How does Medigap Plan K compare to Plan G for someone on a tight budget?

Question

Paul Dzierzanowski · Accepted Answer

Medigap Plan K differs from Medigap Plan G in the following ways: Plan K covers only 50% of coinsurance/copayment costs for benefits such as Part B cost share; blood; Part A hospice; skilled nursing; and Part A deductible. Plan K offers no coverage for costs such as Part B deductible; Part B excess charges; and foreign travel emergency. With an out-of-pocket limit of $7220 in 2025, careful consideration should be taken by an individual on a tight budget to ensure that the premium savings is worth the additional financial exposure. A standard High-Deductible plan G or F may be a better alternative. For more information on your specific situation, please call me directly.

Answered by Paul Dzierzanowski on March 31, 2025

Agent Licensed in FL & GA

Answered by Paul Dzierzanowski Medicare Insurance Agent

Gary Church · Answer

Medigap Plan K compared to Plan G. Plan K has deductibles and a MOOP, which Plan G does not, only a Part B deductible.

Steve and Sue Brauer · Answer

Hi. Thanks for watching. So let's talk about Medigap Plan K, or in most cases, Plan N compared to Plan G. Those are the two plans—N and G—that most people are thinking about. It used to be, prior to 2020, everybody signed up for Plan F. Plan F was the plan to go to. It was really comprehensive; it covered practically everything. After 2020, Plan G is the go-to plan. Plan N covers almost what G does, except for the Part B excess fees, which I'll get to in a minute. Plan K doesn't cover nearly what Plan G covers, and what it does cover, it covers at 50%, so you'd be on the hook for a lot of money if you had some major things going on.

Anyway, the Part B excess fees—I'll use Mayo as an example here in Arizona. They're kind of the largest entity here that uses what I believe to be the excess charges. So, let's pretend you went to Mayo. You had a big medical issue, and the bill was $100,000. Mayo, and any Medicare provider, is allowed—most of them are—to charge you up to 15% over what Medicare allows. With Plan G, Plan G will pay those excess fees. Plan N and definitely Plan K will not pay those fees. So to save $20 or $25 a month and go to a cheaper Medigap plan, it's not a good idea in my opinion. I always advise people not to do that.

Norman Smith · Answer

Well, let's assess the "tight budget" concept. If you accept the "K" supplement, you will be responsible for 50% of all Part B expenses, Blood benefits, Part A Hospice care, skilled nursing, and your Part A deductible. In addition, you could have an out-of-pocket of up to $7,060 per year before full coverage. What if you're treatment starts in November and ends in March of the next year? Do you, as someone on a "Tight budget," have that allowance to pay that type of figure for your health care for both years, or would you be afraid to use it altogether? So, at the worst, I would consider a "High G" plan as opposed to a "K" plan for yourself. At least that has a limit of $2,870 for you, plus the premiums, which would be an estimated $1000, and leave you the availability of Medical professional choice. But ultimately, if you can do a full "G" plan, know that the supplement plan is going to have a premium attached to it, which may seem tough, but at the end of the day, you're probably limited to spending about $2500/year as opposed to the $7,000+ figure. Choose wisely. It's your choice for healthcare for the rest of your life.

Answered by Norman Smith on October 14, 2025

Agent Licensed in FL, AL, NJ & PA

Answered by Norman Smith Medicare Insurance Agent

Terri Reagin · Answer

I'm going to be honest with you. I'm not a huge fan of Plan K. The reason why is because, for one thing, it does not cover Part B excess, which is the difference between what Medicare's allowable fees are and those allowable fees by the doctor. They are allowed to balance bill you if you do not have that coverage in place, so I personally see that as quite a big risk. The other thing is my attitude is if we're going to be paying so many copays and deductibles out of pocket, which when you put K and G side by side, you'll see that K has a lot of out-of-pocket expenses related to it that G does not. If you're going to be paying that much out of pocket anyway when you go to the doctor or when you go to the hospital, I don't see any reason why you wouldn't want to go with an Advantage plan, because there are many Advantage plans that have a zero premium. So that's just kind of my opinion on it. Not everybody may agree with me on that, but that's my take.

