Medicare Supplement Plan G Pros and Cons in Florida

Medicare Supplement Plan G (Medigap Plan G) is widely regarded as one of the best options for seniors who want maximum coverage and flexibility in their healthcare.

Plan G works alongside Original Medicare (Parts A and B) to fill virtually all the coverage gaps, paying for deductibles, copays, and coinsurance that beneficiaries would otherwise owe.

This means that after paying Medicare’s small Part B annual deductible (currently $257 in 2025, up from $240 in 2024) a Plan G member will have no further out-of-pocket costs for Medicare-approved services – a level of financial protection unmatched by other options.

In exchange for this comprehensive coverage, Plan G requires a monthly premium paid to a private insurer. While that premium is higher than what many Medicare Advantage plans charge, the value received in return – broad access to providers, minimal billing surprises, and nationwide coverage – often far outweighs the cost.

Millions of Medicare beneficiaries clearly agree: Plan G is the most popular Medigap plan in the nation, with over 5.7 million enrollees in 2024 (up from 5.3 million in 2023).

This accounts for roughly 40% of all Medigap policyholders, a share that has grown each year as new enrollees flock to Plan G’s robust benefits (more than 53% of new Medicare supplement buyers chose Plan G in 2023 alone).

In contrast, Medicare Advantage (Part C) plans have attracted many seniors with low upfront costs and extra perks, now enrolling about 32.8 million people (54% of Medicare beneficiaries) as of 2024.

Three-quarters of MA enrollees pay $0 additional premium beyond the Part B premium, and these plans often bundle in extras like dental, vision, or gym memberships.

However, these apparent “advantages” come with trade-offs.

Nearly all Medicare Advantage plans restrict you to a network of providers and impose cost-management tools like prior authorizations.

In fact, over half (56%) of MA enrollees are in HMO plans that do not cover out-of-network services (except emergencies), and 99% of MA members are in plans that require prior approval for certain services.

Multiple studies – including a federal OIG report – have found that Medicare Advantage plans sometimes improperly delay or deny care that should be covered.

For many seniors, especially those who travel frequently or have serious health conditions, these limitations and uncertainties make Medicare Advantage a less attractive choice.

Medicare Supplement Plan G, paired with Original Medicare, avoids these pitfalls.

Pros and Cons of Medicare Supplement Plan G

Below, we highlight 7 key reasons Plan G is a superior choice for many Medicare beneficiaries, followed by the two primary considerations (higher premium and separate drug coverage) to keep in mind.

#1. Comprehensive Coverage With Minimal Out-of-Pocket Costs

Plan G offers near-complete coverage of Medicare’s cost-sharing, giving you predictable healthcare expenses and peace of mind. It is the most comprehensive Medigap plan available to new Medicare enrollees.

Plan G pays for all deductibles, copayments, and coinsurance under Original Medicare, except the Part B deductible. In practical terms, once you have paid the annual Part B deductible (again, $257 in 2025), Plan G will cover 100% of your hospital and outpatient bills approved by Medicare.

This includes extensive costs like hospital stays, surgery, doctor’s visits, diagnostic tests, chemotherapy, skilled nursing facility care, and more – all covered in full. You won’t pay a penny in Medicare copays or coinsurance for these medically necessary services thanks to Plan G.

By eliminating virtually all out-of-pocket medical expenses, Plan G protects you from the risk of catastrophic bills.

For example, a serious surgery or a lengthy hospital stay under Original Medicare alone could leave you owing thousands in coinsurance.

Under a typical Medicare Advantage plan, you might similarly face hefty cost-sharing up to the plan’s out-of-pocket maximum (which averages up to $9,350 including out-of-network, per year for 2025 MA plans).

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With Plan G, your out-of-pocket costs for covered services are essentially capped at the Part B deductible, no matter how expensive your care. This financial predictability is invaluable, especially for those with chronic conditions or anyone who wants to avoid surprise medical bills.

Put simply, Plan G trades a higher upfront premium for vastly greater coverage, ensuring you get the care you need without worrying about the cost.

#2. Nationwide Provider Access – No Network Restrictions

With Plan G (and Original Medicare), you can see any doctor or hospital nationwide that accepts Medicare – no network limitations, period.

This is a huge advantage over Medicare Advantage plans, which typically operate within restricted provider networks. Original Medicare is accepted by the vast majority of healthcare providers across the U.S. (over 98.8% of doctors and virtually all hospitals participate), so Plan G effectively gives you access to a nationwide pool of providers.

You have the freedom to choose any specialist or facility that fits your needs, whether it’s a local physician or a renowned medical center in another state, as long as they take Medicare.

