning if your provider doesn’t accept Medicare assignment, you could pay up to 15% more for services
For people who are relatively healthy and don’t mind the occasional copay, Plan N offers a good balance of affordability and coverage.
Comparing the Plans: Premiums, Costs and Risk
Here’s how all three plans stack up in terms of costs, what you pay at the point of service, and who each one fits best.
Key Takeaways
- Standard Plan G offers the most comprehensive coverage but comes with the highest monthly cost.
- Plan N is a good option for people who are healthy and don’t mind a few co-pays, but you must be okay with not having protection against Part B excess charges.
- High-Deductible Plan G offers the lowest monthly premiums by far, but you take on more financial responsibility until the deductible is met.
If you’re trying to decide among these three, it really comes down to this:
Do you want full coverage and don’t mind a higher monthly bill? Go with Plan G.
Do you want to save on premiums and are okay with a few co-pays and limited provider flexibility? Plan N may work.
Do you want the lowest premium possible and are willing to self-insure up to $2,870 each year? High-Deductible Plan G is likely the winner.
Long-Term Cost Analysis
When comparing Medicare Supplement plans, it’s easy to focus only on monthly premiums - but that’s just part of the story.
To make a truly informed decision, you need to look at how much a plan could cost you over the long haul.
For Florida retirees - especially those in good health - High-Deductible Plan G can produce significant savings over 5 to 10 years. But those savings come with more risk and unpredictability.
Here’s how the most popular plans compare when you look at total costs over time.
Estimated Total Premium Cost Over 5 and 10 Years
Let’s assume premiums stay relatively stable (though we’ll address rate increases shortly) and look at how much each plan may cost just in premium payments:
This doesn’t include out-of-pocket costs - just what you pay in monthly premiums.
Now let’s add estimated average annual out-of-pocket costs based on typical healthcare usage.
Sample Long-Term Cost Scenarios (Healthy Individual)
Let’s assume a healthy person who:
- Visits the doctor 1–3 times a year
- Gets routine lab work
- Has no hospitalizations and no ongoing treatments
Here’s a conservative look at 10-year total costs when premiums and light healthcare expenses are factored in:
Savings over 10 years:
- HDG vs. Standard Plan G: $10,840
- HDG vs. Plan N: $6,440
These savings are even greater if you qualify for household discounts with Cigna or Mutual of Omaha.
What About Premium Increases?
All Medicare Supplement plans experience rate increases over time. However, HDG plans typically increase at a slower rate than Standard Plan G and Plan N.
Here’s why:
- HDG enrollees assume more of the upfront risk
- Insurers take on less liability, which can help keep rates more stable
- Plans with lower enrollment (like HDG) often avoid the frequent rate changes seen in popular plans
Here’s a general look at historical trends:
Over time, the premium gap between these plans tends to widen, making HDG even more appealing from a pure cost perspective - especially if you remain healthy.
Bottom Line
If you’re in good health, don’t expect to use your coverage frequently, and can afford to pay more out-of-pocket in a bad year, High-Deductible Plan G is easily the most cost-effective option over time.
Plan N provides a good middle ground, but some costs - like excess charges - can add up in certain scenarios. Standard Plan G offers predictability, but you pay a bit more for it.
Healthcare Usage Scenarios
The true value of a Medicare Supplement plan isn’t just in the premiums or the benefits on paper - it’s in how it performs in real life.
Here are three real-world examples based on typical client profiles I’ve worked with here in Florida. These scenarios show how High-Deductible Plan G stacks up against Standard Plan G and Plan N when it comes to total yearly cost.
All figures below are based on 2025 estimates and assume average Florida pricing:
- High-Deductible Plan G: $68/month
- Plan N: $130/month
- Standard Plan G: $180/month
- HDG Deductible: $2,870
- Plan G & N Part B Deductible: $257
- Plan N copays: up to $20 for doctor visits, $50 for ER visits
All plans are assumed to be with top-tier insurers offering household discounts where applicable
Scenario 1: Minimal Use – “Healthy and Active”
Client Profile:
- 67-year-old male in The Villages, FL
- Two annual checkups, no chronic conditions
- Total annual Medicare-approved costs: $600
High-Deductible Plan G
- Premiums: $816
- Out-of-pocket: $600
- Total: $1,416
Plan N
- Premiums: $1,560
- Out-of-pocket: $277 (doctor visit copays + Part B deductible)
- Total: $1,837
Standard Plan G
- Premiums: $2,160
- Out-of-pocket: $257 (Part B deductible only)
- Total: $2,417
Winner: High Deductible Plan G - with a $1,000 savings over Standard Plan G and $250 less than Plan N.
