AARP Medigap Plan G is a Medicare Supplement Insurance plan designed to help cover healthcare costs that Original Medicare does not fully pay. Offered through a partnership between AARP and UnitedHealthcare, Plan G is one of the most comprehensive Medigap options available, providing financial protection against out-of-pocket expenses like hospital stays, skilled nursing facility care, and Medicare Part B coinsurance. While it does not cover the Medicare Part B deductible, Plan G is a popular choice for those seeking predictable medical expenses and broad coverage without network restrictions. This guide explores the key benefits, costs, eligibility requirements, and enrollment process to help individuals determine if AARP Medigap Plan G is the right choice for their healthcare needs.
Coverage & Benefits
AARP Medigap Plan G provides extensive coverage to help fill gaps left by Original Medicare. It covers Medicare Part A hospital coinsurance and hospital costs for up to 365 additional days after Medicare benefits are used up. It also includes Medicare Part B coinsurance or copayments, skilled nursing facility care coinsurance, Part A hospice care coinsurance or copayments, and the first three pints of blood needed for medical procedures. Additionally, Plan G offers foreign travel emergency coverage, paying 80% of approved costs up to plan limits. However, Plan G does not cover the Medicare Part B deductible, which must be paid out-of-pocket before Medicare and the plan start covering expenses. Like all Medigap plans, it also does not include coverage for prescription drugs, dental, vision, hearing aids, or long-term care services.
Eligibility & Enrollment
To qualify for AARP Medigap Plan G, individuals must be enrolled in both Medicare Part A and Part B. Medigap plans are available to those who want supplemental coverage to manage costs not covered by Original Medicare. Plan G is an option for both new Medicare beneficiaries who became eligible after January 1, 2020, and those who were eligible before that date but wish to switch from another Medigap plan. The best time to enroll in Plan G is during the Medigap Open Enrollment Period, which begins the first month an individual is both 65 or older and enrolled in Medicare Part B. During this time, applicants have guaranteed issue rights, meaning they cannot be denied coverage or charged higher premiums due to pre-existing conditions.
Enrolling outside this period may result in medical underwriting, potentially leading to higher costs or denial of coverage. Enrollment can be complete through AARP’s website, by phone, or with the assistance of a licensed insurance agent.
Costs & Premiums
The cost of AARP Medigap Plan G varies based on several factors, including the beneficiary’s age, location, gender, and tobacco use. Monthly premiums can also be affected by the pricing method used by the insurance provider—community-rated, issue-age-rated, or attained-age-rated. Community-rated plans charge the same premium to all enrollees regardless of age, while issue-age-rated plans set premiums based on the age at enrollment. Attained-age-rated plans increase in cost as the policyholder gets older.
Although Plan G typically has higher premiums than some other Medigap plans, it offers comprehensive coverage with predictable out-of-pocket costs. When compared to Plan F, which covers the Medicare Part B deductible but is no longer available to new Medicare enrollees, Plan G is often the best option for those seeking extensive coverage without excessive premiums. It may also be a better value than Plan N, which has lower premiums but requires copayments for doctor and emergency room visits.
Pros & Cons of AARP Medigap Plan G
| Pros | Cons |
| Comprehensive coverage for Medicare gaps | Higher monthly premiums compared to some other Medigap plans |
| Covers Part A hospital costs for up to 365 extra days | Does not cover the Medicare Part B deductible ($240 in 2024) |
| Pays for Part B coinsurance/copayments | No coverage for prescription drugs, dental, vision, or hearing |
| Includes skilled nursing facility coinsurance | Premiums may increase over time depending on pricing method |
| Covers emergency medical care when traveling abroad | Requires enrollment in Medicare Part A & Part B first |
| No provider network restrictions – see any doctor that accepts Medicare | Not available in all states or regions |
| Predictable out-of-pocket costs for medical care | Must be purchased separately from Medicare itself |
AARP & UnitedHealthcare Partnership
AARP partners with UnitedHealthcare to offer Medigap Plan G. Combining the trusted reputation of AARP with the insurance expertise of UnitedHealthcare. As the exclusive provider of AARP-branded Medigap plans, UnitedHealthcare handles policy administration, claims processing, and customer service. This partnership ensures a broad national network, financial stability, and reliable coverage for policyholders. In addition to the standard Medigap benefits, AARP members who enroll in Plan G may receive additional perks. Such as discounts on vision and hearing services, access to wellness programs, and 24/7 nurse helplines. These extra benefits, while not part of the core Medigap coverage. Add value to the plan and enhance overall healthcare support for members.
Read more: Does Medigap Plan G Cover Annual Physicals
Conclusion
AARP Medigap Plan G is a strong option for individuals looking for comprehensive coverage to supplement Original Medicare. With benefits that cover hospital stays, skilled nursing facility care, and Medicare Part B coinsurance, it helps reduce out-of-pocket healthcare expenses and provides financial peace of mind. While it does not cover the Medicare Part B deductible, its predictable costs and freedom to see any doctor who accepts Medicare make it a popular choice. Additionally, the partnership between AARP and UnitedHealthcare offers added benefits and reliable service. Before enrolling, individuals should compare costs, consider their healthcare needs, and review other Medigap options to ensure Plan G is the best fit for their situation.