Bill Wheeler · Answer

Medigap plan K has lower coverage and  pays 50 percent of cost sharing.

Medigap Plan G has a higher coverage.
But pays most cost except part B deductible.

Vincent Murray · Answer

If your on a tight budget I recommend finding a Medicare advantage plan with the lowest maximum out of pocket possible. Then get a Umbrella package that covers 2 to 3 years of that maximum out of pocket. Most years you should save money. If you have a bad year you would have the umbrella package to help you out. Paying for a plan that only covers half of your costs, is not recommended especially if your on a budget.

Answered by Vincent Murray on October 8, 2025

Agent Licensed in ME, FL & NH

Answered by Vincent Murray Medicare Insurance Agent

Steven Litzsinger · Answer

Medicare Supplement Plan G offers more comprehensive coverage with higher monthly premiums and lower, more predictable out-of-pocket costs, while Plan K offers lower monthly premiums but requires cost-sharing until an annual out-of-pocket limit is met. 

Plan K has an annual out of pocket limit that applies and Plan G does not. 

Both Plan K and Plan G are good options. It depends on your budget and individual needs to determine which plan may be best for you.  This is where a licensed Medicare Agent can help you assess the pros and cons of each available option and make sure you understand the cost share and risks associate with each option.

William Gray · Answer

Plan K will likely cost less  than a plan G in upfront premiums. 

However, in plan benefits it is substantially higher out of pocket expense on a major health condition. 

It would consider a Plan N or a Plan HDG to get the most bang for your buck.

Robert Pennington · Answer

Medicare G is the most comprehensive and most expensive.  Plan K is less expensive but has a higher max out of pocket.  Ideal for someone in good health and able to pay out of pocket.

Patricia &#039;Tif&quot; Bush · Answer

Plan G is the richest plan you can get if you turn 65 after January 1, 2020. Basically you pay a higher premium and you only pay a deductible for any outpatient expenses. As long as Medicare covers the expenses. Plan K is a little more tricky, while it does carry a lower premium, you’ll be charged for certain expenses that Medicare paid for along the way until you reach an out-of-pocket maximum

Answered by Patricia 'Tif" Bush on September 28, 2025

Broker Licensed in ct, FL, NC & SC

Answered by Patricia 'Tif" Bush Medicare Insurance Agent

Mitchell Jerome · Answer

Plan K will have lower monthly premiums versus Plan G but are you capable of covering the larger coinsurance once you trigger the benefits? Meaning what you're savings in premiums can easily be eaten up in costs for utilization. In other words you'd have to be able to pay 50% of the Hospital deductible, Doctor visits, blood, skilled nursing, I've written many health plans in 22 years but never a plan K...I'd rather look at plan N or Medicare HMO Advantage plans for more comprehensive coverages when funds are tight.

Answered by Mitchell Jerome on February 24, 2026

Broker Licensed in TX

Answered by Mitchell Jerome Medicare Insurance Agent

Bubi Gorgevich · Answer

Plan G provides better coverage-as well prodiction of cost for medical treatments that plan K.
There is an alternative to plan K that will be less expencive than G and it si plan N.

Samantha Jellison · Answer

On a Medigap Plan K your monthly premium is going to be lower but cost-sharing and out-of-pocket costs are going to be higher. There is also no coverage for foreign travel and no protection from Excess Charges, although you will have an out-of-pocket limit.
On a Medigap Plan G, you are going to have a higher monthly premium but more extensive coverage.

Tommy Overton · Answer

You would be responsible for a whole lot more out-of-pocket on a Plan G compared to a Plan K, which has $8,000 maximum out-of-pocket compared to $283 with Plan G. In my area Plan K is about $60 per month less than a Plan G. I'd recommend looking at a Plan N or maybe event Plan HDG if you are looking to same money, but want to stay on Original Medicare combined with a Supplement.

