Medicare Plan G is a Medigap Supplement Insurance program designed to cover out-of-pocket costs associated with Medicare. It usually pays a percentage of the total hospital bill, as well as some out-of-pocket expenses, such as prescriptions. Medicare is a government program for senior citizens. Medicare part A pays for hospital bills, and Part B covers Medicare medical expenses.
Medicare Plan G can be used for any hospital stay, but you may be considered eligible if you need specialized care, have had a pre-existing condition, or are in the acute care phase of illness. Medicare Plan G does not cover inpatient services, such as chemotherapy or bone surgery. Private insurance companies may offer Medicare Plan G along with Medicare Part A or Part B, but those options vary from state to state.
Medicare Plan G will automatically renew every year. If you wish to change your Medicare Plan, notify your Medicare provider. The Medicare Plan will determine which insurance company you would like to receive your Medicare Plan F from. Most private insurance companies may offer Medicare Plan G, but not all Medicare plan policies are available in all areas.
Medicare Plan G does not pay the difference in cost between inpatient and outpatient care. Patients in the acute care phase of illness will typically be enrolled in Medicare Plan G. Medicare Plan G will cover most, but not all medical services provided at a hospital. Medicare Plan G does not cover services in a nursing home.
Medicare Plan G also does not cover preventative services, including cholesterol screening and routine blood tests, under its Medicare Part A coverage. Medicare Part A covers emergency room visits, office visits, diagnostic tests, prescribed drugs, and some eye exams. Medicare Part B covers some of the same services offered in Part A, and additional benefits, such as extended hospital stays, are offered through additional plans, depending on the state where you live.
When enrolling in Medicare Plan G, it is important to understand the eligibility requirements. If you are currently eligible for Medicare Parts A and B, but not eligible for Medicare Parts D or J, you will likely be automatically dropped from Medicare Plan G. Medicare Plan G only pays for care that is necessary at the time of enrollment, regardless of what may have happened within the past year.
Medicare Plan G will not pay benefits if the participant is not eligible for Medicare Parts A or B; if the participant is not eligible for Medicare Parts C or D, they will likely be dropped from the program. If you become disabled or released from a hospital during the open enrollment period, you will not be eligible to enroll in Medicare Plan G.
Medicare Plan G will not cover all of your medical expenses, including blood work, chemotherapy, dental work, dental implants, medical procedures (such as surgery), medical supplies, prescriptions, physical therapy, hospice, podiatry, psychopharmacology, social security, wheelchair lift, durable medical equipment, hearing aids, eye care, hearing rehabilitation, orthopedics, sinus surgery, cosmetic surgery, hair replacement, personal care, dental insurance, travel insurance, accidental death and dismemberment benefits, and vision care.
With Medicare Plan G, you will have to pay a premium known as a Medicare Part C premium to remain enrolled in the program. Medicare Plan G will also have restrictions, including limits on the number of medical providers that a person can see, the number of times a person can see a provider, and the number of times that a person can be seen by a non-participating provider.
Some deductibles are higher with Medicare Plan G than with traditional Medicare. Medicare Plan G does not cover some prescription drug costs, so it is important to compare the cost and benefits of Medicare Plan G with your current prescription drug plan to make sure you are getting the best coverage for your needs.
