Medicare Supplement Plan G in Texas: Cost and Coverage

Private insurance companies offer Medicare Supplement Plan G - also known as Medigap Plan G - to help cover the out-of-pocket medical expenses that Original Medicare (Parts A and B) doesn’t fully pay for.

This includes costs like hospital copayments, outpatient coinsurance, skilled nursing, and more.

Plan G remains one of the most popular and comprehensive Medigap options in Texas, thanks to its strong coverage, consistent structure across insurers, and peace of mind for those who want to avoid surprise bills.

Key Takeaways:

• Medigap Plan G helps cover major out-of-pocket costs such as copayments, coinsurance, and hospital deductibles.
  
• The only out-of-pocket medical expense Plan G doesn’t cover is the annual Medicare Part B deductible (which is $257 in 2025).
  
• Top Plan G providers in Texas include Cigna, Humana, Blue Cross, and United HealthCare - based on price, service, and long-term rate stability.
  
• Monthly premiums for Plan G in Texas typically range from $155 to $195 for a 65-year-old nonsmoker, though rates can vary by ZIP code, age, and company.

What Does Plan G Cover?

When someone asks us, “What’s the best Medigap plan if I don’t want surprise bills?” - Plan G is almost always our answer.

Plan G fills in nearly every gap that Original Medicare leaves behind. It’s simple, dependable, and works anywhere in the country - no networks, no referrals.

The only thing you’ll pay out of pocket (aside from your premium) is the small annual Part B deductible - and that’s it.

We've helped Texans from Dallas to Del Rio find coverage that actually fits their lifestyle, and Plan G remains a favorite for a reason.

It’s especially great if you:

• See specialists often
• Want to avoid the rules and referrals of Medicare Advantage
• Travel, visit family across states, or spend winters somewhere warmer
• Just want peace of mind knowing your major costs are covered

Once you meet that Part B deductible ($257 in 2025), Plan G steps in and pays for nearly everything else - doctor bills, hospital stays, outpatient surgeries, lab work, and more.

Hospital Costs (Medicare Part A)

Think of Plan G as your safety net for the big stuff.

If you end up in the hospital, Plan G covers:

• Your $1,676 Part A hospital deductible
• Coinsurance
• Extended inpatient stays

So you’re not stuck with thousands in surprise bills.

Doctor and Outpatient Costs (Medicare Part B)

This is where most people see the real value. Medicare only pays 80% of your doctor visits, labs, and outpatient procedures.

Plan G picks up the remaining 20% - which can add up quickly if you:

• Have surgery
• See specialists
• Manage a chronic condition

Excess Charges

Some doctors (though rare in Texas) charge up to 15% more than what Medicare allows.

Plan G covers those extra charges - so you don’t have to.

Emergency Coverage While Traveling

If you leave the country and have a medical emergency, Plan G helps cover it - up to $50,000 over your lifetime (after a small deductible).

It’s a great built-in backup, especially for:

• Snowbirds
• Retirees who travel
• Anyone planning international trips

Plan G at a Glance

Here’s a quick cheat sheet of what Plan G covers - and what you’ll still pay:

What Doesn’t Plan G Cover?

Plan G does a lot of heavy lifting when it comes to covering your medical costs, but it’s not all-inclusive.

It’s important to understand where the gaps still exist so you’re not caught off guard.

Here’s what you’ll still be responsible for - even with Plan G.

Medicare Part B Deductible: $257 in 2025

That’s the only out-of-pocket medical cost you’ll have with Plan G - and it’s relatively small.

Once you pay this yearly deductible, Plan G takes over and covers nearly everything else Medicare doesn’t.

Prescription Drugs

Plan G doesn’t include coverage for medications you pick up at the pharmacy.

You’ll need to enroll in a Medicare Part D drug plan to cover things like blood pressure medication, insulin, or antibiotics.

Dental, Vision, and Hearing

Things like routine dental cleanings, eye exams, glasses, and hearing aids aren’t covered under Plan G.

If these are important to you (and for many people, they are), you’ll want to consider a separate dental, vision, and hearing plan.

Long-Term Care (Custodial Care)

This is one of the most common misconceptions. Medicare - and by extension, Plan G - does not cover long-term custodial care, such as help with bathing, dressing, or assisted living.

You would need to pay privately or explore long-term care insurance.

Private-Duty Nursing and Non-Medical Home Care

Unless ordered by a doctor and deemed medically necessary, services like full-time private-duty nurses or in-home help for everyday tasks are not covered by Medicare or Plan G.

What Plan G Doesn’t Cover: At a Glance

Top-Rated Medicare Supplement Plan G Providers in Texas (2025)

After helping hundreds of Texans compare Medicare Supplement plans, we’ve learned that the best Plan G carrier isn’t always the cheapest - it’s the one that balances cost with service, doctor access, and long-term reliability.