Answered by Tommy Overton on March 16, 2026

Broker Licensed in AR, AL, IN & 7 other states

Answered by Tommy Overton Medicare Insurance Agent

Steven Bleicher · Answer

Since plan G has been the most popular plan for many years and some insurance firms don't even offer Plan K (I have never written up a K application!) I’d suggest that you ought to pay more attention to the health benefits of G, rather than the saving of money. You only have one life to live!

Answered by Steven Bleicher on May 26, 2025

Broker Licensed in AZ

Answered by Steven Bleicher Medicare Insurance Agent

Diana Garner · Answer

Medigap Plan K offers lower monthly premiums, but the beneficiary has more out-of-pocket spending. It is similar to a Medicare Advantage plan, except that most Medicare Advantage plans don't have a premium.  Plan K only covers a percentage of the costs.

Medigap Plan G has higher monthly premiums, but the only out-of-pocket cost a beneficiary is responsible for is the Part B deductible.

Dana Dane · Answer

To specifically answer this question and maintain compliance with Medicare guidelines, comparing plans should be discussed with a licensed agent with Medicare approved outlines and sales materials. Most people are enrolled in a Plan G or Plan N. Plan K is not offered by some companies. Plans with less market share tend to be higher in premium in comparison to the benefits.

Answered by Dana Dane on April 2, 2025

Agent Licensed in OR, AZ, CA & 6 other states

Answered by Dana Dane Medicare Insurance Agent

Constance Phillips · Answer

Medigap Plan K has lower premiums than Plan G. Plan K is a good plan for healthy individuals who do not forsee any major health issues. You can be responsible for 50% of most services until the out-of-pocket maximum is met with Plan K whereas with Plan G has comprehensive coverage.

Answered by Constance Phillips on December 5, 2025

Agent Licensed in OH

Answered by Constance Phillips Medicare Insurance Agent

Diane Poythress · Answer

If you are on a tight budget, comparing Medigap Plan K and Plan G involves weighing lower premiums against potential higher out-of-pocket costs.

Harold Randolph · Answer

Medigap Plan K may cost half of Plan G but it has a 7K max out of pocket and cover half of what G does. If you’re healthy it’s a calculated risk. If you become not so healthy you may be stuck in a plan that will cost you out of pocket yearly vs having a G plan with about $250 out of pocket yearly. 

Let’s discuss.

Robert Barco · Answer

Medicare Plan K only pays for 50% of the costs until the out-of-pocket limit has been reached (for 2025 it is $7,220),  then Plan K pays 100%.  Plan G will pay 100% of the Medicare-covered charges after the yearly Part B deductible has been met. 

In my county, a 65-year-old male non-smoker will pay about $94.00 less per month for Plan K than for Plan G, making it substantially cheaper than Plan G for an AARP United Healthcare Insurance Company Plan.

Elijah Pannell · Answer

Medigap Plan K and Plan G differ significantly in coverage and cost structure, which is important to consider for individuals managing a limited budget.

Medigap Plan K offers lower monthly premiums but provides only partial coverage for many out-of-pocket Medicare costs. Specifically, Plan K covers 50% of certain benefits such as Part B coinsurance, blood (first 3 pints), hospice care coinsurance, skilled nursing facility coinsurance, and Part A deductible. It does not cover the Part B deductible or excess charges. Importantly, Plan K has an annual out-of-pocket limit ($7,060 in 2024); once this is reached, the plan covers 100% of covered services for the rest of the year. This limit helps protect against catastrophic expenses but means higher routine out-of-pocket costs.

Medigap Plan G, in contrast, offers more comprehensive coverage, including 100% of Part A and B coinsurance, skilled nursing facility coinsurance, hospice care coinsurance, and the Part A deductible. Plan G does not cover the Part B deductible, but after that is paid, nearly all Medicare-approved costs are covered. Plan G generally has higher monthly premiums but minimal out-of-pocket expenses.

