Medigap Plan B Explained – What It Covers and How It Compares

Medigap Plan B is one of ten standardized Medicare Supplement plans available in most states. Federal law ensures that every Plan B policy offers the same benefits regardless of which insurance company sells it. It covers several important gaps in Original Medicare. However, it is far less comprehensive than popular options like Plan G or Plan N.

This plan pays for Part A and Part B coinsurance and the Part A hospital deductible. It also covers the first three pints of blood each year. It does not cover skilled nursing facility coinsurance, Part B excess charges, or foreign travel emergencies. In most cases, beneficiaries choose a more complete plan. Still, Medigap Plan B may suit those who want basic hospital coverage at a lower monthly premium.

What Does Medigap Plan B Cover?

Medigap Plan B covers the core benefits that protect against large hospital costs. It pays 100% of Part A coinsurance and hospital expenses. This includes up to 365 additional days after Medicare benefits are exhausted. It also pays the Part A hospital deductible in full each benefit period. Part A hospice care coinsurance and copayments are covered as well.

For outpatient care, this plan covers Part B coinsurance at 100%. The standard 20% you normally owe after Medicare pays its share is fully covered. It also pays for the first three pints of blood each year. However, Plan B does not cover the annual Part B deductible. You must pay that amount out of pocket before cost-sharing begins.

There are three significant gaps to understand. Plan B does not pay skilled nursing facility coinsurance. It does not cover Part B excess charges from non-participating doctors. It provides no foreign travel emergency coverage either. The following table summarizes what this plan does and does not cover.

Medigap Plan B Benefits Table

The table below shows how Medigap Plan B compares to Plan G and Plan N across all standardized benefit areas. All three plans share several core benefits. However, Plan G and Plan N each offer additional protections that Plan B does not include.

*Plan N covers Part B coinsurance at 100% except for copays of up to $20 for some office visits and up to $50 for emergency room visits that do not result in an inpatient admission.

How Much Does Medigap Plan B Cost?

Medigap Plan B typically costs less per month than both Plan G and Plan N. The lower premium reflects its narrower coverage. However, a smaller premium also means more potential out-of-pocket costs. If you need skilled nursing care or see a non-participating doctor, those expenses come entirely from your pocket. The premium savings may not offset these risks over time.

Insurance companies use three pricing methods for Medigap policies. Community-rated plans charge every enrollee the same amount regardless of age. Issue-age-rated plans base your rate on the age when you first buy. Attained-age-rated plans increase your premium as you get older. In most cases, attained-age pricing is the most common method used nationwide.

Your actual premium also depends on ZIP code, tobacco use, gender, and available discounts. For example, the same plan letter may cost very different amounts from two insurers in the same city. As a result, comparing quotes from at least three or four carriers is essential before choosing a policy.

Who Should Choose Medigap Plan B?

This plan works best for generally healthy beneficiaries who want basic gap coverage at a lower cost. It may suit people who rarely visit specialists or need extended care stays. Typically, it appeals to those who live in areas where most doctors accept Medicare assignment. In those regions, the risk of facing Part B excess charges is minimal. Beneficiaries who do not travel abroad also have less need for the foreign travel benefit.

However, Medigap Plan B leaves significant financial gaps. If you travel outside the United States, you have no emergency medical coverage. If you need extended skilled nursing facility care, the daily coinsurance adds up quickly. For most beneficiaries, Plan G provides much better protection for a modest premium increase.

Plan N is another strong alternative worth considering. It covers skilled nursing care and foreign travel emergencies. In exchange, it requires small copays for certain visits. For example, you may owe up to $20 for some office visits. You may also pay up to $50 for non-admitted emergency room visits.

Medigap Plan B vs Plan G vs Plan N

The biggest difference between Medigap Plan B and Plan G is coverage depth. Plan G includes everything Plan B offers plus three additional benefits. These are skilled nursing facility coinsurance, Part B excess charges, and foreign travel emergency care. Plan G is the most popular Medigap plan among beneficiaries who became eligible after 2020.

Plan N falls between Plan B and Plan G in both coverage and cost. Like Plan G, it adds skilled nursing and foreign travel protection. However, Plan N does not cover Part B excess charges. It also requires small copays that neither Plan B nor Plan G charges. Typically, Plan N premiums fall between the other two options.

As a result, the right choice depends on your risk tolerance and budget. If you want maximum protection from unexpected medical costs, Plan G is the strongest option available. If you prefer lower premiums with moderate cost-sharing, Plan N provides solid balance. Medigap Plan B is the right fit only if your top priority is minimizing the monthly premium. Keep in mind that the premium difference between Plan B and Plan G is often smaller than many beneficiaries expect.

How to Buy Medigap Plan B

The best time to buy any Medigap plan is during your Open Enrollment Period. This window lasts six months. It starts the first day of the month you turn 65 and are enrolled in Medicare Part B. During this period, no insurer can deny you or charge more for pre-existing conditions.

After your Open Enrollment Period closes, insurers can apply medical underwriting. They may deny your application or charge higher premiums based on health history. In most cases, this enrollment window does not return. Some states, however, provide additional protections beyond federal rules. For example, New York requires continuous open enrollment for all Medigap plans year-round. California and Oregon offer birthday-rule windows that allow annual plan changes.

You may also have guaranteed issue rights in specific situations. If your Medicare Advantage plan leaves your service area, you can buy Medigap Plan B without underwriting. The same applies if your current insurer becomes insolvent. Medigap Plan B is available as a standardized plan in 47 states and Washington, D.C. Massachusetts, Minnesota, and Wisconsin use their own state-based Medigap systems instead of the federal letter plans.

Frequently Asked Questions About Medigap Plan B

Is Medigap Plan B the same with every insurance company?

Yes. Federal law requires every Plan B policy to offer identical standardized benefits. The only differences between companies are premiums, customer service, and financial ratings. You can compare carriers knowing the coverage is exactly the same.

Can I switch from Plan B to Plan G later?

You can apply to switch at any time. However, outside your initial Open Enrollment Period, insurers may use medical underwriting. They can deny coverage or charge more based on your health. Some states offer annual switching protections, such as birthday-rule windows.

Does Medigap Plan B cover prescription drugs?

No. No Medigap plan covers prescription drugs. You need a separate Medicare Part D plan for drug coverage. You can enroll in Part D alongside any Medigap policy without conflict.

Can I use a Medigap plan alongside Medicare Advantage?

No. Medigap plans work only with Original Medicare. You cannot use a Medigap policy with a Medicare Advantage plan. If you currently have Medicare Advantage, you must disenroll before a Medigap plan can pay any benefits.

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Official Sources & Resources

For verified Medicare information and enrollment help:

• Medicare.gov: medicare.gov
• CMS.gov: cms.gov
• NAIC Medigap Guide: naic.org
• KFF Medicare Research: kff.org/medicare
• Find Your SHIP: medicare.gov/contacts

Content last reviewed April 2026. If you notice any outdated information, please contact us.

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