The “Part G” Paradox: Why This Medigap Powerhouse Is the 2026 Gold Standard

If you’ve been searching for “Medicare Part G,” here’s the clarification: there is no Medicare Part G. What you’re looking for is Medicare Supplement Plan G — also called Medigap Plan G. It’s the most comprehensive Medicare supplement available to new enrollees in 2026, and most independent brokers consider it the gold standard for a reason. Here’s exactly what it covers and why it stands out.

What Is Medicare Supplement Plan G?

Medicare Supplement Plan G is a Medigap plan that fills in most of the gaps Original Medicare leaves behind. Think of Original Medicare (Parts A and B) as a solid foundation with some expensive holes — 20% coinsurance on doctor visits, a $1,676 hospital deductible, and no out-of-pocket maximum. Medicare Supplement Plan G patches nearly all of those holes.

It’s sold by private insurance companies but standardized by the federal government, so the benefits are identical regardless of which company you buy from. What differs is the monthly premium — and that’s where comparison shopping matters.

What Plan G Covers in 2026

Medicare Supplement Plan G covers the following in 2026:

• Part A deductible — $1,676 per benefit period
• Part A coinsurance and hospital costs — up to 365 days after Medicare benefits are used
• Part A hospice care coinsurance
• Skilled nursing facility coinsurance
• Part B coinsurance or copayments — 100% covered after the Part B deductible
• Part B excess charges — if a doctor charges more than Medicare allows, Plan G covers the difference
• Foreign travel emergency care — up to plan limits

The only cost you pay with Medicare Supplement Plan G is the annual Part B deductible — $257 in 2026. After that, you owe nothing for covered services for the rest of the year. No copays, no coinsurance, no networks.

Why Plan G Is the 2026 Gold Standard

Plan G replaced Plan F as the top-tier Medigap option when Plan F was discontinued for new enrollees in 2020. The only difference between Plan F and Plan G is the Part B deductible — Plan F covered it, Plan G doesn’t. Since the deductible is only $257 per year, and Plan G premiums are typically $30–$50 less per month than Plan F, Plan G almost always wins on math.

According to Medicare.gov, Plan G is one of the most comprehensive Medigap plans available and one of the most widely purchased by new Medicare enrollees.

Plan G vs Plan N: Which Is Right for You?

The most common comparison is Medicare Supplement Plan G vs Plan N. Plan N has lower premiums but adds:

• Up to $20 copay per office visit
• Up to $50 copay per emergency room visit (waived if admitted)
• No coverage for Part B excess charges

If you’re healthy and see doctors infrequently, Plan N may save you money. If you want maximum simplicity and predictability, Medicare Supplement Plan G is the better choice. I compare both for every client and let the numbers speak.

Mayo Clinic Coverage With Medigap

Mayo Clinic Arizona accepts Original Medicare — and therefore accepts Medicare Supplement Plan G. Most Medicare Advantage plans are not accepted at Mayo Clinic. If access to major specialty hospitals matters to you, Plan G is your path.

Get a Free Medigap Quote in Arizona

I’m Andy Orlikoff, an independent Medicare broker in Surprise, AZ. I’ve been helping Arizona seniors enroll in the right Medigap plan since 2004. I compare rates from multiple carriers and find you the lowest premium for identical coverage.

Call or text: (623) 742-3878
Email: andy@azhealth.us
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