Summary for someone on a tight budget:

Plan K: Lower premiums, higher out-of-pocket costs, but a cap for catastrophic expenses.
Plan G: Higher premiums, lower and more predictable out-of-pocket costs.
Choosing Plan K may be suitable if minimizing monthly expenses is the top priority and you are comfortable with potentially higher healthcare costs throughout the year, up to the annual limit. Plan G is preferable if you can afford higher premiums and want more predictable, lower out-of-pocket costs.

For detailed plan information, please consult official Medicare resources:
https://www.medicare.gov/supplements-other-insurance/how-to-compare-medigap-policies

Reference: Medicare.gov - How to compare Medigap policies

Mary Tran · Answer

Plan G : pay more but almost cover everything and still have to pay part B 
Suite for who want to have a peace of mind no surprise bills 
Plan K : 50% for many services but there is out of pocket max (~$7,000/year) suite for  who rarely go to see the doctor 

* Plan G=pay more , peace of mind
* Plan K =Pay less -share of cost but there is maximum out of pocket

Kathy Greco · Answer

The Medicare K plan would have a lower premium but you could potentially spend up to $8000 in health care co-pays and co-insurance, in addition to that. With the G plan, your premium is higher but you are covered 100% after the $283 annual deductible.

Answered by Kathy Greco on May 18, 2026

Agent Licensed in FL

Answered by Kathy Greco Medicare Insurance Agent

Fred Manas · Answer

Plan K is designed to offer a balance between monthly costs and coverage, potentially suiting individuals who want a lower premium and are comfortable with higher cost-sharing during their Medigap open enrollment period, says Medigap Seminars. If you're generally healthy and don't anticipate frequent medical visits, the lower premiums of Plan K might be appealing. However, be prepared for potential higher costs if you experience an illness or injury requiring significant medical attention. In contrast, Plan G provides more extensive coverage and greater peace of mind against potentially higher medical bills, especially after paying the Part B deductible.

Answered by Fred Manas on August 2, 2025

Agent Licensed in NY, CT, DC & 7 other states

Answered by Fred Manas Medicare Insurance Agent

Mark Boone · Answer

Plan K has lower monthly premiums but higher out-of-pocket costs, whereas Plan G has higher premiums but lower, more predictable out-of-pocket expenses. Plan K covers a percentage of costs (50% for many services) until you meet an annual out-of-pocket limit, after which it pays 100%. Plan G typically covers 100% of most Medicare-approved costs after you pay the Part B deductible.

Answered by Mark Boone on November 4, 2025

Agent Licensed in MN, FL, MI & NC, OH, SC & VA

Answered by Mark Boone Medicare Insurance Agent

Marcie Barnes · Answer

Plan K may have a lower premium but your out of pocket costs are much higher.

Plan G only out of pocket cost is the Part B deductible.

If you have a tight budget and don't mind copays, you may want to consider a Medicare Advantage plan

Suzanne Lamperti · Answer

PlanG pays 100% of your Medicare expenses once you have reached your deductible. Plan K only pays 50% .

Robert Remin · Answer

I do not offer plan K as the HDG plan is a much better option than K as the max out of pocket on K in a bad heatlh year is double plus the K plan. In addition the K plan premium is much more than the HDG one. Overall the K plan makes no economic sense to me as the HDG gives you moe coverage for lower premiun

Answered by Robert Remin on May 19, 2025

Agent Licensed in NY, CT, FL & NJ

Answered by Robert Remin Medicare Insurance Agent

Glenn Alterman · Answer

You will be better off with the $2500 high deductible plan g as the k has lower benefits 

Need to know your specific needs to specifically advise

Bud Griffin · Answer

With a Plan G, in addition to the premium, you will have to pay the part B deductible ($257.00 in 2025) and all Part A and Part B approved charges are paud by the policy at 100%. With the Plan K, in addition to the premium, you will pay the Part B deductible and be responsible for 50% of the approved charges for Part B coinsurance, Blood benefit (firts 3 pints) Part A hospice care, Skilled nursing facility coinsurance, and Part A deduclible. In addition, on Plan K you may be charged excess charges.

