Medicare Supplement Plan G Pros and Cons in Texas

If you're considering Medicare Supplement Plan G in Texas, here's what you need to know: Plan G offers some of the most comprehensive coverage available to Medicare beneficiaries - but it comes with trade-offs.

This guide breaks down both the advantages and the drawbacks, so you can decide if it’s the right fit for your needs, budget, and lifestyle.

In short, Plan G covers nearly all out-of-pocket costs left by Original Medicare, including copays, coinsurance, and the Part A deductible.

The only medical cost you’ll be responsible for is the small Part B deductible - $257 in 2025.

After that, Plan G pays 100% of your Medicare-approved services.

It's also the most popular Medigap plan in the U.S., and for good reason. There are no networks, no referrals, and no surprise bills - whether you live in Dallas, Austin, San Antonio, or travel out of state.

That said, Plan G isn’t perfect. It comes with a monthly premium, and you’ll need to purchase a separate Part D drug plan.

This guide explains both sides - the pros, the cons, and why many Texans still choose Plan G for long-term peace of mind.

Pros and Cons of Medicare Supplement Plan G

Below, we highlight the key reasons Plan G is a superior choice for many Medicare beneficiaries, followed by the two primary considerations (higher premium and separate drug coverage) to keep in mind.

#1. Comprehensive Coverage With Predictable Costs

Medicare Supplement Plan G is designed to cover almost all of the out-of-pocket costs that remain after Original Medicare (Parts A and B) pays its share.

For many Medicare beneficiaries in Texas, this structure provides a clear and consistent way to manage healthcare expenses.

What Plan G Covers

Original Medicare leaves beneficiaries responsible for several costs, including:

• The Part A hospital deductible
  
• Part A and Part B coinsurance
  
• Part B excess charges
• Part B deductible
  
• Copays for outpatient services
  
• Skilled nursing facility coinsurance
  

Plan G covers all of these items except one: the Part B annual deductible, which is $257 in 2025.

Once this deductible is met, Plan G pays 100% of Medicare-approved costs for the rest of the year.

This includes major services such as:

• Hospital stays
  
• Outpatient surgeries
  
• Diagnostic tests
  
• Chemotherapy and radiation
  
• Doctor visits and specialist care
  
• Durable medical equipment
  
• Skilled nursing facility care
  

Because Plan G covers virtually all Medicare cost-sharing beyond the deductible, beneficiaries have a high degree of cost certainty.

After the deductible is paid, it is unlikely they will receive any additional medical bills for covered services.

How This Compares to Medicare Advantage

Medicare Advantage plans (Part C) often advertise low or $0 premiums, but they come with a different cost structure.

Instead of a single deductible and broad coverage, Medicare Advantage enrollees typically pay:

• A copay for each doctor visit, lab test, or imaging service
  
• Daily copays during hospital stays
  
• Coinsurance for outpatient surgeries or higher-cost services
  
• A yearly out-of-pocket maximum, which is over $9,000 in 2025
  

In contrast, Plan G beneficiaries generally know exactly what they’ll spend each year: their monthly premium plus the $257 Part B deductible.

This allows for more predictable healthcare budgeting and reduces the financial risk of unexpected illness or hospitalizations.

For individuals who use healthcare services regularly or want protection from large medical expenses, Plan G provides a comprehensive and straightforward coverage structure.

#2. No Networks - See Any Doctor in Texas or Nationwide

One of the most important benefits of Medicare Supplement Plan G is the ability to access care from any doctor or hospital in the United States that accepts Medicare.

There are no provider networks with Plan G - if a provider accepts Medicare, you are covered.

In Texas, this means you can receive care from physicians, specialists, and hospitals in both rural and urban areas, without worrying about network boundaries.

Whether you live in Dallas, Houston, El Paso, the Hill Country, or a smaller town in West Texas, you can choose your provider based on medical needs - not on insurance limitations.

This is especially useful for individuals who:

• Spend time in multiple locations throughout the year
  
• Travel frequently, either for leisure or to visit family
  
• Want access to top-rated medical centers throughout the country
  

As long as a provider participates in Medicare (and the majority do - over 98% of doctors and nearly all hospitals), Plan G will cover your care after the Part B deductible has been met.