Referrals are not needed to see specialists under Original Medicare, and there are no plan gatekeepers controlling which doctors you can visit.

By contrast, Medicare Advantage often limits you to a regional network of contracted providers. If you go outside the network for non-emergency care, you could be on the hook for the full cost in an HMO, or face higher cost-sharing in a PPO.

More than half of MA enrollees are in HMO plans that won’t cover out-of-network providers at all, except in emergencies or unique circumstances requiring the carrier's permission.

Even PPO-type Medicare Advantage plans, which offer some out-of-network coverage, generally require you to pay significantly more to use providers who aren’t in the plan’s network.

This can severely restrict your choice of doctors and hospitals. If your favorite doctor or a top specialist in a field isn’t contracted with your MA plan, you either pay extra or can’t see them at all – a scenario all too common as many seniors discover.

In stark contrast, Plan G lets you visit any Medicare-participating provider with full coverage after the annual Part B deductible has been satisfied. There are no surprise “out-of-network” bills to worry about, ever.

This nationwide freedom is a major reason knowledgeable beneficiaries prefer Medigap coverage.

As one comparative analysis put it:

‍“With Original Medicare, you have the same benefits at any provider or facility that accepts Medicare…

In contrast, Medicare Advantage plans may limit you to in-network providers or charge more for out-of-network care.”

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Plan G preserves your freedom of choice, so you can get care wherever the best expertise is available.

#3. Freedom to Travel – Ideal for Travelers and Snowbirds

Plan G is the hands-down winner for Medicare beneficiaries who travel frequently or live in multiple states throughout the year. Because it places no geographic restrictions on coverage, Plan G offers seamless protection as you roam.

Whether you’re visiting grandchildren in another state, RVing across the country, or spending winters in a sunbelt state, your Medigap Plan G benefits travel with you.

There are no “out-of-area” limitations – if a provider in any state accepts Medicare, you are covered just as you would be at home.

As the "We Can Help You" Medicare resource explains,

“One of the biggest advantages of Medigap is nationwide portability. There are no provider networks, so beneficiaries can receive care from any doctor or hospital in the U.S. that accepts Medicare.”

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This makes Medigap particularly appealing to those who travel often, split time between multiple residences, or simply want freedom in choosing providers. Plan G exemplifies this advantage; your coverage is standardized and remains the same wherever you go domestically.

For example, if you have Plan G in Florida and need treatment in California, you’ll get the exact same benefits as at home – as long as the provider accepts Medicare, Plan G will pay your share.

In contrast, most Medicare Advantage plans are tied to a local service area. If you’re out of your plan’s area for an extended time, you may only have emergency coverage.

Many MA HMOs won’t cover routine care outside your home county or state. Some MA plans do offer “visitor” or travel benefits, but these typically allow in-network access in another region only for a limited time (e.g. 6 months) or only in certain locations.

It’s hardly the free travel pass that Medigap provides. Even MA PPOs, while offering some nationwide coverage, will charge higher copays or coinsurance when you’re away from home using non-network providers.

For “snowbirds” who reside in, say, Minnesota during summer or Arizona in winter, a Medicare Advantage plan could become problematic – you might have to sign up with a new provider network in your second location or risk uncovered routine care.

Plan G completely avoids this headache. You can live bi-coastally or travel state-to-state without ever worrying about your healthcare coverage being accepted.

If exploring the country (or even the world) is part of your retirement plans, Plan G offers unparalleled peace of mind that your insurance won’t hold you back.

Notably, Plan G also includes limited foreign travel emergency coverage – after $250 deductible, 80% of emergency costs up to $50,000 lifetime – for those occasional trips abroad.

#4. Access to Top Specialists and Premier Medical Facilities

Choosing Plan G means you can receive care at world-class hospitals and specialty clinics without insurance barriers.

Because Plan G allows you to use any Medicare-accepting provider nationwide, you have access to renowned medical centers like the Mayo Clinic, Cleveland Clinic, MD Anderson Cancer Center, Johns Hopkins, Sloan Kettering Cancer Center and others that may be off-limits under many Medicare Advantage plans.

This can be literally life-saving if you ever need specialized treatment for a complex condition.

Top specialists and facilities often accept Original Medicare but might not contract with private Medicare Advantage networks.

For example, the Mayo Clinic – one of the most sought-after healthcare systems in the country – recently warned Medicare patients that it “will not contract with most Medicare Advantage HMO plans” and will not even schedule appointments for out-of-network MA patients.