Answered by Bud Griffin on June 23, 2025

Broker Licensed in TX

Answered by Bud Griffin Medicare Insurance Agent

Alicia Tyring · Answer

Plan K = lower premium, more out-of-pocket risk. Plan G = higher premium, very predictable costs. Essentially, you save money each month, but you need to be okay paying more when you actually use care.

Answered by Alicia Tyring on April 27, 2026

Broker Licensed in IN, AL, AR & 42 other states

Answered by Alicia Tyring Medicare Insurance Agent

Mark Walker · Answer

In some states, Medicare plan K is a viable option opposed to plan G. But in most states Plan G is the best option. And because it has the largest enrollment, the prices remain relatively stable.

Frankie Cochran · Answer

Plan k is more of a gamble on your health rather that plan g is a fixed monthly cost with no surprises

Rick Balistreri · Answer

Plan G pays 100% of Medicare-allowed charges after you pay your Part B deductible. Plan K is less expensive, but it only covers Part B allowed charges at 50% until you hit the maximum out-of-pocket limit. For 2025 it is $7,060. After that it will pay 100%, just like a Plan G with a few exceptions.

Plan K also does not cover 15% excess charges that may be allowed. And it does not cover foreign travel emergency services. These are things to consider when comparing the two plans.

Leisha Stevens · Answer

Plan G:
Coverage: Covers all of Medicare's Part A and Part B coinsurance and copayments, except for the Part B deductible. 
Out-of-pocket costs: After you pay the Part B deductible, Plan G will pay for the rest of your Medicare-approved costs. 
Premium: Generally has a higher premium than Plan K. 
Plan K:
Coverage: Covers 50% of the cost for many of the gaps in Original Medicare coverage, such as Part B coinsurance and copayments. 
Out-of-pocket costs: Has a specific out-of-pocket limit ($7,220 in 2025). After you meet this limit and the Part B deductible, Plan K will cover 100% of your Medicare-approved costs for the rest of the year. 
Premium: Generally has a lower premium than Plan G
Coverage: Plan G offers more comprehensive coverage with no out-of-pocket maximum, while Plan K has an out-of-pocket maximum and only covers 50% of certain costs. 
Out-of-pocket costs: Plan G has a predictable Part B deductible, while Plan K has a higher out-of-pocket limit. 
Premiums: Plan K typically has a lower monthly premium than Plan G. 
In essence, Plan G is a good option for those who want more predictable costs and comprehensive coverage, while Plan K is a good option for those who are willing to pay a lower premium and accept a higher potential out-of-pocket cost in exchange for potentially lower overall costs if their healthcare needs are minimal.

Elizabeth Henderson · Answer

Typically Plan K has lower premiums than Plan G but it is so at a greater cost later. If you don't mind higher out of pocket costs later, Plan K may work for you. The differences lie in the following costs: Part B (co-insurance and co-pays), pints of blood, hospice care coinsurance, skilled nursing facility coinsurance, Part A deductible, Part B Excess Charges, and Foreign Travel Emergency cost.

Answered by Elizabeth Henderson on October 29, 2025

Broker Licensed in TX, AZ, CA & 11 other states

Answered by Elizabeth Henderson Medicare Insurance Agent

Maurice Ellis · Answer

For someone on a tight budget, Medigap Plan K is generally a better option than Plan G. Plan K offers lower premiums than Plan G, but with the tradeoff of requiring cost-sharing (paying a percentage of covered services). Plan G, while offering more comprehensive coverage, comes with higher premiums.

Answered by Maurice Ellis on July 7, 2025

Agent Licensed in MS, AL, AR & 17 other states

Answered by Maurice Ellis Medicare Insurance Agent

Eric Jensen · Answer

If you have a tight budget, Medigap Plan K could be a suitable option since it typically charges a lower monthly premium than Plan G, but also has less comprehensive coverage. Plan K only covers about 50% of many key benefits like Part B coinsurance, skilled nursing facility care, and the Part A deductible. Therefore with Plan K, your fixed costs (monthly premium) would be lower when compared to Plan G, and may be a better option for your tight budget as long as you are relatively healthy and don't require frequent medical care.

