Is Your Medicare Supplement Premium Going Up? Here’s What You Should Know About High Deductible Plan G

If you’ve recently received a letter notifying you of a double-digit increase in your Medicare Supplement premium, you’re not alone. Many individuals 65 and over are facing higher costs for the same coverage they’ve relied on for years.
If you’re happy with your current plan, this article is not here to convince you to change. In fact, if your plan is still working well for your needs and your premium is manageable, there’s likely no reason to switch. But if you’ve started feeling the pinch from rising costs, you may be wondering:
“Are there any other good options that still give me solid coverage — without the high monthly premium?”
The answer is yes — and one option that often gets overlooked is the Medicare Supplement High Deductible Plan G.

Why People Choose Traditional Plan G

Let’s start with what you already know. Medicare Supplement Plan G is popular because it’s simple, predictable, and comprehensive. It covers nearly all out-of-pocket costs that Original Medicare doesn’t pay — including copays, coinsurance, and hospital deductibles.
The trade-off? You pay a higher monthly premium for that predictable peace of mind.
For example, in New York and surrounding areas, the average Plan G premium for a 70-year-old can run around $326 per month , or about $3,912 per year. And with recent letters announcing double-digit rate increases, that number is only going up for many.

What is High Deductible Plan G?

High Deductible Plan G (HDG) is exactly what it sounds like — it offers the same core benefits as regular Plan G, but with a much lower premium and a higher annual deductible. In 2025, that deductible is $2,800.
Here’s how it works:
  • You pay a low monthly premium (typically around $72/month or $864/year)
  • You pay for Medicare-approved services out-of-pocket until you hit the $2,800 deductible
  • After that, the plan pays 100% of approved costs — just like regular Plan G
It’s a way to keep your safety net intact without paying top dollar each month.

When High Deductible Plan G Might Make Sense

Let’s walk through two common scenarios to help you understand where HDG may be a smart fit.

1. Average Health Year

You’re seeing your primary doctor a couple times a year, maybe a specialist or two, and had an MRI done.
Plan Comparison

Plan Cost Comparison

Service Traditional Plan G High Deductible Plan
2 PCP Visits $0 $18
4 Specialist Visits $0 $52
1 MRI $0 $100
Annual Premium $3,912 $864
Total Cost $3,912 $1,034
Savings with HDG in an average year: nearly $2,900

2. Health Issues Year

You’ve been admitted to the hospital once, seen multiple specialists, and needed several scans.
Plan Comparison

Plan Cost Comparison

Service Traditional Plan G High Deductible Plan G
4 PCP Visits $0 $36
10 Specialist Visits $0 $130
2 MRIs $0 $200
1 CT Scan $0 $30
1 Hospital Stay $0 $1,676 (deductible)
Annual Premium $3,912 $864
Total Cost $3,912 $2,936
Even in a difficult year, HDG can still save over $900

Is It Right for You?

High Deductible Plan G isn’t for everyone. If you’re managing chronic conditions, have frequent hospital visits, or simply prefer a “pay nothing when I need care” approach, then sticking with your current Plan G may be the better choice — even with a higher premium.
But if:
  • You’re in relatively good health
  • You rarely go to the doctor
  • You’re financially prepared to handle some out-of-pocket costs
  • And your premiums are rising fast…
…then it may be time to explore alternatives like High Deductible Plan G.

A Word of Caution: Don’t Switch Just to Save

Switching plans just to save money without looking at your actual needs can lead to regret. Always consider:
  • Your current health conditions
  • Your prescription needs
  • Your doctor network
  • How much you’re willing (and able) to pay upfront if something happens
If you’re satisfied with your current plan, stay put. There’s no reason to fix what isn’t broken.
But if rising premiums are causing you to reconsider, know that you’re not alone — and you do have options.

Need Help Understanding Your Medicare Supplement Options?

Making sense of plan comparisons, deductibles, and copays can be overwhelming. That’s why I created a simple side-by-side visual comparison of Plan G vs. High Deductible Plan G , which you can download here as a PDF or request directly from me.
If you’re curious whether a change might make sense for you — or if you just want to better understand your current coverage — I’m happy to help.
There’s never a cost to talk, and no pressure to change. I’m just here to make Medicare a little easier to understand.

FAQs

Why is the Premium of the High Deductible Plan G so much less than the regular Plan G?
Because of a Deductible you may or may not have to pay.
No, none of the supplements have Rx Coverage. A standalone Part D Rx plan must be added.

Choosing the Right Medicare Coverage

Selecting the best Medicare coverage depends on factors like your healthcare needs, budget, and preferred providers. You can choose between:
  • Original Medicare (Parts A & B): Allows you to see any doctor or
    hospital that accepts Medicare but does not include prescription drug
    coverage (Part D) or additional benefits.
  • Medicare Advantage (Part C): Offers bundled coverage with
    potential extra benefits but may require using a network of providers.
  • Medigap (Medicare Supplement Insurance): Helps cover
    out-of-pocket costs not covered by Original Medicare, such as
    copayments and deductibles.

Key Medicare Enrollment Periods

It is crucial to enroll in Medicare at the right time to avoid penalties and ensure continuous coverage:
  • Initial Enrollment Period (IEP): A seven-month window starting
    three months before your 65th birthday month.
  • General Enrollment Period (GEP): From January 1 to March 31
    each year for those who missed their IEP.
  • Annual Election Period (AEP): From October 15 to December 7,
    allowing you to switch or enroll in Medicare Advantage and Part D
    plans.
  • Open Enrollment Period(OEP): From January 1 to March 31 for
    those who missed AEP and want to make certain changes.
  • Special Enrollment Period(SEP): Can be used anytime during the
    calendar year for those that meet certain criteria such as moving to a
    new service area.

Finding Help with Medicare

Understanding Medicare can be complex, but you don’t have to do it alone. Licensed Insurance Brokers, Medicare.gov, and state health assistance programs can provide guidance tailored to your specific needs.
By taking the time to explore your Medicare options, you can make informed decisions that ensure you receive the healthcare coverage that best suits your lifestyle and budget.
Do I have to sign up for Medicare?
It depends upon your current coverage. If you are employed and your employer has over 20 employees then you can delay signing up for Medicare and avoid penalties.
No, You will have to enroll in a stand alone Part D plan or a Medicare Advantage Plan(Part C) to get coverage.
There are no networks with Medicare and most doctors and hospitals accept it. However, Medicare does not cover 100% of services so a Medicare Supplement or Medicare Advantage plans is advisable.

Mike Miligi- Owner

For over 10 years, Mike has been assisting Seniors and other Medicare-eligible individuals in understanding the ins and outs of Medicare and Medicare Health Insurance options, including Medicare Advantage Plans(Part C), Medicare Supplement Plans(Medigap), Prescription Drug Plans(PartD), and Dental and Vision programs.
Mike is Licensed in seven States and Certified with 11 Insurance Carriers. He has helped thousands of individuals decide on the best course of action for their particular Health Insurance needs. Because Mike is an Independent Medicare Health Insurance Broker, he works for the client, not the Insurance Carriers, and is able to provide his clients with accurate and unbiased Health Insurance options.
Mike recertifies with CMS(The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services) annually, regularly completes Continuing Education Courses required by individual State Insurance Departments, and keeps abreast of industry trends and standards to offer his clients the most up-to-date information.

Copyright © 2025 Michael M Insurance | Website Design By Mitash Digital

Scroll to Top