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In other words, if your Medicare Advantage plan isn’t among the few Mayo partners, you cannot get non-emergency care at Mayo under that plan.

Original Medicare with Plan G faces no such roadblock. Mayo Clinic does accept Medicare (as do essentially all major teaching and research hospitals), and Plan G would pay all of your Medicare cost-sharing after your annual deductible has been satisfied – including Medicare’s standard 20% coinsurance and even any Part B excess charges that top hospitals might bill.

You could access Mayo’s expertise just as any Medicare patient could, with minimal or no out-of-pocket expense beyond your premium.

This scenario isn’t unique to Mayo. Many leading cancer centers, cardiac surgeons, or other ultra-specialized providers either limit their participation in Medicare Advantage networks or exclude certain plans altogether.

Some facilities might take only a couple of nationwide MA plans (often PPOs) and turn away patients enrolled in other MA plans as “out of network.” Patients are then faced with paying full cost or going elsewhere for care. With Plan G, you eliminate this concern.

Any specialist or facility that accepts Medicare will treat you, and your Plan G will robustly cover the bills. This can give you critical flexibility in serious health circumstances – you and your doctors can decide the best place to receive treatment, rather than your insurance network dictating your options.

It’s no surprise that those who want the absolute best care available often choose Medigap coverage.

As one Medicare education site succinctly states,

Original Medicare plus a supplement imposes “no network restrictions – access any doctor or specialist nationwide who accepts Medicare.”

It’s “best for travelers who want premium coverage and access.” Plan G empowers you to seek care from the very best providers in the nation, be it a famous cancer hospital or a cutting-edge clinical trial, without worrying whether your insurance will be accepted.

#5. No Referrals or Pre-Authorization Needed – Less Red Tape

Plan G (with Original Medicare) gives you direct, hassle-free access to healthcare services, without the administrative hurdles that many Medicare Advantage enrollees face.

You do not need a primary care referral to see a specialist under Original Medicare – you can schedule an appointment with any specialist who accepts Medicare whenever you feel it’s necessary.

This is a significant benefit for patients who prefer to self-manage their care or want the ability to quickly get a second opinion.

In contrast, many Medicare Advantage plans (especially HMOs including most Special Needs Plans) require you to obtain a referral from your primary doctor before seeing a specialist. That extra step can delay your care and adds an unnecessary gatekeeper.

With Plan G, if you wake up with a knee injury and want to see an orthopedic surgeon, you simply pick one and make an appointment – no insurance-imposed detours.

Even more importantly, Plan G spares you from the notorious prior authorization requirements that are pervasive in Medicare Advantage.

Under Original Medicare, medically necessary services are generally covered without needing advance approval from an insurance company. Medicare Advantage plans, however, routinely require prior authorization for costly services and procedures – in fact, 99% of MA enrollees are in plans that require prior authorization for at least some services (commonly for things like inpatient hospital stays, MRIs, home health care, certain medications, etc.).

This means your doctor often has to get the plan’s permission before you can receive the recommended treatment, introducing the risk of delays or denials.

The federal government has found widespread problems with this process:

A 2022 HHS Inspector General report warned that Medicare Advantage organizations sometimes inappropriately deny or delay necessary care that would have been covered under Original Medicare. These denials can lead beneficiaries to pay out-of-pocket for crucial services or even forgo care.

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By choosing Plan G, you avoid this entire issue. Original Medicare rarely requires prior authorizations, and your Medigap simply pays the remaining cost share. You and your doctors remain in control of your healthcare decisions – not an insurance plan’s utilization review department.

The result is greater peace of mind and timelier care. When you need a procedure or specialist treatment, you can get it without jumping through bureaucratic hoops.

#6. Stable, Predictable Coverage (No Annual Plan Changes)

Medicare Supplement Plan G offers stability and consistency that Medicare Advantage plans simply cannot match. When you enroll in Plan G, you lock in a standardized set of benefits that will remain the same year after year (the premium may adjust).

Medigap plans are standardized by law – Plan G benefits are identical across all insurers and across all states (except MA/MI/WI which have their own versions).

Crucially, Medigap policies are guaranteed renewable for life: as long as you pay your premiums, your Plan G coverage cannot be canceled and will not change its core benefits. You don’t have to worry about your supplement suddenly dropping coverage for a certain service or tightening its rules.

In short, Plan G today will be Plan G tomorrow, just with the updated Medicare deductibles. This is a marked contrast to Medicare Advantage, where plans can and do change their benefits, provider networks, drug formularies, and cost-sharing every single year.