Scenario 2: Moderate Use – “Routine Care and Specialists”
Client Profile:
- 70-year-old female in Sarasota, FL
- Monthly arthritis checkups, 2 specialist visits, routine lab work
- Total annual Medicare-approved costs: $1,600
High-Deductible Plan G
- Premiums: $816
- Out-of-pocket: $1,600
- Total: $2,416
Plan N
- Premiums: $1,560
- Out-of-pocket: $300 (Part B deductible + copays)
- Total: $1,860
Standard Plan G
- Premiums: $2,160
- Out-of-pocket: $257
- Total: $2,457
Winner: Plan N - best balance for someone with occasional specialist visits, but HDG still remains competitive depending on deductible usage.
Scenario 3: High Use – “Chronic Conditions and Hospitalization”
Client Profile:
- 72-year-old male in Jacksonville, FL
- Type 2 diabetes, recent outpatient surgery, regular lab work and doctor visits
- Annual Medicare-approved costs: $5,000
High-Deductible Plan G
- Premiums: $816
- Out-of-pocket: $2,870 (maxes out deductible)
- Total: $3,686
Plan N
- Premiums: $1,560
- Out-of-pocket: ~$500 (copays + deductible, no excess charge protection)
- Total: $2,060
Standard Plan G
- Premiums: $2,160
- Out-of-pocket: $257
- Total: $2,457
Winner: Plan N, with caveats - if this client sees non-participating providers who bill excess charges, costs could be higher. Standard Plan G provides predictability. HDG becomes the most expensive option in high-use years.
Final Thoughts
If you're healthy or have only occasional medical needs, High-Deductible Plan G can provide thousands in savings over time.
But in years where medical usage spikes, the financial risk shifts back to you.
That’s why this plan is ideal for:
- Healthy retirees who are okay with some risk
- People who want catastrophic protection without high monthly costs
- Anyone looking to self-insure for everyday care while capping exposure in a worst-case year
If your healthcare needs are more consistent, Plan N or Standard Plan G may give you better long-term cost predictability.
Premium Increases Over Time
One of the most overlooked factors when comparing Medicare Supplement plans is how premiums change over time.
It’s not just about what you’ll pay today - it’s what you’ll pay in 5 or 10 years.
Every Medigap plan is subject to annual rate increases. These increases vary by company and plan type, but there are clear trends: High-Deductible Plan G tends to have the slowest rate of increase, while Standard Plan G tends to rise the fastest.
Why Do Medigap Premiums Go Up?
There are a few reasons why Medicare Supplement premiums increase each year:
- Age-based pricing: Many insurers use “attained-age” pricing in Florida, which means your rate automatically rises as you get older.
- Healthcare cost inflation: As the cost of care rises, insurers raise premiums to keep up with higher claims.
- Plan popularity: Plans with large or aging populations (like Standard Plan G) often see bigger increases.
- Underwriting risk: If a company closes off a block of business and stops accepting new healthy applicants, the remaining policyholders tend to be higher-risk - which can lead to steeper annual hikes.
Here’s a general look at how much each plan increases per year, based on historical trends across Florida carriers:
What this means in practice: even if you start off paying more for Plan N or Plan G, the premium gap between these plans and HDG widens over time - especially in your 70s and 80s.
What Florida Residents Can Expect
Florida has one of the largest Medicare populations in the country, and it’s also one of the most competitive states for Medigap pricing.
That means:
- You may see slower increases with HDG plans, since they attract healthier applicants and carry less risk for insurers.
- Cigna and United World Life (Mutual of Omaha) have historically kept HDG premium increases below the national average.
- Florida doesn’t have a birthday rule or year-round open enrollment, so switching plans later may require medical underwriting - which makes picking a low-increase plan from the start even more important.
Bottom Line
If you're looking for the plan with the best long-term premium stability, High-Deductible Plan G is hard to beat. Over a 10-year period, it could save you thousands - not just from lower premiums, but from avoiding large rate hikes that can sneak up on you with other plans.
