Medicare Plan G: The Complete Guide for Florida Seniors in 2021
Medigap Plan G is now the most comprehensive Medicare supplement available to new enrollees. Here is everything Florida seniors need to know about Plan G coverage, costs, and how to enroll.
Medicare Plan G: The Complete Guide for Florida Seniors in 2021
Since January 1, 2020, Medigap Plan G has been the most comprehensive Medicare supplement available to people newly eligible for Medicare. With Plan F closed to new enrollees, Plan G has become the gold standard for comprehensive Medicare coverage. Here is everything Florida seniors need to know.
What Plan G Covers
Medigap Plan G covers virtually every Medicare cost-sharing gap -- with one exception:
| Benefit | Plan G Coverage |
|---|---|
| Part A coinsurance and hospital costs (up to 365 days after Medicare benefits are used) | 100% |
| Part A deductible ($1,484 in 2021) | 100% |
| Part A hospice care coinsurance or copayment | 100% |
| Part B coinsurance or copayment (20%) | 100% |
| Part B excess charges | 100% |
| Skilled nursing facility care coinsurance | 100% |
| First 3 pints of blood | 100% |
| Foreign travel emergency (up to plan limits) | 80% |
| Part B deductible ($203 in 2021) | NOT covered |
The only out-of-pocket cost for Plan G enrollees is the annual Part B deductible -- $203 in 2021. After paying that deductible once per year, Plan G covers 100% of all Medicare-approved costs for the rest of the year.
Plan G vs. Plan F
Plan F covers everything Plan G covers -- plus the Part B deductible. However, Plan F is no longer available to people who became eligible for Medicare on or after January 1, 2020.
For new Medicare enrollees: Plan G is the most comprehensive option available.
For people who became eligible before 2020: Plan F is still available, but the premium difference between Plan F and Plan G is typically $20-$40/month -- more than the $203 Part B deductible. Most people are better off financially with Plan G.
Plan G vs. Plan N
Plan N is a lower-premium alternative to Plan G with some additional cost-sharing:
| Feature | Plan G | Plan N |
|---|---|---|
| Part B coinsurance | 100% covered | Copays up to $20/visit; $50 ER copay |
| Part B excess charges | Covered | NOT covered |
| Premium (approximate) | Higher | $20-$40/month less |
Who Plan N works well for: Healthy seniors who rarely see doctors and want lower premiums. The copays add up quickly for frequent healthcare users.
Who Plan G works better for: People with chronic conditions, frequent specialist visits, or who want complete predictability of costs.
Plan G Costs in Florida
Plan G premiums vary significantly by:
- Age (premiums increase with age)
- Gender (women typically pay less than men)
- Tobacco use (smokers pay more)
- ZIP code (urban vs. rural)
- Insurance company
Approximate 2021 Plan G premiums in Florida:
- Age 65: $100-$160/month
- Age 70: $130-$200/month
- Age 75: $160-$250/month
Important: All Plan G policies cover the exact same benefits -- the only difference is the premium. Shopping multiple companies is essential to finding the best rate.
How to Enroll in Plan G
Best time to enroll: During your Medigap Open Enrollment Period -- the 6-month window starting the month you are both 65 and enrolled in Part B. During this window, insurers cannot deny coverage or charge higher premiums based on health history.
Outside open enrollment: Insurers can use medical underwriting -- asking health questions and potentially denying coverage or charging higher premiums. Florida has limited additional protections.
How to shop: Work with an independent Medicare specialist who can compare rates from multiple insurers. Premiums for identical Plan G coverage can vary by $50-$100/month between companies.
High-Deductible Plan G
A High-Deductible Plan G (HDG) option is available -- with a $2,370 deductible in 2021 before coverage kicks in. Premiums are significantly lower ($30-$60/month). HDG works well for healthy seniors who want catastrophic protection at low cost.
We do not offer every plan available in your area. Please contact Medicare.gov or 1-800-MEDICARE to get information on all of your options.
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About the Author
William Gray
Independent Medicare BrokerUS Air Force Veteran · Florida Medicare Specialist
William Gray is an independent Medicare insurance broker based in Daytona Beach and Palm Coast, FL. A US Air Force veteran (A-10 crew chief, Germany), he spent years in corporate insurance before going independent to serve Florida seniors directly. He has helped more than 1,000 clients across Northeast Florida compare Medicare Advantage, Medigap, and Part D plans — always at no cost to the client.
