Choosing the best Medicare Supplement plan to fit your needs is no small task. There’s a long list of alphabet plans available from a variety of Medicare Supplement providers, and it’s a decision that may have to last for your entire life. So, how do you find the best Medicare plan for you?
How Medicare Supplement Plans Work With Original Medicare
Original Medicare covers roughly 80 percent of outpatient care, and passes 20 percent of outpatient coinsurance fees, 15 percent of outpatient excess charges, inpatient copays, and inpatient coinsurance to the consumer.
For some perspective, the average cost of a colonoscopy is in the ballpark of $2,000, which, if we calculate a rough 20 percent billed to you, would be $400. The average cost of a hip replacement, close to $40,000, could leave you with roughly $8,000 in medical bills if you’re on the hook for about 20 percent. Finding the best Medicare Supplement plan for you can make the difference between health insurance coverage that keeps you alive and coverage that helps you live your life.
With Supplemental coverage, if you need hospital care or a diagnostic visit with a doctor, Medicare will get the bill. After deciding what portion Original Medicare will pay, the remaining bill will be sent to your Medicare Supplement plan, which will pick up some or all of the remaining 20 percent of coinsurance and copayment charges, depending on the plan.
Because Supplement plans are based on the services Original Medicare provides, they have very broad acceptance. According to the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS), 98 percent of medical service providers accept Medicare and, by extension, MedSup plans. As long as you’re within six months of turning 65 or becoming eligible for Medicare Parts A and B, you qualify for Medicare Supplement plans without medical underwriting.
Choosing Between Medicare Plans from Different Companies
It can be easy to get overwhelmed by your Medicare options; in Kansas, a search for Plan G MedSup in a rural county yielded more than 40 carriers offering that plan. But don’t forget: MedSup plans with the same name must offer the same coverage, period, regardless of what carrier offers them. That means a Plan G offered by one insurance company will have the same benefits as a Plan G offered by another; it’s the law.
That might lead you to think the best Medicare Supplement plan is going to be whichever you can get for the cheapest. However, you’ll also want to consider:
- Whether the plan offered is from a solvent, financially sound company that will be around for as long as you need health care.
- If the insurance carrier has good customer service ratings that indicates how the carrier handles communication.
- Whether the carrier has a good reputation in your area.
You don’t want to opt for the cheapest Supplement plan just to find out that every time you need service, you’re going to spend an hour on hold.
Comparing Medicare Supplement plans
There are 10 Medicare Supplement plans, and, again, regardless of the insurance carrier, the plans are standardized by their plan letter. Medicare sets the rules for what these plans cover. These plans are A, B, C, D, F, G, K, L, M, and N.
If you’ve been digging into Medicare, chances are you’ve seen this chart from CMS or a variation of it in booklets, pamphlets, or online. But let’s break it down:
Not every plan fully covers the Part A deductible, which is $1,676 in 2025. That’s one cost to factor into your idea of what is the best Medicare plan for you.
Plan F and Plan C are the only plans that cover both the Part A and Part B deductible. As you’ll see in the fine print, these plans are no longer available to those eligible for Medicare after January 1, 2020. So, you’ll likely have to choose a Medicare Supplement plan that will leave you on the hook for the Part B deductible, which in 2026 is $283.
Plan K and Plan L are both high-deductible plans, and, as the fine print also points out, you can get Plan G in some states as a high-deductible plan, as well. On the chart, you see Plan K and Plan L outline the percent of each service the Supplement plan picks up before you reach the deductible, and, once you have met your deductible for the year, the plan will then pick up any remaining charges.
On the whole, though, these plans are fairly straightforward. So, which one is best?
Which Medicare Supplement plan is the best?
While we can’t say definitively which Supplemental plan is the best for everyone, we can talk about which plans are most comprehensive. Looking at the coverage chart, it’s clear that Plan F packs the biggest punch. However, as noted, F isn’t available to anyone who is just now eligible for Medicare. So, for those choosing Medicare Supplement plans today, the next closest plan is Plan G, which provides nearly identical coverage except for the Part B deductible.
Plan G is the most comprehensive plan, but it’s also the priciest of your Medicare Supplement choices. If you’re confident in your retirement savings and can afford the premiums, then Plan G may be your best Medicare choice. Alternatively, Plan N covers all but the Part B deductible, Part B excess charges, and some copays. This plan has grown in popularity because of its lower monthly premium so if you’re feeling more budget-conscious, this may be your best choice unless you have frequent appointments that rack up copays. High-deductible plans can be pricey if you don’t meet your deductible every year, but they could also provide a reliable ceiling for your coverage while saving you premium payments in the first years of your plan usage.
Choose The Best Medicare Plan for You With Medicare School
Choosing the best Medicare plan for your needs doesn’t have to be daunting. But if you’re still agonizing over the possibilities in front of you, there are options to help you get clarity. Schedule an appointment with a Medicare guide to compare Supplemental plans and enroll.
You can also sign up for our free Medicare workshop to gain an unbiased point of view of Medicare or call us with your questions today.