Budgeting for the HDG Deductible
One of the biggest concerns people have about High-Deductible Plan G is how to handle the $2,870 deductible if a major medical event occurs. It’s a fair concern - but it’s also one that can be managed with the right planning.
From working with hundreds of clients in Florida, I’ve found that the people who succeed with HDG are the ones who treat it like any other financial goal: they plan ahead, set aside funds, and use their premium savings to build a cushion.
Here are three simple ways to budget for the deductible - even if you never end up needing to use the full amount.
#1. Build an Emergency Medical Fund
The most straightforward strategy is to create a dedicated emergency fund - separate from your everyday checking or savings - that’s earmarked for medical costs only.
If you want to fully fund the $2,870 deductible in a year, here’s what that could look like:
- Save $240/month and you’ll have it covered in 12 months
- Save $120/month and you’ll have half of it by mid-year
- Even putting away $50–$75/month helps chip away at the goal
Storing this in a high-yield savings account means the money grows passively and is ready when you need it.
Many of my Florida clients treat this just like car insurance - they may never file a big claim, but the protection is there if needed.
#2. Redirect Your Premium Savings
This is one of the most effective and overlooked strategies.
If you’re switching from a Standard Plan G to HDG, you’re likely saving $100+ per month on premiums.
Instead of spending that difference, redirect some (or all) of it into your emergency fund.
For example:
- Standard Plan G: $180/month
- High-Deductible Plan G: $68/month
- Savings: $112/month: that’s $1,344/year
By doing this, you’re using the insurance company’s savings to self-insure your deductible - without changing your monthly budget.
#3. Use HSA or Retirement Accounts
If you had a Health Savings Account (HSA) before enrolling in Medicare, you can still use it tax-free to cover qualified medical expenses - including your HDG deductible.
Even a modest HSA balance of $3,000 is enough to fully cover your annual deductible, should you need it.
Additionally, retirees often use a portion of their traditional IRA or 401(k) withdrawals to manage annual healthcare expenses. While this income is taxable, it’s often planned into your broader retirement budget.
If you’re using HDG as a long-term strategy to save on premiums, having an HSA or designated health buffer inside your retirement accounts adds peace of mind.
Bottom Line
Yes, High-Deductible Plan G puts more responsibility on you - but with a simple savings strategy in place, it becomes a very manageable risk.
For healthy Florida seniors who want to keep monthly premiums low and are financially prepared to cover the deductible in a rare high-use year, this plan can provide thousands in savings over time.
And if the deductible feels intimidating, just remember: most of my clients never meet it.
Historical Deductible Trends
The deductible for High-Deductible Plan G doesn’t stay fixed - it’s adjusted every year by the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS). These changes are based on national healthcare inflation, cost of services, and broader economic conditions.
Understanding how the deductible has evolved can help you better anticipate how it might change in the future - and how to plan for it.
Here’s a look at how the annual deductible for High-Deductible Plan G has changed over the last five years:
Why Does the Deductible Keep Going Up?
Each year, CMS recalculates the deductible based on:
- The average cost of Medicare-covered services nationwide
- Inflation in the healthcare sector
- Utilization trends and claims data
This isn’t unique to HDG - Part A and Part B deductibles adjust yearly too. But with HDG, the annual deductible is especially important, because it defines how much you’ll need to cover out-of-pocket before your plan takes over.
What This Means For You
While the deductible has increased steadily, the rate of increase has remained modest - especially when compared to rising costs in other areas of healthcare. For healthy individuals who rarely hit the full deductible, these changes don’t tend to significantly impact total annual costs.
Still, it’s important to be aware: the HDG deductible won’t be frozen in time. If you’re planning to stay on this plan long term, budgeting for a slightly higher deductible each year is a wise strategy.
Switching from HDG to Standard Plan G
High-Deductible Plan G can be a great way to save money in your younger Medicare years, especially if you’re healthy.
But what happens if your health changes - and you want to move to a Standard Plan G down the line?
It’s possible, but it’s not always guaranteed. Florida doesn’t offer any birthday or anniversary rule protections, so switching plans later often means going through medical underwriting.
In most cases, you only get a guaranteed right to buy any Medigap plan without health questions during your Initial Enrollment Period (IEP) - the 6-month window after you first enroll in Medicare Part B.
