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Learn about Medicare Supplement Plan A with SelectQuote
Let SelectQuote help answer your questions about Medicare Supplement plans.
Medicare Supplement Insurance Plan A (Medigap) Coverage and Costs
Medicare Supplement Insurance Plan A, not to be confused with Medicare Part A, is the most basic of Medicare Supplement Insurance plans. Medicare Supplement Insurance Plan A is a type of Medigap policy. These plans are offered by private companies to help pay for some of the healthcare costs that Original Medicare doesn’t cover.
Medicare Part A is your hospital insurance through the government.
Medicare Supplement Plan A is a private plan you buy to help pay the "gaps" (like the 20% leftover cost) in both Part A and Part B.
To learn more about how these plans work generally, you can view all supplement plans here.
What Medicare Supplement Plan A Covers in 2026-2027
Plan A is often called the "basic" Medigap plan. It is designed to cover the most essential out-of-pocket costs. When you go to the doctor, Original Medicare usually pays 80% of the bill. Plan A pays that remaining 20%, so you don't have to.
Plan A may be well-suited for those who don’t wish to pay costly premiums for benefits they might never use. However, Medicare Plan A may result in higher out-of-pocket costs if services are not covered.
Covered Benefits of Medicare Plan A:
Hospital Costs: Pays your Medicare Part A coinsurance. It also gives you an extra 365 days of hospital stay coverage after your Medicare benefits are used up.
Medical Expenses: Pays your Medicare Part B coinsurance or copayments (the 20% of the bill Medicare doesn't pay).
Hospice Care: Covers the coinsurance or copayments for Part A hospice care.
Blood Transfusions: Pays for the first 3 pints of blood you might need for a medical procedure.
What Medicare Supplement Plan A Does Not Cover
While Plan A is great for basic needs, it is the most limited of the 10 standardized plans. This means there are several “gaps” you will need to pay for out of pocket. Understanding these costs now can help you avoid surprises at the doctor’s office.
Medicare Part A Deductible
In 2026, the Part A deductible is $1,736. This is the amount you must pay if you are admitted to the hospital before your insurance begins to pay its share. With Plan A, you are responsible for this entire amount each time a new benefit period begins.
Medicare Part B Deductible
The Part B deductible for 2026 is $283. This applies to outpatient care, such as doctor visits, lab tests, and screenings. You must pay this annual amount out of your own pocket before Plan A starts covering your 20% coinsurance.
Skilled Nursing Facility Coinsurance
If you require specialized care in a facility following a hospital stay (for things like physical therapy or wound care), Original Medicare covers the first 20 days. However, from days 21 through 100, a daily coinsurance fee applies. Plan A does not cover this cost, so you would be responsible for those daily charges.
Part B Excess Charges
Some doctors do not "accept assignment," which means they don't agree to the exact price Medicare sets for a service. These providers may charge up to 15% above the Medicare-approved amount. These are called excess charges. Plan A does not cover these, though they are relatively rare if you see providers who accept Medicare.
Foreign Travel Medical Emergencies
If you enjoy traveling abroad, keep in mind that Plan A provides no coverage for healthcare services received outside of the United States. If you have an emergency while on vacation, you would have to pay the full cost of your care.
Prescription Drug Coverage
No Medigap plan, including Plan A, covers retail prescription drugs. To get coverage for your medications, you will need to enroll in a standalone Medicare Part D plan.
Who Should Consider Medicare Supplement Plan A
Medicare Supplement Plan A is often a good fit for budget-conscious individuals who want protection against the biggest medical bills but don't mind paying their own deductibles. If you rarely go to the doctor, you might prefer the lower monthly premium of Plan A over a more expensive plan.
Medicare Plan A for People Under Age 65
If you are under 65 and have Medicare due to a disability, finding a Medigap plan can be difficult. In many states, Plan A is the only plan that insurance companies are required to offer to those on disability. For many, this makes Plan A a vital safety net. You can learn more about .
Advantages of Medicare Supplement Plan A
Fills the gap for basic costs not covered by Original Medicare Parts A and B, such as copayments and coinsurance
Doesn’t go overboard with extra benefits you may not need
Disadvantages of Medicare Supplement Plan A
Has the potential for higher out-of-pocket costs if the need for the uncovered categories occurs
Has the fewest individual benefits of the eight standardized Medicare Supplement Insurance plans
Medicare Supplement Plan A Cost in 2026-2027
The cost of Medicare Supplement Plan A varies. While the benefits are the same no matter which company you choose, the monthly premiums can be very different based on where you live, your age, and your health. To help you manage these costs, check out our guide on how to save on Medicare Supplement plans.
How Pricing Works for Medicare Supplement Plan A
Pricing for Medicare Supplement Plan A varies widely by company and location. Medigap policies can be priced in three ways:
Community-Rated: Generally, the same monthly premium is charged to everyone who has the Medigap plan, regardless of age. Premiums may go up because of inflation and other factors, but not because of your age.