Each fall, MA enrollees receive an Annual Notice of Change detailing how their plan will alter its terms in the coming year – perhaps raising the maximum out-of-pocket limit, increasing copays, or discontinuing coverage.

Additional notices are sent concerning network changes with preferred doctors and hospitals. It’s not uncommon for seniors to find that their primary care physician or favorite specialist is dropped from an MA network, or that a nearby hospital is no longer in-network for the new year.

In such cases, the enrollee must either switch doctors or try to find a new plan during the Annual Enrollment Period– a potentially stressful annual ritual.

With Plan G, you’ll never face this scenario. You are free to visit any Medicare provider, and that will not change next year or the year after. There’s no annual re-enrollment dance required to keep your doctors.

One insurance industry explainer highlights this as a major plus:

“Stable Coverage: Unlike Medicare Advantage plans, Medicare Supplement plans don’t change annually, providing more stability in coverage and benefits.”

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This stability is particularly valuable for those with ongoing medical needs or provider relationships they trust. You won’t be forced to change oncologists or cardiologists due to network upheavals, nor will you be surprised by new hidden costs.

Plan G delivers reliable coverage continuity. Especially in one’s later years, having the confidence that your insurance remains steady can be a great relief.

#7. Widely Trusted and Chosen by Medicare Beneficiaries

The strengths of Plan G are not just theoretical – they are reflected in the choices real Medicare beneficiaries are making.

Plan G’s superior coverage and flexibility have made it the most popular Medicare Supplement plan in the United States.

As of the end of 2024, over 5.7 million Americans were enrolled in Plan G up from about 4.8 million just two years prior. It has overtaken the older Plan F (which is no longer available to new enrollees) as the top Medigap choice.

In 2023, Plan G accounted for 39% of all Medigap policies nationwide, and that share continues to grow each year.

Among seniors newly aging into Medicare and purchasing supplemental coverage, more than half are now choosing Plan G. This mass adoption is a strong vote of confidence from consumers who have compared their options.

Medicare beneficiaries are clearly finding greater value in Plan G’s comprehensive benefits over the often-restrictive structure of Medicare Advantage.

It’s worth noting that Plan G’s popularity spans the nation, from high-cost states like New York to rural heartland states. In states where Medicare Advantage penetration is lower, Medigap (and particularly Plan G) dominates as the preferred solution for managing healthcare costs.

Even in states with many Medicare Advantage users, a substantial number of people opt for Plan G to avoid the pitfalls of network-based plans. This trend has only accelerated since 2020, when Plan F (a similar plan that also covered the Part B deductible) closed to new enrollees.

Those who might have chosen Plan F in the past are now overwhelmingly going with Plan G, further cementing it as the gold standard of Medigap coverage.

The fact that millions willingly pay an extra premium for Plan G – when they could get a $0-premium MA plan instead – speaks volumes. It shows that consumers recognize the superior protection and freedom Plan G provides. They are essentially saying that quality coverage is worth the price.

In surveys and client feedback, Plan G policyholders often express high satisfaction, citing the ease of using their coverage anywhere and seldom receiving medical bills.

This broad endorsement by fellow seniors can give new beneficiaries confidence that Plan G is a tried-and-true choice that delivers as promised.

Plan G: Two Primary Drawbacks(And Why They’re Often Worth It)

While Plan G offers a host of advantages, it’s important to acknowledge the two main drawbacks often cited – the higher monthly premium and the lack of built-in prescription drug coverage.

These are valid considerations, but as we will discuss, many beneficiaries find that the benefits of Plan G greatly outweigh these downsides.

In fact, the higher premium frequently equates to higher overall value and savings once you account for the medical costs Plan G covers, and standalone drug coverage is readily available to fill the other gap.

Higher Monthly Premium

Medicare Supplement Plan G policies do cost more per month than many Medicare Advantage plans.

In 2024, 75% of Medicare Advantage enrollees paid $0 additional premium (beyond the standard Part B premium) for their plan, whereas Medigap Plan G typically has a distinct premium.

According to a Kaiser Family Foundation analysis, the national average Medigap premium was about $217/month in 2023, and specifically for Plan G the national average was around $164 per month (about $1,968 per year).

Premiums vary based on age and location – a 65-year-old might pay roughly $100–$150/month in many states for Plan G, while in most areas areas of Florirda it could be $230+. This is a real cost that must be budgeted.

However, it’s crucial to weigh this against what you’re getting for the money. That monthly premium buys you virtually 100% medical coverage and freedom of choice.

If you were to forego a Medigap plan and choose a $0-premium Medicare Advantage plan, you could easily end up paying far more out-of-pocket when you actually need care.