Here are four companies that consistently stand out in Texas.

Summary: Matching the Carrier to Your Needs

While all four of these companies offer solid versions of Plan G, the best fit will depend on your personal priorities -whether that’s cost, perks, provider access, or long-term rate stability.

Here's a quick reference:

• Blue Cross Blue Shield - Best overall for reliability and local service
• UnitedHealthcare - Best for extras and national brand trust
• Humana - Best for premium affordability and wellness perks
• Cigna - Best for healthy new enrollees who want low costs and solid basics
  

Is Plan G Right for You?

Here’s how we help clients decide. Plan G is one of the most popular Medicare Supplement plans in Texas for a reason - but it's not ideal for everyone.

Plan G is a great fit for:

• People who want predictable bills: Plan G covers nearly all out-of-pocket costs under Original Medicare, so you're rarely surprised by unexpected charges. Aside from the annual Part B deductible, your costs are straightforward.
  
• Those who travel frequently: Whether you're visiting family across the country or splitting time between states, Plan G works anywhere Medicare is accepted - no need to switch doctors or worry about out-of-network charges.
  
• People with a history of needing care: If you see doctors regularly or anticipate ongoing treatments, Plan G gives peace of mind by covering copays, coinsurance, and hospital costs.
  

Plan G might not be ideal if:

• You're extremely healthy and want to save more on premiums: In that case, a High-Deductible Plan G or Plan N could lower your monthly costs - just be prepared for a bit more cost-sharing if you need care.
  
• You're considering a $0 premium Medicare Advantage plan: These plans can look appealing at first glance, but they work very differently. Be sure to weigh the network restrictions, out-of-pocket maximums, and prior authorization rules. We cover those trade-offs later in this guide.
  

How to Enroll in Plan G in Texas

Understanding the timing of your enrollment is just as important as choosing the right Medigap company.

When you apply can directly affect your coverage options, monthly premium, and whether you're subject to medical underwriting.

Medigap Open Enrollment Period

The best time to enroll in Medicare Supplement Plan G is during your Medigap Open Enrollment Period, which lasts for 6 months starting the first day of the month you're both 65 or older and enrolled in Medicare Part B.

During this window:

• You have guaranteed issue rights, meaning insurers cannot deny you coverage or charge you higher premiums based on your health.
  
• There are no medical questions or underwriting requirements.
  
• You can choose from any Medigap plan available in your ZIP code.
  

This is a one-time opportunity - and once it passes, most people won’t get another guaranteed issue period unless they meet specific circumstances (like losing other coverage or moving out of a plan’s service area).

Applying Outside of Open Enrollment

If you're past your open enrollment window, you can still apply for a Medigap Plan G at any time.

However, in most cases:

• You’ll need to complete medical underwriting, including health questions and a review of prescriptions and recent diagnoses.
  
• The insurance company can deny your application, charge a higher premium, or impose a waiting period for pre-existing conditions.
  

This doesn’t mean you’ll be rejected - many healthy applicants are still approved - but it’s important to understand that approval isn’t guaranteed.

Special Enrollment Situations

In a few specific scenarios, you may have guaranteed rights to enroll outside of your initial window.

These include:

• Losing employer coverage or retiring
  
• Moving out of a Medicare Advantage plan’s service area
  
• Your Medigap insurance company going bankrupt or violating its contract
  

Working with an Agent Helps

Whether you’re in your open enrollment period or applying outside of it, working with an experienced Medicare agent can make a big difference.

We help Texans:

• Navigate the timing and eligibility rules
  
• Compare quotes across multiple carriers
  
• Avoid common application pitfalls that could trigger a denial

Alternatives to Plan G

While Plan G offers some of the most comprehensive and predictable coverage available through Medicare Supplement insurance, it’s not your only choice.

Depending on your budget and health needs, there are a few alternatives - though not all offer the same level of freedom or protection.

#1. High-Deductible Plan G (HDG)

This version of Plan G offers the exact same coverage, but requires you to meet a high annual deductible - $2,870 in 2025 - before benefits begin.

Why it appeals to some:

• Much lower monthly premiums (typically $40–$70/month in Texas)
  
• Great for healthy individuals who want to keep premiums down
  
• Still lets you see any doctor who accepts Medicare, with no referrals or networks
  

What to keep in mind:

‍You’ll be responsible for more upfront if something major happens, so it’s better suited for those who are comfortable managing occasional higher costs in exchange for monthly savings.

#2. Plan N

Plan N is another Medigap option that covers the same big-ticket items as Plan G - hospital stays, outpatient procedures, and preventive care - but with a few trade-offs.