Contrast With Medicare Advantage Networks

Medicare Advantage plans, by comparison, operate with provider networks.

Most are either HMO (Health Maintenance Organization) or PPO (Preferred Provider Organization) plans.

• HMO plans typically require you to use in-network providers for all non-emergency care. If you go out of network, you may have to pay the full cost of care.
  
• PPO plans offer some out-of-network flexibility, but you’ll usually pay higher coinsurance or copays when seeing providers outside the network.
  

This network structure can limit your options - especially if your preferred doctor, specialist, or hospital is not in your plan’s network.

It can also complicate access to care if you travel or move seasonally, since many Medicare Advantage plans are restricted to service areas.

Plan G offers consistent, nationwide access to care without network restrictions. For Texas beneficiaries who value the freedom to choose their doctors and hospitals - and who want to avoid the administrative complications of provider networks - Plan G provides a simpler, more flexible solution.

#3. Perfect for Snowbirds and Travelers

Medicare Supplement Plan G is especially well-suited for people who travel frequently - whether that's across Texas, throughout the country, or occasionally abroad.

Because Plan G works with Original Medicare, there are no geographic restrictions.

You can use your coverage anywhere in the U.S. that accepts Medicare, which includes nearly all hospitals and doctors nationwide.

Ideal for Retirees With Multiple Residences or Travel Lifestyles

For Texans who split their time between different locations, Plan G offers a level of convenience and consistency that Medicare Advantage plans often cannot match.

Common retirement travel patterns we see among clients include:

• Spending summers in Colorado, New Mexico, or Oklahoma and winters back in South Texas or the Hill Country
  
• RV travel across the U.S., with frequent changes in location
  
• Extended visits to children and grandchildren in other states
  

In all of these cases, Plan G continues to function the same regardless of where you are.

As long as the provider accepts Medicare, (which most do) you’re covered. You don’t need to notify your plan or worry about being “out of network.”

In-State Flexibility

Even within Texas, where some counties have limited provider access, Plan G gives you the flexibility to travel for care.

If you live in a rural area and prefer to see specialists in Austin, Houston, or Dallas, you can do that without restrictions or additional paperwork.

Foreign Travel Emergency Coverage

Although Medicare typically doesn’t cover medical care outside the U.S., Plan G includes limited foreign travel emergency benefits.

Specifically, it covers 80% of eligible emergency costs up to a $50,000 lifetime limit after the $257 deductible.

This coverage applies for the first 60 days of a trip abroad, offering a layer of protection for international travel.

While it’s not a substitute for full international health insurance, it does provide some reassurance if you take occasional overseas trips.

For retirees who value mobility and flexibility, Plan G offers seamless healthcare access across state lines and even limited international protection.

Whether you're living full-time in Texas or splitting your time between multiple homes or destinations, you won't need to worry about your Medicare coverage keeping up with your lifestyle.

#4. Access to the Best Specialists and Facilities

Medicare Supplement Plan G gives beneficiaries unrestricted access to some of the top medical facilities and specialists in Texas and across the country.

Because Plan G works with Original Medicare, there are no network contracts to worry about.

If a provider accepts Medicare, you can use your Plan G coverage - period.

This makes a significant difference when it comes to specialty care. You’re not limited to a list of “in-network” options, and you don’t need to request referrals or authorizations before getting seen.

Access to Leading Texas Medical Centers

Plan G gives Texans direct access to nationally recognized hospitals and specialty clinics, including:

• MD Anderson Cancer Center (Houston) - consistently ranked as one of the top cancer treatment centers in the U.S.
  
• UT Southwestern Medical Center (Dallas) - a leader in research and academic medicine with highly specialized care.
  
• Houston Methodist Hospital - known for advanced cardiology, neurology, and surgical care.
  
• Baylor St. Luke’s Medical Center and Texas Heart Institute - leaders in cardiovascular treatment.
  
• Mayo Clinic and other national centers of excellence, for those seeking care out of state.
  

These facilities accept Medicare, which means Plan G members can use their coverage without needing to worry about provider restrictions or additional approval steps.

The Limitation of Medicare Advantage Plans

Medicare Advantage plans, by contrast, often rely on narrower provider networks - especially HMO models.