A single hospitalization or a series of specialist visits under an MA plan could run you anywhere from a few hundred to several thousand dollars in copays and coinsurance (up to the plan’s max out-of-pocket of ~$5,000-$8,000).

With Plan G, those costs would be fully covered.

In essence, Plan G’s premium is pre-paying to avoid unpredictable bills later. Many find this trade-off well worth it for the financial security and peace of mind it provides. You’ll know that no matter what health issues arise, your costs will be minimal.

Moreover, Medigap premiums generally increase modestly over time, but you can’t be singled out for rate hikes due to your personal health issues (insurers must pool risk broadly).

Ultimately, while Plan G’s premium is higher upfront, it often saves money over the long run for those who utilize healthcare, and it definitely buys invaluable freedom and comprehensive coverage that no Medicare Advantage plan can fully match.

No Included Prescription Drug Coverage

Plan G (like all Medigap plans) does not include Part D prescription drug coverage, so if you enroll in Plan G you will need to purchase a separate Medicare Part D drug plan to have medications covered at the pharmacy.

This is an extra step and an extra premium (the average stand-alone Part D plan premium is about $40–$45 per month in recent years).

By comparison, most Medicare Advantage plans are bundled with drug coverage (MA-PD plans) – about 97% of MA enrollees are in plans that cover prescriptions – so you typically would not pay a separate premium for Part D in an Advantage plan.

With Plan G, you’ll have two cards instead of one – your Medigap card for medical services and a Part D card for prescriptions. This means two premiums and two policies to keep track of, which some might view as a downside.

However, there are plenty of Part D plans available in every state, and you can choose one that best fits your medication needs. Many Part D plans are reasonably priced (some under $20/month, though a few may be $60+ depending on coverage).

The key point is that obtaining drug coverage is straightforward even if Plan G doesn’t provide it by itself. When evaluating Plan G vs. MA plans, you should factor in the cost of a Part D plan along with the Plan G premium to get a true comparison.

Even then, you may find the combined cost still justifiable for the vastly superior medical coverage you receive with Plan G.

Additionally, some people on Plan G appreciate the ability to pick a Part D plan that suits their specific drug needs (since MA drug coverage is one-size-fits-all within a plan).

It’s also worth noting that neither Original Medicare nor Medigap covers routine dental, vision, or hearing services, while some MA plans do offer those as extras. If those benefits are a priority, one can buy separate dental/vision/hearing plans or pay out-of-pocket as needed.

Most Plan G enrollees, however, prioritize core health coverage and provider freedom, viewing the lack of extras as a reasonable trade for the many primary benefits of Plan G.

Bottom Line

Yes, Plan G requires paying a premium and arranging a Part D plan, but you are effectively purchasing peace of mind. The value proposition is that you invest a bit more each month to save potentially thousands in medical bills and to gain the freedom to use any provider and get the best care available.

For many Medicare beneficiaries, especially those who can afford the premium or who have higher healthcare utilization, Plan G’s advantages far outweigh the additional costs.

It’s the difference between a plan that might be penny-wise but pound-foolish (zero premium but high costs when sick, and constrained choices) versus a plan that asks for a higher upfront commitment but delivers comprehensive coverage, flexibility, and confidence when it matters most.

Plan G enthusiasts often say that the plan “pays for itself” the first time you have a major health expense – and indeed, avoiding one $5,000 hospital bill or a series of $50 specialist copays can equal the entire year’s premium.

My Thoughts

Medicare Supplement Plan G stands out as a superior choice for many Medicare beneficiaries due to its combination of extensive coverage and unparalleled freedom.

In exchange for a monthly premium, Plan G provides virtually full coverage of all Medicare-approved costs, eliminating financial uncertainty and protecting you from medical bankruptcies.

It allows you to see any doctor or visit any hospital in the country that accepts Medicare, empowering you to get care on your terms – whether that means traveling year-round, splitting time between homes, or accessing specialty centers for the best treatment.

Plan G’s policyholders enjoy simplicity (no referrals, no prior auth hassles) and stability of coverage over the long term.

These real-life benefits – from being able to use your Medicare in any state to having minimal bills after a major procedure – translate into a level of security and satisfaction that Medicare Advantage plans often struggle to match.

The evidence is clear in both the statistics and the stories: millions have chosen Plan G for these reasons, and its popularity continues to climb.

While it’s important to account for the higher premium and need for a separate drug plan, those factors are often outweighed by Plan G’s robust value – indeed, paying more upfront frequently means paying far less (and getting far more) in the end.