Answered by Eric Jensen on May 26, 2025

Broker Licensed in FL, AZ, CA & 8 other states

Answered by Eric Jensen Medicare Insurance Agent

Julie Hamilton, RN · Answer

Medigap Plan K will likely offer lower monthly premiums than Plan G but the cost sharing for services will be higher.  Under a plan K, you'll share the costs for certain services, meaning you'll pay a percentage of the bill (coinsurance/copayment) for things like Part B services, blood, Part A hospice, skilled nursing, and the Part A deductible up to an out of pocket limit of $7,220.  Once you meet this amount, the plan K will pay 100% of the remaining costs for the year.

Medigap Plan G has higher monthly premiums than Plan K but offers more comprehensive coverage, covering most of the gaps in Original Medicare Part A and B, except for the Part B deductible ($257 in 2025). Once you pay the annual Part B deductible, you'll generally have very few out-of-pocket costs for Medicare-covered services with Plan G.

Lara Goulson · Answer

Plan G covers almost everything except the Part B deductible, so you pay very little out of pocket — but the monthly premium is higher.

Plan K has a much lower monthly premium, but you pay more when you get care — it only covers part of the costs until you reach your yearly limit.

Plan G is better for people who want to avoid surprise bills, while Plan K is more budget-friendly upfront but could cost more later if you need a lot of care. I hope this answers your question!

Amine Amraoui · Answer

Medicare Supplement Insurance (Medigap) Plan G generally offers more comprehensive coverage with higher premiums, resulting in lower out-of-pocket costs, while Plan K has lower monthly premiums but requires cost-sharing until an annual out-of-pocket limit is reached.

Answered by Amine Amraoui on November 15, 2025

Agent Licensed in FL

Answered by Amine Amraoui Medicare Insurance Agent

Cory St. Etienne · Answer

After careful thought on this question. I would say Plan K May be a good option if you want lower monthly premiums and you don't mind sharing cost until you attain the out of pocket limits. However, Plan G is also good if you don't mind predictable costs and you can afford the higher premium cost to avoid unexpected medical bills.

Answered by Cory St. Etienne on July 20, 2025

Broker Licensed in FL, KY, LA & 5 other states

Answered by Cory St. Etienne Medicare Insurance Agent

Rudo Loock · Answer

Plan K typically offers lower monthly premiums than Plan G. However, your out-of-pocket costs will likely be higher. It's a give and take

Jelly Marco · Answer

Well, plan K monthly premium is usually cheaper than Plan G but you may pay more when you receive care until you reach the yearly limit. Plan G usually has a higher premium but the medical expenses are more predictable. and it doesn't matter hich company you get them it will be the same coverage the difference is the monthly premium of each company and how their rates change over time.

Answered by Jelly Marco on March 10, 2026

Agent Licensed in TX

Answered by Jelly Marco Medicare Insurance Agent

DeMitrius Williams · Answer

With Plan K, you'll typically pay a lower monthly premium, which looks good upfront, but you'll be responsible for half of many medical bills until you hit a set yearly out-of-pocket limit. Plan G, on the other hand, comes with a higher monthly premium, but once you cover the small annual Part B deductible, it pretty much takes care of everything else, offering much more predictable costs throughout the year. So, if you're on a tight budget, it really boils down to whether you prefer a lower regular payment with the risk of higher medical bills if you get sick, or a higher regular payment for the peace of mind that most costs are covered after that initial deductible.

Answered by DeMitrius Williams on June 17, 2025

Broker Licensed in TX, AZ, FL & 6 other states

Answered by DeMitrius Williams Medicare Insurance Agent

How does Medigap Plan K compare to Plan G for someone on a tight budget?

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How does Medigap Plan K compare to Plan G for someone on a tight budget?

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