If every Plan G is standardized, how should I choose a company?

If you are choosing a Medicare Supplement—the one with letters like Plan A, Plan N and Plan G—you should know that each lettered plan is standardized in its basic medical benefits.

The government determines what Plan G covers, so every company offering a standardized Plan G is providing those same core Plan G benefits.

Medicare Supplements do not use their own doctor networks, so a doctor or facility that accepts Medicare can generally work with any company’s Plan G.

That makes price important, but choosing only the lowest first-year premium can be a mistake if a discount expires or the company’s rates rise faster later.

Compare the pricing method, age bands, available discounts and rate history so you do not save a few bucks in year one and give away thousands later.

Source: Medicare.gov: Choosing a Medigap policy

This general educational information is not individual plan advice. Plan availability and benefits vary by location and contract year.