Even PPO plans that advertise broader access may still charge higher out-of-pocket costs when you use providers outside of their preferred network.

In some cases, major specialty hospitals don’t participate in certain Medicare Advantage networks at all.

For example, MD Anderson and other high-profile institutions may not contract with many MA plans. If your Medicare Advantage plan doesn’t have a relationship with the hospital or specialist you need, you could be denied non-emergency care or face substantial out-of-pocket costs.

If you want the freedom to seek care from the top specialists and medical institutions in Texas or nationwide, Plan G is the more flexible and reliable option.

You can focus on choosing the best provider for your condition, rather than navigating insurance network rules.

#5. No Referrals or Prior Authorizations Required

One of the biggest frustrations Medicare beneficiaries face under Medicare Advantage plans is the administrative red tape: needing referrals to see specialists and getting prior authorization for certain procedures or treatments.

These requirements can delay care - or in some cases, result in care being denied altogether.

Medicare Supplement Plan G avoids all of that.

If you're enrolled in Original Medicare plus Plan G, you can see any doctor or specialist who accepts Medicare, without needing a referral.

That means:

• You don’t need to go through a primary care physician to schedule an appointment with a cardiologist, orthopedic surgeon, dermatologist, or any other specialist.
  
• You control when and where you seek care, not your insurance company.
  
• If you need a second opinion or a specific type of treatment, you can pursue it directly.
  

This level of access is especially important when timely treatment matters or when you’re dealing with a chronic or complex health condition.

No Prior Authorization Required for Most Services

Original Medicare does not require prior authorization for the vast majority of services, and because Plan G simply supplements Original Medicare, that streamlined access applies to you as well.

Once your doctor determines a service is medically necessary and it’s covered by Medicare, it’s covered - no approval process from an insurance plan needed.

By contrast, 99% of Medicare Advantage enrollees are in plans that require prior authorization for at least some services.

This includes:

• Inpatient hospital admissions
  
• Advanced imaging (like MRIs or CT scans)
  
• Home health care
  
• Durable medical equipment
  
• Certain outpatient procedures
  

While intended to control costs, prior authorization often delays care and sometimes results in denials.

A 2022 federal report from the Office of Inspector General found that Medicare Advantage plans inappropriately denied or delayed care that would have been covered under Original Medicare.

Summary

With Plan G, you don’t need to navigate layers of approvals before receiving medically necessary care.

You and your doctor stay in control of your healthcare decisions, without interference from plan administrators.

For many people, especially those managing serious or time-sensitive health issues, this direct-access model is a significant advantage.

#6. Plan G Doesn’t Change Every Year

One of the most overlooked - but critically important - advantages of Medicare Supplement Plan G is its long-term stability.

When you enroll in Plan G, you’re getting a plan that won’t change its core benefits from year to year. This is in stark contrast to Medicare Advantage (MA) plans, which are subject to annual revisions.

Standardized and Guaranteed Renewable

Plan G is a standardized Medigap plan, meaning its benefits are defined by federal law and remain consistent across all insurance carriers.

Whether you buy Plan G from one company or another, in Dallas or in El Paso, the coverage is exactly the same -and it stays that way.

Once enrolled, your Plan G policy is guaranteed renewable. As long as you pay your premiums, your coverage can’t be canceled, downgraded, or adjusted due to changes in your health.

The benefits you sign up for today are the same benefits you’ll have next year - and the year after that.

Compare That to Medicare Advantage Plans

Medicare Advantage plans operate differently. Every fall, insurance companies are allowed to make changes to their:

• Provider networks
  
• Copay and coinsurance amounts
  
• Drug formularies (if the plan includes Part D)
  
• Out-of-pocket maximums
  
• Covered services
  

These changes are communicated to members through the Annual Notice of Change (ANOC), typically sent out in September.

In some cases, the changes are minor. But in others, people find out their doctor is no longer in-network, or that certain medications are now more expensive - or not covered at all.

This creates a yearly cycle where many MA enrollees must re-evaluate their plan during the Annual Enrollment Period (October 15–December 7) to avoid unexpected costs or disruptions in care.

With Plan G, There's No Need to Shop Around Annually

If you're enrolled in Plan G, there's no need to switch plans every year just to maintain access to your preferred doctors or keep coverage consistent.

