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Learn about Medicare Supplement Plan D with SelectQuote

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Medicare Supplement Insurance Plan D (Medigap) Coverage and Costs

If you are looking for help paying for doctor visits and hospital stays, Medicare Supplement Plan D (also called Medigap Plan D) might be a great fit. It is important to know that Medicare Supplement Plan D is not the same as Medicare Part D. Plan D helps pay your medical bills, while Part D is for prescription drugs.

Medicare Supplement Insurance works alongside your Original Medicare (Parts A and B) to help pay for costs like copayments and deductibles.

What Medicare Supplement Plan D Covers in 2026-2027

Medicare Supplement plan coverage is the same, no matter which insurance company you choose. Here is what Plan D covers:

Hospital Costs: It pays your Part A deductible and covers extra hospital costs for up to 365 days.
Doctor Bills: It pays the 20% leftover bill that Medicare usually expects you to pay.
Blood: It covers the cost of the first three pints of blood if you need a transfusion.
Hospice Care: It covers coinsurance or copayments for end-of-life care.
Skilled Nursing: It helps cover the cost of care in a nursing facility.
Foreign Travel: It helps pay for emergency medical care when traveling outside the United States (80% of approved costs, up to plan limits).

What Medicare Supplement Plan D Does Not Cover

To keep your monthly costs lower, Plan D does not cover these three things:

Part B Deductible: You must pay the first part of your doctor bills each year yourself. In 2026, this deductible is $283.
Part B Excess Charges: Some doctors charge more than Medicare allows (up to 15% extra). Plan D does not pay these extra fees.
Prescription Drugs: Medigap Plan D does not cover your medications. Most people who choose Plan D also sign up for a separate Medicare Part D plan to help pay for their prescriptions.

Who Should Consider Medicare Supplement Plan D

Plan D is often called a hidden gem for seniors, especially those living in states like NY, CT, PA, OH, RI, MN, MA, or VT.

In these states, "Excess Charges" are mostly illegal. Since Plan D’s only major medical gap is not covering those charges, people in these states get almost the exact same protection as the more expensive , but often for a lower monthly price.

Advantages of Medicare Supplement Plan D

Choosing a plan is all about finding the right balance for your budget and your health. Many people pick Plan D because it offers a middle ground. This coverage gives you more protection than basic plans without the high price tag of the most expensive ones. Here are a few reasons why Plan D may be a great fit for you:

Monthly premiums are usually lower than those for Plan G or Plan F
It offers much more protection than basic Plans A and B
There are $0 copays when you visit the doctor

Disadvantages of Medicare Supplement Plan D

While Plan D is a strong choice, it isn’t the right fit for everyone. Because it has a lower monthly cost, it does not cover a few things. You should keep these points in mind when deciding if this plan matches your needs:

It does not cover the Part B yearly deductible
It does not cover Part B excess charges (in states where they are allowed)
It does not include prescription drug coverage

Medicare Supplement Plan D Costs in 2026-2027

Pricing for Medicare Supplement Plan D varies by company. Medigap policies can be priced in three ways: community-rated, issue-age-rated, and attained-age-rated.

Community-Rated: Generally, everyone pays the same price regardless of 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.
Attained-Age-Rated: Your price starts low but goes up every year as you age.

Comparing Plan D to Other Options

Choosing the right Medicare Supplement plan is about finding a plan that gives you the coverage you need without paying for extras you won't use.

While Plan D is a great middle-ground choice, it’s helpful to see how it stacks up against the other most popular options. Here is how Plan D compares to its two closest options, Plan G and Plan N:

Plan D vs. Plan G

Plan G covers everything Plan D does, plus it covers excess charges. Because it leaves you with almost no medical bills, Plan G usually costs more per month. Plan D is a budget-friendly choice if your doctors accept Medicare assignment (which is the standard Medicare price), as you won't have to worry about those extra charges anyway.

Plan D vs. Plan N

Plan N is often the cheapest of the three, but it uses a pay-as-you-go model. With Plan N, you may have to pay a copay of up to $20 every time you see a doctor. Plan D has $0 copays at the doctor's office. If you visit your doctor frequently, the monthly savings on Plan N might actually be eaten up by those $20 copays. Plan D offers more predictable costs for people who see their doctor often.

Switching During Medicare Advantage Open Enrollment 2027

If you have a Medicare Advantage plan and want to switch back to Original Medicare with Plan D, you can do so from January 1 to March 31.

In some cases, you may have a "Trial Right." This is a special rule that might let you join a Medigap plan without answering any health questions. Our licensed insurance agents can help you check if you qualify.

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.

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.

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FAQs About Medicare Supplement Plan D

Below are answers to common questions about Medicare Supplement Plan D:

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

Medicare Supplement Plan D is not the same as Medicare Part D. Medicare Part D, also referred to as Medicare Prescription Drug Plans, helps cover the cost of prescription medications.

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. Pre-existing conditions may be excluded if the condition was treated or diagnosed within six 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 D cost?

Prices vary by state and company. Since every Plan D offers the same benefits, shopping around is the best way to find the lowest price.

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 D?

Although Medigap plans are standardized, costs vary widely between companies. Shopping around can help you find a plan that fits your budget. We help you understand the fine print so you can avoid missteps that could impact your health, wallet, or access to care.

Can I change from Medicare Supplement Plan D to Plan G later?

Yes, but you will likely have to answer health questions (medical underwriting). If you have health issues, the company could charge you more or decline to sell you the new plan.

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