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Medicare Supplement Insurance Plan B (Medigap) Coverage and Costs

Medicare Supplement Insurance plans, also known as Medigap, help cover out-of-pocket costs not covered by Original Medicare (Parts A and B). Medicare Supplement Plan B is similar to Plan A in coverage; however, it covers your Medicare Part A deductible and provides additional hospitalization coverage.

What Medicare Supplement Plan B Covers in 2026-2027

Medicare Supplement Plan B covers some of the out-of-pocket costs left by Medicare Parts A and B. Medicare Supplement Plan B has many of the same features as Medicare Supplement Plan A; however, it adds additional hospitalization coverage and also pays your Original Medicare Part A deductible.

Other benefits included in Plan B:

Hospital Costs: Covers your Part A coinsurance and gives you up to 365 extra days of hospital stay after your Medicare benefits run out.
Medical Expenses: Covers your Part B coinsurance (usually 20% of the bill) for doctor visits and outpatient services.
Blood Transfusions: Pays for the first three pints of blood you might need each year.
Hospice Care: Covers the copayment or coinsurance for palliative care and support for terminal illnesses.

What Medicare Supplement Plan B Does Not Cover

While Plan B is helpful, it does not cover every expense. It is important to know what you will still be responsible for:

Medicare Part B Deductible: You must still pay the first $283 for doctor visits and medical services in 2026.
Skilled Nursing Facility Care: Plan B does not cover the daily coinsurance for stays in a skilled nursing facility.
Foreign Travel: Most Plan B policies do not cover medical emergencies when traveling outside the United States.
Prescription Drugs: Medigap plans do not include drug coverage. You will need to a separate Part D plan for your medications.

Medicare Supplement Plan B Excess Charges

In some cases, a doctor may charge more than the Medicare-approved amount. This is called an "excess charge." Plan B does not typically cover these extra fees.

However, if you live in one of these eight states, doctors are generally not allowed to charge these extra fees: CT, MA, MN, NY, OH, PA, RI, or VT. If you live in one of these states, Plan B may be an even better value because you don't have to worry about hidden doctor fees.

Who Should Consider Medicare Supplement Plan B

Plan B is a great middle-ground choice. It is best for healthy seniors on a budget who want to avoid bigger hospital bills ($1,736) but are okay with paying their own smaller doctor deductible ($283) once a year.

Advantages of Medicare Supplement Plan B

No Networks: You can visit any doctor or hospital in the U.S. that accepts Medicare.
Lower Premiums: Often costs less than more comprehensive plans like Plan G.
Full Hospital Coverage: Covers the entire Part A deductible, so you can rest easy during a hospital stay.

Disadvantages of Medicare Supplement Plan B

Out-of-Pocket Costs: You must pay your own Part B deductible and any excess charges.
No Nursing Home Coverage: It does not cover the coinsurance for skilled nursing facility stays.
Limited Travel Benefit: Does not cover international medical emergencies.

Medicare Supplement Plan B Costs in 2026-2027

The cost of Plan B can vary. Most people find that monthly premiums range from $170 to $260. Your specific price will depend on your age, where you live, and if you use tobacco.

To help lower your monthly bills, you can learn more about how to save on Medicare Supplement plans.

How Pricing Works for Supplement Plan B

Pricing for Medicare Supplement Plan B varies by company. Medigap policies can be priced in three ways:

Community-Rated: Everyone pays the same monthly price regardless of age.
Issue-Age-Rated: The price is based on your age when you first bought the policy. It won't go up just because you get older.
Attained-Age-Rated: The price starts low but increases as you get older.

When to Enroll in Medicare Supplement Plans

When You’re First Eligible: The best time to enroll in a Medicare Supplement plan is when you’re first eligible. You are eligible to purchase a Medicare Supplement policy (Medigap) on the first day of the month in which you turn 65. This marks the beginning of your Medigap Open Enrollment Period, which lasts for six months.

You must already be enrolled in Medicare Part A and Part B. During this period, you can buy any Medigap policy sold in your state, regardless of any health problems. You will generally see better prices and more choices among Medigap policies during this period.1

Outside Open Enrollment: While it’s often better to get coverage when you’re first eligible, you can still apply for Medigap coverage after your Initial Enrollment Period. However, if you apply for coverage after your Initial Enrollment Period, there’s no guarantee that an insurance company will sell you a policy if you don’t meet the medical underwriting requirements.

FAQs About Medicare Supplement Plan B

Learn more about Medicare Supplement Plan C with answers to frequently asked questions.

Is Medicare Supplement Plan B the same as Medicare Part B?

Medicare Supplement Plan B is not the same as Medicare Part B. Medicare Part B is the medical insurance portion of Original Medicare. Medicare Supplement Plan B is a supplemental plan that helps fill the gap for basic costs not covered by original Medicare Parts A and B.

How can I lower the costs of my Medigap Plan B?

While Medicare Supplement plans are standardized (meaning all Plan B plans offer the same benefits), the prices can be different between insurance companies and are determined by several factors.

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.

Do Medicare Supplement plans cover pre-existing conditions?

While insurance companies can’t make you wait for your coverage to start, they may make you wait for coverage for a pre-existing condition. Coverage for pre-existing conditions can be excluded if the condition was treated or diagnosed within six months before the coverage starts 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.³

Compare Medicare Supplement Plans

Explore the different Medicare Supplement plans below.

Understand All the Plan Options

In most states, there are eight Medicare Supplement plans to choose from, and all policies have been standardized. At SelectQuote, we can help you navigate your Medigap plan options, answering any questions you have to help you find the right plan for your needs and budget. Learn more about additional Medicare Supplement plan options below.

Sources:

https://www.medicare.gov/basics/costs/medicare-costs
https://www.medicare.gov/health-drug-plans/medigap/basics/costs
https://www.medicare.gov/supplements-other-insurance/when-can-i-buy-medigap

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