You don't have to worry about your benefits being reduced or your favorite provider leaving the network - because there is no network and the benefits are fixed.

This stability is especially valuable for those who:

• Have ongoing medical needs
  
• Want to maintain long-term relationships with their doctors
  
• Prefer not to review plan changes or switch policies every fall

Plan G offers dependable, year-over-year coverage that doesn’t change with the seasons.

For Texas retirees who want to avoid the hassle of annual plan shopping - and ensure their coverage works the same way tomorrow as it does today - Plan G provides a level of predictability that Medicare Advantage can’t match.

#7. Most Popular and Trusted Supplement Plan

Medicare Supplement Plan G has earned its place as the most popular Medigap plan in the United States - and the numbers reflect that.

As of the end of 2024, over 5.7 million Americans were enrolled in Plan G, up from 5.3 million the year prior.

That accounts for roughly 40% of all Medigap enrollees, making it the clear first choice among those who opt for supplemental coverage.

Among individuals new to Medicare, more than half of all new Medigap buyers are now choosing Plan G.

This shift accelerated after Plan F (which previously offered slightly broader coverage but is no longer available to new enrollees) was phased out for those newly eligible after 2020.

Plan G has since become the go-to alternative due to its balance of comprehensive coverage and long-term value.

Why Beneficiaries Continue to Choose Plan G

The consistent growth in Plan G enrollment isn't a coincidence.

It's a direct reflection of what people value most in retirement:

• Predictable healthcare costs
  
• Nationwide access to doctors and hospitals
  
• No referrals or pre-approvals
  
• Stable, consistent benefits year after year
  

Many Medicare Advantage plans may offer a $0 premium upfront, but Plan G continues to attract people who are willing to pay more each month for broader protection, greater provider freedom, and fewer billing surprises.

In our experience working with Texas Medicare beneficiaries, we’ve seen this trend firsthand.

Whether clients live in large metro areas like Houston or Dallas, or in smaller communities across the state, Plan G is often their preferred solution when comparing long-term coverage options.

Plan G’s rising popularity isn’t just about the coverage - it’s about the confidence it gives people.

Millions of seniors are choosing Plan G because it consistently delivers on its promise: comprehensive Medicare coverage with minimal hassle and maximum flexibility.

The Two Cons (And Why Many Texans Still Choose Plan G)

While Medicare Supplement Plan G offers broad protection and flexibility, it’s important to consider two key limitations: a higher monthly premium and the need for separate drug coverage.

These are valid concerns - but for many Texans, the long-term benefits of Plan G still make it the right fit.

Con #1: Higher Monthly Premium

Unlike many Medicare Advantage plans, which often advertise $0 premiums, Plan G comes with a monthly premium that you pay in addition to your standard Medicare Part B premium.

In Texas, the cost of Plan G can vary based on factors like your age, gender, tobacco use, and ZIP code.

On average, most 65-year-olds can expect to pay anywhere from $120 to $180 per month for Plan G.

In some areas, especially larger cities or regions with more competition among insurers, premiums may fall toward the lower end of that range.

While this monthly cost may seem high at first glance, it’s important to consider what you’re getting in return:

• Comprehensive coverage of nearly all Medicare-approved expenses
  
• Freedom to use any Medicare provider, without referrals or network restrictions
  
• No copays or coinsurance after the small Part B deductible ($257 in 2025)
  

This makes budgeting for healthcare much more predictable. For beneficiaries who want to avoid large, unexpected medical bills - especially during a serious illness or hospitalization - the premium is a trade-off for long-term financial peace of mind.

With Plan G, you know your coverage is stable, and your out-of-pocket exposure is limited.

Over time, this can result in lower total healthcare spending, especially for those who use their benefits regularly.

Con #2: No Built-In Drug Coverage

Like all Medigap plans, Plan G does not include prescription drug coverage.

If you enroll in Plan G, you’ll need to purchase a separate Medicare Part D plan to cover your medications.

Part D premiums vary, but in Texas, the average cost for a stand-alone drug plan tends to fall between $20 and $45 per month, depending on the insurer, coverage level, and the specific medications you take.

Some plans are available for less than $15/month, while others with more comprehensive formularies may be $50 or more.

