FAQ — Medigap High-Deductible Plan G | MedigapHDG

Question 1

What is Medigap High-Deductible Plan G (HDG)?

Accepted Answer

Medigap High-Deductible Plan G is a Medicare Supplement insurance plan that provides the same comprehensive coverage as standard Plan G — but in exchange for a significantly lower monthly premium, you pay a higher annual deductible before benefits kick in. Once you meet the deductible, the plan covers 100% of Medicare-approved costs for the rest of the year.

Question 2

How is HDG different from standard Plan G?

Accepted Answer

Standard Plan G pays your cost-sharing from dollar one (after the Part B deductible). HDG requires you to pay out-of-pocket up to the annual deductible — $2950 in 2026 — before coverage activates. The trade-off is a monthly premium that is typically significantly lower than standard Plan G. Healthy beneficiaries who rarely use medical services often come out ahead with HDG.

Question 3

What does HDG cover once I meet the deductible?

Accepted Answer

Once you reach the annual deductible, HDG covers the same benefits as standard Plan G: Medicare Part A coinsurance and hospital costs, Part A hospice care coinsurance, skilled nursing facility coinsurance, Part A deductible, Part B coinsurance or copayments, and foreign travel emergency care (up to plan limits). It does not cover the Medicare Part B deductible.

Question 4

What is the HDG deductible amount?

Accepted Answer

The HDG deductible is set by the federal government and adjusts annually. For 2026, the deductible is $2,950. This amount counts toward your deductible whether you pay it to a hospital, doctor, or other Medicare-approved provider. Once met, you pay nothing for covered services for the remainder of the calendar year.

Question 5

Who is eligible for Medigap HDG?

Accepted Answer

To enroll in any Medigap plan, including HDG, you must be enrolled in both Medicare Part A and Part B. You must also be age 65 or older. (Some states require insurers to offer Medigap to people under 65 with a disability, but this varies by state.) HDG is available in most — but not all — states.

Question 6

When is the best time to enroll?

Accepted Answer

The best time to enroll is during your Medigap Open Enrollment Period — the six-month window that begins the month you turn 65 and are enrolled in Medicare Part B. During this period, insurers cannot deny you coverage or charge higher premiums based on your health history. Enrolling outside this window may require medical underwriting.

Question 7

Can I switch to HDG from another Medigap plan?

Accepted Answer

Yes, but switching outside your Open Enrollment Period typically requires you to pass medical underwriting — meaning the insurer can review your health history and may charge more or deny coverage based on pre-existing conditions. In some states, you may have a guaranteed issue right under specific circumstances. We can help you evaluate whether switching makes sense for your situation.

Question 8

Is HDG available in my state?

Accepted Answer

HDG is available in most states, but a few states (Massachusetts, Minnesota, and Wisconsin) have their own standardized Medigap plans and HDG may not be offered in the same form. Additionally, not every insurance carrier offers HDG in every state. Contact us and we'll check availability and rates in your specific area.

Question 9

How much does HDG cost per month?

Accepted Answer

Premiums vary by age, gender, tobacco use, location, and the insurance carrier. However, HDG premiums are typically 40–60% lower than standard Plan G. Many beneficiaries pay between $40 and $80 per month for HDG, compared to $120–$200+ for standard Plan G. We shop multiple carriers to find the lowest rate available in your area.

Question 10

Is HDG a good deal financially?

Accepted Answer

For many beneficiaries, yes. The math is straightforward: if your annual premium savings exceed what you pay out-of-pocket toward the deductible, you come out ahead. For example, if HDG saves you $100/month ($1,200/year) versus standard Plan G, and you only use $800 in medical services, you save $400 that year. Healthy seniors who use Medicare services infrequently often find HDG to be the most cost-effective option.

Question 11

Can I use a Health Savings Account (HSA) with HDG?

Accepted Answer

Yes — this is one of HDG's unique advantages. Because HDG qualifies as a High-Deductible Health Plan (HDHP), you may be able to contribute to a Health Savings Account to help cover your deductible costs with pre-tax dollars. This can further reduce your effective out-of-pocket costs. Note: you must stop contributing to an HSA once you enroll in Medicare Part A or B.

Question 12

What happens if I have a major health event and hit the deductible?

Accepted Answer

Once you meet the annual deductible, HDG covers 100% of Medicare-approved costs for the rest of the calendar year — just like standard Plan G. Your maximum out-of-pocket exposure is capped at the annual deductible amount ($2,870 in 2025). After that, you pay nothing for covered services until the deductible resets on January 1.

Question 13

Does HDG cover prescription drugs?

Accepted Answer

No. Like all Medigap plans, HDG does not cover prescription drugs. You would need to enroll in a separate Medicare Part D prescription drug plan to have drug coverage. We can help you find a Part D plan that works alongside your HDG coverage.

Question 14

Does HDG cover dental, vision, or hearing?

Accepted Answer

No. Medigap plans, including HDG, do not cover dental, vision, or hearing. These are not covered by Original Medicare either. If you need these benefits, you may want to consider a standalone dental/vision/hearing plan in addition to your HDG coverage.

Question 15

Can I see any doctor with HDG?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Because HDG is a Medigap supplement to Original Medicare (not a Medicare Advantage plan), you can see any doctor or specialist in the country who accepts Medicare — with no referrals, no networks, and no prior authorizations required. This is one of the biggest advantages of Medigap over Medicare Advantage.

Question 16

Does HDG cover care when I travel internationally?

Accepted Answer

Yes, HDG includes foreign travel emergency coverage. It covers 80% of medically necessary emergency care received outside the United States after a $250 deductible, up to a lifetime maximum of $50,000. This benefit activates during the first 60 days of each trip.

Frequently Asked Questions

What Is Medigap HDG?

Eligibility & Enrollment

Costs & Savings

Coverage & Benefits

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