Issue-Age-Rated: Your price is based on your age when you first bought the plan. It won't go up just because you get older. Premiums may go up because of inflation and other factors, but not because of your age.
Attained-Age-Rated: Your premium starts low but increases every year as you age. Premiums may also increase because of inflation or other factors.
Important State Rules (MA, MN, and WI)
Medigap plans work differently in Massachusetts, Minnesota, and Wisconsin. These states do not use the federal letter system (Plan A, G, N, etc.). Instead, they have their own standardized plans, built and named differently.
If you live in one of these states, please visit our specific state pages to see your options:
When to Enroll in Medicare Supplement Plans
The best time to buy any Medigap plan is during your Medigap Open Enrollment Period. This is a six-month window that starts the month you turn 65 and are enrolled in Part B.
During this time, you have a "guaranteed issue right." This means an insurance company cannot turn you down or charge you more because of any health conditions. If you wait until later, you may have to answer health questions, and a company could deny you coverage.
Read more about your Initial Enrollment Period here.
Comparing Medicare Supplement Plan A to Other Options
When shopping for a Medigap policy, it helps to see how Plan A stacks up against the most popular choices: Plan G and Plan N. While Plan A offers the essential core benefits, many seniors find that the added security of Plan G or the balanced cost of Plan N can provide a better long-term value.
Comparing Plan A to Popular Plan G and Plan N
Plan G (The Gold Standard): Plan G is the most popular plan for new enrollees because it offers the most comprehensive coverage. Aside from the annual Part B deductible, you will have virtually zero out-of-pocket costs for Medicare-covered services. People choose Plan G because it offers predictable budgeting—you pay your premium and the deductible, and the insurance handles the rest.
Plan N (The Middle Ground): Plan N is popular because it often offers significantly lower premiums than Plan G while providing more coverage than Plan A. It is perfect for those who are healthy and don't mind paying small copays (up to $20) for some doctor visits or emergency room trips in exchange for a lower monthly bill.
Plan A (The Budget Starter): Plan A, the baseline option, is excellent for those who want the lowest possible monthly premium and are comfortable paying their own hospital and outpatient deductibles.
To see a deeper dive into these differences, you can read our full guide on comparing Medicare Supplement plans.
Comparison Table: 2026-2027 Benefits
Feature | Plan A | Plan N | Plan G |
Part B Coinsurance (the 20%) | 100% Covered | 100% Covered* | 100% Covered |
Part A Hospital Deductible | Not Covered | 100% Covered | 100% Covered |
Skilled Nursing Coinsurance | Not Covered | 100% Covered | 100% Covered |
Foreign Travel Emergency | Not Covered | 80% Covered | 80% Covered |
Part B Excess Charges | Not Covered | Not Covered | 100% Covered |
Monthly Premium Cost | Lowest | Medium | Higher |
Compare Medicare Supplement Plans
Explore the different Medicare Supplement plans below.
Find the Right Medicare Supplement Plan For You With SelectQuote
It can be hard to determine what Medicare plan is best for you, your healthcare needs, and your budget. Don't navigate Medicare Supplement plan options on your own. SelectQuote can help you make a confident choice—and stay available to support you as your needs or plan options change. We help you understand the fine print so you can avoid missteps that could impact your health, wallet, or access to care.
FAQs About Medicare Supplement Plan A
Below are answers to common questions about Medicare Supplement Plan A.
Is Medicare Supplement Plan A the same as Medicare Part A?
Medicare Supplement Plan A is not the same as Medicare Part A. Medicare Part A is the hospital insurance portion of Original Medicare. Medicare Supplement Plan A is a supplemental plan that helps fill the gap for basic costs not covered by original Medicare Parts A and B.
Do Medicare Supplement plans cover pre-existing conditions?
While insurance companies can’t typically make you wait for your coverage to start, they may make you wait for coverage if you also have a pre-existing condition. Pre-existing conditions may be excluded if the condition was treated or diagnosed within 6 months of the coverage start date under the Medicare Supplement plan.
After the six-month period, the Medicare Supplement plan will cover the condition that was previously excluded. However, it is possible to avoid or shorten the waiting period for a pre-existing condition if you buy a Medicare Supplement plan during your Medigap open enrollment period to replace the “creditable coverage” Medigap plan.
How much does a Medicare Supplement Plan A cost?
Costs vary by company and location. While Plan A is usually the most affordable option, premiums can range from $80 to $200+ per month depending on your age and where you live.
Do Medigap plans vary by state?
Medigap plans are standardized, meaning they offer the same benefits across most of the states, except for Wisconsin Medicare Supplement Plans, Minnesota Medicare Supplement Plans, and Massachusetts Supplement Plans.
How can I lower the costs of my Medigap Plan A?
Although Medigap plans are standardized, costs vary widely between companies. Shopping around is the best way to find the right Medigap plan at the right price.
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