During this time:
- Insurers cannot deny your application
- You can switch from HDG to Standard Plan G without underwriting
- You cannot be charged more based on health conditions
Once that period ends, most Florida residents lose their guaranteed issue rights.
What About Special Rules?
States like California, Oregon, and Missouri offer rules that let you switch Medigap plans once a year without underwriting. Florida does not offer those protections.
In Florida:
- There is no birthday rule
- There is no annual “free switch” window
- All plan changes after IEP are subject to underwriting
This means your health status matters (a lot) if you plan to switch in the future.
What Does Underwriting Look Like?
If you apply for Standard Plan G outside of your IEP, you’ll be asked health questions. Each insurance company has its own guidelines, but in general, they may look for:
- A history of chronic conditions like diabetes, COPD, or heart disease
- Recent hospitalizations or surgeries
- Use of certain medications or oxygen
- Ongoing physical therapy or mobility issues
If you pass underwriting, you can switch. If not, your application may be declined - and you’ll need to stay on your current HDG plan or try again later.
My Advice: Plan Now to Avoid Problems Later
If you’re starting with High-Deductible Plan G, that’s fine - but go in with a strategy.
Here’s what I recommend:
- Maintain a healthy lifestyle. Keeping your health stable will improve your chances of being approved later if you want to switch.
- Schedule regular annual checkups. Being proactive allows you to catch small issues early, which can help avoid underwriting problems later.
- Know your timeline. If you're already in your IEP, this may be the best time to pick the plan you want long-term - even if it means paying more now.
I’ve helped many clients switch from HDG to Standard Plan G successfully. But I’ve also had clients who couldn’t - not because they didn’t want to, but because their health made it impossible to pass underwriting.
That’s why we always recommend thinking 3–5 years ahead when choosing a Medigap plan.
Final Thoughts
High-Deductible Plan G isn’t right for everyone - but for many healthy Medicare enrollees in Florida, it offers one of the best combinations of low monthly premiums and strong coverage.
It’s a plan designed for people who want to save money now, while still being protected in case of serious or unexpected health events.
To recap, here’s why High-Deductible Plan G continues to be one of the most cost-effective Medigap options in Florida:
- Premiums are often half the cost of traditional Plan G
- You still get the same full benefits - just after meeting the annual deductible
- It’s a great fit for healthy individuals who rarely visit the doctor
- The plan offers true catastrophic protection, giving you peace of mind
- Over time, the long-term savings can add up to thousands of dollars compared to other plan types
If you're not sure whether HDG is the right choice - or if you want help comparing it to other plans like Plan G or Plan N - that's exactly what we’re here for.
At Policy Guide, we’ve helped thousands of Florida seniors find the plan that fits their lifestyle, budget, and long-term goals.
We can walk you through your options, explain the fine print, and make sure you understand what’s best based on where you live and how you use your coverage.
There’s no pressure, and no cost to talk with us. We’ll give you the facts, and you decide from there.
Call us or start a personalized quote today - and let’s make sure you’re set up with the right Medicare Supplement plan for your future.
FAQs
The annual deductible for High Deductible Plan G in 2025 is $2,870. You must pay this amount out-of-pocket for Medicare-approved expenses before the plan begins paying its share. After that, it covers the same benefits as a standard Plan G.
Once you meet the $2,870 deductible, the plan provides full coverage for all Medicare-approved costs that Standard Plan G covers — including Part A and B coinsurance, excess charges, and skilled nursing facility care. It also covers foreign travel emergency care up to plan limits.
Yes, but in Florida, you may need to pass medical underwriting unless you're still in your Medicare Supplement Open Enrollment Period. Unlike some other states, Florida does not offer an annual “birthday rule” or “anniversary rule” that allows switching without health questions.
Generally, no. This plan works best for people who are healthy and don’t need frequent care. If you have a chronic condition or anticipate regular specialist visits or hospitalizations, a plan with a lower deductible — like Plan N or Standard Plan G — may provide better protection and more predictable costs.
The easiest way is to reach out to Policy Guide. We specialize in Medicare plans and work with top-rated carriers like Cigna and Mutual of Omaha. Our licensed agents can compare quotes, explain your options in plain language, and help you find a plan that fits your health and budget — all at no cost to you.
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