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Learn about Medicare Supplement Plan L with SelectQuote
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Understanding Medicare Supplement Plan L
Medicare Supplement Plans, also referred to as Medigap Plan L, can help pay for out-of-pocket costs such as deductibles and copayments that are not covered by Medicare Parts A and B (Original Medicare). There are eight standardized Medicare Supplement insurance plans available for purchase (in all states except for Massachusetts, Minnesota, and Wisconsin, as they have their own standardized Medigap plans). Medigap Plan L provides less coverage to supplement Original Medicare compared to most Medigap plans, but it does set a lower out-of-pocket cap, which can be beneficial. Medigap Plan L may be a good option for individuals who are on a tighter budget.
What does Medicare Supplement Plan L cover?
Plan L covers 75% of your healthcare expenses (coinsurance and copayments) and has an out-of-pocket limit on Original Medicare-covered costs, which is $3,610 in 2025.
Covered
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Hospital Expenses: Pays Part A coinsurance and hospital costs, up to 365 days after Original Medicare benefits are exhausted.
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Medical Expenses: Pays 75% of Part B coinsurance or copayment, except for preventive care services, which are covered 100%.
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Transfusions: Pays 75% of Medicare-eligible expenses for the first three pints of blood.
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Hospice Care: Pays 75% of hospice coverage for Part A coinsurance or copayment.
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Skilled Nursing: Pays 75% of coverage for facility care coinsurance.
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Additional Hospitalization Expenses: Pays 75% coverage for your Original Medicare Part A deductible.
Not Covered
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Part B Deductible: The Medicare Part B deductible for 2025 is $257. After the deductible is met, you pay 20% of the Medicare-approved amount (this is the amount a doctor or supplier that accepts assignment can be paid in Original Medicare) for most doctor services, outpatient therapy, and durable medical equipment.¹
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Part B Excess Charges: Providers who don’t accept Medicare assignments may charge up to 15% more than what Original Medicare is willing to pay, known as Part B excess charges. Medicare assignment is the Medicare-approved cost for a particular medical service. Medicare assignment is accepted by Medicare-approved providers.
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Foreign Travel Medical Emergencies: Medicare does not usually pay for health care or supplies obtained outside the U.S.
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Prescription Drugs: Medigap Plan L does not cover prescription drugs. However, you can buy an additional Medicare Prescription Drug plan to cover prescription drug costs.
Who can benefit from this type of supplement plan?
You may consider Plan L if you want a lower premium and a lower annual out-of-pocket requirement before the plan pays 100% of your hospital expenses. This can be helpful for unexpected medical emergencies or for those with chronic health conditions that require extensive ongoing medical care.
Advantages of Medicare Supplement Plan L
  • Lower monthly premium
  • Covers 75% of your healthcare expenses
  • Out-of-pocket limit on Original Medicare-covered costs, which is $3,610 in 2025
Disadvantages of Medicare Supplement Plan L
  • Less coverage of Original Medicare costs

How much does Medicare Supplement Plan L cost?
Monthly premiums are set by the private insurance companies that offer Medicare Supplement Insurance plans and are based on factors like location, age, health status, gender, and various other factors. Depending on these factors, insurance companies may charge different premiums for the same Medicare Supplement Plan L.

How Pricing Works For This Plan

Pricing for Medicare Supplement Plan L varies by company. Medigap policies can be priced in three ways: community-rated, issue-age-rated, and attained-age-rated.
  • 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: The premium is based on the age you were when you bought the Medigap plan. Premiums are lowered for people who buy at a younger age and won’t change when you get older. Premiums may go up because of inflation and other factors, but not because of your age.
  • Attained-Age-Rated: The premium is based on your current age, increasing your premium as you get older. Premiums are lower when you are younger, but continually increase as you age. Premiums may also increase because of inflation or other factors.2

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

What is the out-of-pocket limit for Medicare Supplement Plan L?

The out-of-pocket limit on Original Medicare-covered costs for Medicare Plan L is $3,610 in 2025.

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 PlansMinnesota 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
Find the Right Medicare Plan For You With SelectQuote
It can be hard to determine what Medicare plan is best for you, your healthcare needs, and your budget. At SelectQuote, we’ll take the time to learn about your specific needs to shop and compare Medicare Advantage plans that may be available in your area. The service is free and there’s no obligation to enroll.
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