While it may seem simpler to have drug coverage “bundled” with your health plan - as is often the case with Medicare Advantage Prescription Drug (MA-PD) plans - there are advantages to keeping drug coverage separate:

• You can choose a Part D plan that best fits your specific medications and pharmacy preferences
  
• If your prescriptions change over time, you can switch to a different Part D plan during the annual enrollment period
  
• You avoid the limitations that come with being tied to an all-in-one plan that may restrict your providers or coverage
  

By contrast, MA-PD plans may offer drug coverage at no added premium, but they often come with formulary restrictions, higher copays for certain drugs, and limited flexibility if your medications fall outside the plan’s preferred list.

Yes, Plan G requires paying a monthly premium and enrolling in a separate drug plan. But in exchange, you get a high level of control, predictability, and access to care.

You can visit nearly any doctor in Texas or nationwide, avoid copays and prior authorizations, and customize your drug plan to suit your needs.

For many Medicare beneficiaries in Texas - especially those who travel, use healthcare regularly, or value provider freedom - these two trade-offs are often worth it.

Why Plan G Still Wins in the Long Run

When comparing Medicare options, it's natural to weigh the short-term costs against long-term benefits.

While Plan G may require a higher monthly premium and a separate drug plan, it continues to be the most well-rounded, reliable option for many Medicare beneficiaries - especially those who prioritize access, flexibility, and peace of mind.

The Core Value: Simplicity, Freedom, and Predictability

What Plan G offers is simple and consistent:

• Predictable costs - After paying the small annual Part B deductible, Plan G covers 100% of your Medicare-approved expenses.
  
• Nationwide provider access - You can see any doctor or specialist who accepts Medicare, without worrying about networks or referrals.
  
• No surprises - You won’t be caught off guard by shifting benefits, dropped doctors, or new copays each year.
  

This structure allows you to plan for your healthcare expenses and avoid the financial uncertainty that can come with Medicare Advantage plans, which are often more complex and subject to change.

Common Objections – And Why They Often Don’t Outweigh the Benefits

Some people hesitate to enroll in Plan G because of the higher monthly premium.

It’s true that most Medicare Advantage plans come with a $0 or low premium, while Plan G typically ranges between $120 and $180 per month in Texas.

But what’s often overlooked is how those costs play out over time.

If you choose a Medicare Advantage plan and later need hospital care, surgery, or frequent specialist visits, you may quickly reach your out-of-pocket maximum.

With Plan G, your annual exposure is capped at the $257 Part B deductible, giving you greater protection when it matters most.

Others may prefer the convenience of bundled drug coverage under Medicare Advantage. But with Plan G, you have the flexibility to choose a Part D plan that matches your specific prescription needs - something MA-PD plans don’t offer.

Long-Term Protection for Your Health and Wallet

The long-term advantages of Plan G become even more clear as healthcare needs increase with age.

Having access to top-tier specialists, hospitals, and treatments - without administrative barriers like referrals or prior authorizations - can make a significant difference in both health outcomes and quality of life.

For many Texas beneficiaries, Plan G is about taking control of your healthcare and minimizing uncertainty.

It’s a plan designed to work reliably behind the scenes - giving you confidence that, when you need care, you’ll get it without delay, restrictions, or surprise bills.

Final Thoughts

After working with Medicare beneficiaries across Texas for many years, we’ve seen one consistent theme: people don’t just want insurance - they want clarity, freedom, and protection they can count on.

That’s why we recommend Medicare Supplement Plan G so often to our clients.

It’s not the flashiest plan, and it’s not the cheapest. But it’s one of the most reliable, straightforward, and effective ways to protect yourself from unexpected healthcare costs.

Once your small annual deductible is met, you’re done. You can go to any doctor or hospital that takes Medicare - across Texas or nationwide - and you won’t need to worry about networks, referrals, or surprise bills.

We always encourage our clients to think about more than just premiums.

How often do you go to the doctor? Do you travel out of state? Do you want to choose your own specialists?

These questions matter just as much - if not more - than the monthly price tag.

For many people, Plan G ends up being the plan that not only protects their finances but gives them the flexibility to get the care they need, where and when they need it. That’s what Medicare coverage should do.