Is paying for a high-end Medicare Supplement plan really worth it, or is it overkill?

Question

Dorothy Lam · Accepted Answer

The answer depends on your specific situation. In general, Medicare pays for approximately 80% of your medical expenses, not including deductibles. The high-end Medicare Supplement plans pick up nearly all of the remaining 20% (in the case of the Plan G, you pay one small deductible.) Depending on the procedures or extent of care, this could still be a large financial liability. So, each person must decide if the premium for these plans is worth the potential risk of incurring even this portion of any medical bills. For many of my clients, paying this premium gives them the peace of mind that those bills will be covered, if and when they need them, even if they don't need a lot of care at this time. To balance out this premium cost, Medicare Supplement plans give you the freedom to go to any Medicare provider in the whole nation. If you reside in a different state for several months out of the year, Medicare Supplement plans suite well. The flexibility and peace of mind of Medicare Supplement plans may be worth the premium cost.

Answered by Dorothy Lam on April 3, 2025

Agent Licensed in IL, IA & IN

Answered by Dorothy Lam Medicare Insurance Agent

Brian Moore · Answer

I believe buying the best Medicare Supplement plan available is the smart move. It costs more upfront, but the lower financial exposure and stronger benefits outweigh the savings from cheaper plans with weaker coverage. Most clients I’ve guided find the trade-off worth it when they need serious care. You’re not overpaying—you’re securing peace of mind.

Answered by Brian Moore on March 26, 2025

Broker Licensed in OH

Answered by Brian Moore Medicare Insurance Agent

Joseph Bachmeier · Answer

That depends on what you want to get out of your Medicare plan. Some people don't mind paying a higher premium with little to no copays. Some people would rather have a lower monthly premium and don't mind the copays associated with the plan. I review all aspects with my clients so they can make the best decision for themselves.

Answered by Joseph Bachmeier on March 25, 2025

Agent Licensed in PA, AZ, DE & 5 other states

Answered by Joseph Bachmeier Medicare Insurance Agent

Misty Bolt · Answer

IT DEPENDS ON EACH SITUATION. I NEED A LIST OF MEDICINE AND DOCTORS BEFORE WE CAN ANSWER THAT. BECAUSE EVERY SITUATION IS DIFFERENT.

John Stagner · Answer

It really comes down to personal preference and your budget. 

It's worth it if you can afford it, and if you place a high value on being able to go wherever you want without worrying about networks. Also, with a supplement, the insurance company doesn't make decisions like approvals & denials. Their job is to write a check.

A Medicare Advantage plan, simply put, works more like the insurance you had through an employer. There are networks, and there are prior authorizations.

Maybe this is a dumb analogy, but is a Lexus considered overkill vs a cheaper vehicle? That depends on how you want the ride to go, and whether you have the budget.

Shawn Brown · Answer

Yes, if having the best possible access to care is important to you. Otherwise, you'll be subject to doctor/hospital networks, copays, coinsurance, high annual max out of pocket cost and likely referrals.

Answered by Shawn Brown on March 26, 2025

Broker Licensed in FL, AL, CO & 7 other states

Answered by Shawn Brown Medicare Insurance Agent

Tammera Marrs · Answer

It depends on the individual's situation. Some clients prefer to have peace of mind knowing what their annual out of pocket costs are. Others do not want to spend what it costs for a high-end Medicare Supplement and prefer to assume they are healthy enough to not need major health care services.

Answered by Tammera Marrs on May 1, 2025

Broker Licensed in KS

Answered by Tammera Marrs Medicare Insurance Agent

Marie Terhune · Answer

Paying for high end supplement is worth it, in certain situations and is over kill in others! Talk with an agent to do an analysis of what is best for you!

Leslie Helene Sussman · Answer

Medicare Supplement plans all have premiums based on age/zip code.    Each year you could see an increase in premiums.   Medicare Supplement plans will aways increase as you get older unfortunately.  The last couple years the increases have been greater than ever before.

If you are someone that has medical concerns, sees many specialists, in the hospital several times a year it may be worth the monthly premium to keep your plan.

If your monthly premium is getting to be too much to afford along with other expenses, food, housing and other necessities - review with a local broker your plan choices.

There is a trial right period those on Medicare Supplement can switch to Medicare Advantage for the first time for 12 month period.    After 12 months if you decide you want to go back on your Medicare Supplement plan you may be able too.
See page 78 in your Medicare and You Handbook 2025.  Reach out to a local Medicare Broker with additional questions.

Steve Houchens · Answer

It depends on your personal needs and what you can afford. Some people feel more comfortable with a higher end plan and others may rather save the money. Much like some people prefer a luxury car while others like an economy car, both with get you to your destination. It’s a personal choice.

Answered by Steve Houchens on April 2, 2025

Agent Licensed in KY & TN

Answered by Steve Houchens Medicare Insurance Agent

Michael Kim · Answer

It is worth it for those who have many health issues who need to be able to see specialist without having to in a network, or paying copays.

Or for the person who travels alot and wants the flexibility to be able to see doctors in all 50 states without being in a network.

So it all depends on the person and their personal needs and wants.

DeeDee Whitlock · Answer

In my opinion as long as you stay healthy you can go without a Medicare supplement! BUT in case you EVER have anything serious medically you will not be any better covered than you will be with Medicare & Supplemental plan

Answered by DeeDee Whitlock on April 21, 2025

Broker Licensed in LA

Answered by DeeDee Whitlock Medicare Insurance Agent

Walt Smith · Answer

Medicare supplement with plan G is an excellent plan and is the best plan you could buy right now. The premium is reasonable and it covers everything that Medicare approves except for a calendar of deductible of roughly $240.

Answered by Walt Smith on April 28, 2025

Agent Licensed in NJ, PA & VA

Answered by Walt Smith Medicare Insurance Agent

Mike Henry · Answer

Depends on what other benefits you have in place. If you have other coverage it could be too much. I’d have to have more information

Robert Simm · Answer

That would be dependent on the coverage of what you might be receiving on a high-end Medicare supplemental plan, but in my professional opinion it would be overkill the reason why. Once these supplemental plans came to Market, the states quickly decided that they should have a standardized coverage so if you purchase a plan G from UHC it's the same plan G as a Physician's Mutual. The coverage is identical, the only difference is a premium.

Answered by Robert Simm on April 9, 2025

Broker Licensed in NC, AL, AR & 15 other states

Answered by Robert Simm Medicare Insurance Agent

Debra Weber · Answer

That in my experience is a safety net if you have any health issues. I have heard from many clients of how it covers all of their bills with no out of pocket except for the premium when they went into the hospital. I feel that is a personal decision that needs to fit the individuals needs and price point. With advantage plans you have co-pays and deductibles. With a supplemental you know exactly what your expenses are.

Answered by Debra Weber on March 31, 2025

Broker Licensed in PA, DE, FL & 5 other states

Answered by Debra Weber Medicare Insurance Agent

Is paying for a high-end Medicare Supplement plan really worth it, or is it overkill?

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Is paying for a high-end Medicare Supplement plan really worth it, or is it overkill?

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