Key differences:

• You pay copays: up to $20 per office visit and $50 for ER visits
  
• Does not cover Part B excess charges, which some specialists may bill
  
• Monthly premiums are typically lower than Plan G
  

Best for:

People who are healthy, don’t mind small copays, and want slightly lower premiums while still maintaining nationwide access to care.

#3. Medicare Advantage (Part C)

Medicare Advantage plans are marketed as an alternative to Original Medicare and Medigap. They’re run by private insurance companies and often come with $0 premiums - but that’s only part of the story.

What to know before enrolling:

• Restricted networks: You may need to stick to a specific list of doctors and hospitals. Going out-of-network could mean much higher costs - or no coverage at all.
  
• Prior authorizations: Many procedures require advance approval. Even if your doctor recommends a treatment, the insurance company can delay or deny it.
  
• Unpredictable costs: While premiums may be low, the out-of-pocket costs can add up quickly if you need regular care, tests, or hospital visits.
  
• Limited flexibility: You can’t pair Medicare Advantage with a Medigap plan like Plan G. And switching back later isn’t always easy if your health changes.
  

Why we approach Advantage with caution:

‍These plans can work for healthy individuals who rarely use medical services and are okay staying in-network. But we’ve seen many clients surprised by referral requirements, denied claims, and hidden costs.

It’s a very different model than Medigap - and not always a great long-term fit.

Bottom Line

If you want freedom to choose your doctors, no network limitations, and predictable costs, Medigap Plan G - or its High-Deductible version - typically offers a better experience.

Plan N may also be worth considering for those wanting to save on monthly premiums while maintaining strong core coverage.

Medicare Advantage, on the other hand, is more of a managed care model. It may look attractive upfront, but it often comes with trade-offs in control, access, and long-term costs that many Texans don’t expect until they’re already enrolled.

How Popular Is Plan G in Texas?

Plan G has quickly become the most popular Medicare Supplement (Medigap) plan in the country - and the trend is just as strong here in Texas.

When Plan F closed to new enrollees in 2020, Plan G took its place as the go-to option for those who want the most comprehensive coverage available to new Medicare beneficiaries.

Unlike Plan F, which paid all out-of-pocket Medicare costs, Plan G requires a small annual deductible (Part B, $257 in 2025), but otherwise covers virtually everything else - including:

• Medicare Part A hospital costs
  
• Medicare Part B coinsurance and excess charges
  
• Skilled nursing care
  
• Emergency medical coverage during foreign travel
  

Why Texans Prefer Plan G

From our experience working with clients across the state - from Houston to Amarillo - Texans choose Plan G for three big reasons:

• Predictability: After the deductible, out-of-pocket costs are minimal and easy to understand.
  
• Flexibility: You can see any doctor who accepts Medicare - no referrals, no networks.
  
• Peace of mind: Especially in retirement, many people prefer coverage that just works without surprise bills or complex restrictions.
  

Plan G Enrollment in Texas (By the Numbers)

According to recent enrollment data:

• Plan G accounts for over half of all new Medigap enrollments in Texas each year
  
• It is the most selected plan among those aging into Medicare since 2020
  
• Carriers like UnitedHealthcare, Blue Cross, and Humana report strong year-over-year growth in Plan G membership across the state

If you're looking for the plan that most of your neighbors, friends, and fellow retirees are choosing, Plan G is it.

It's become the clear favorite for Texans who want full coverage without the complexity of networks, authorizations, or surprise bills.

Plan G vs. Medicare Advantage

Choosing between a Medigap Plan G and a Medicare Advantage plan is one of the most important Medicare decisions you'll make - and it's where we see the most confusion (and sometimes regret).

Here’s a breakdown of the key differences:

Our Experience

We’ve helped hundreds of Texans sort through this decision, and we can tell you - most people who choose Plan G are relieved to have consistent, no-surprise coverage.

It’s simple, portable, and transparent. You know what you’re getting, and you don’t need to navigate red tape just to see a doctor.

On the other hand, many clients who chose Medicare Advantage later came back frustrated - citing denials for care, referrals, changing provider networks, or higher-than-expected out-of-pocket costs.

For some, it works. But for others, it’s a stressful system.

Final Thoughts

If you’re looking for predictable, nationwide coverage without the hassle of networks or referrals, Medicare Supplement Plan G remains one of the best choices available in Texas.

With broad acceptance across the state, excellent benefits, and strong plan options from companies like Blue Cross, UnitedHealthcare, Humana, and Cigna, Plan G offers peace of mind - especially for those who don’t want surprises when it comes to their healthcare.

We’ve helped hundreds of Texans compare their options, and time and again, Plan G rises to the top for its combination of coverage, simplicity, and long-term value.