Medigap Plan D – Coverage, Costs, and How It Works

The right Medicare Supplement plan for your needs can help cover out-of-pocket costs that Original Medicare (Parts A and B) doesn’t fully cover.

In 2023, the average monthly premium among Medigap policyholders was $217 , totaling $2,604 annually . With multiple supplement plans available, Medigap Plan D stands out for offering additional coverage without the higher premiums of some alternatives.

This guide covers Medigap Plan D’s coverage, costs, and comparisons to help you determine if it’s the right fit.

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Understanding Medigap Plan D Medigap Plan D is a standardized Medicare Supplement Insurance plan designed to cover out-of-pocket costs that Original Medicare doesn’t pay for.

What Does Medigap Plan D Cover? Medigap Plan D may help reduce healthcare costs by covering:

Medicare Part A coinsurance & hospital costs – Covers up to 365 additional days after Medicare benefits are used. Medicare Part A hospice care coinsurance/copayments – Helps cover hospice care services. Medicare Part B coinsurance/copayments – Covers 100% of the Part B coinsurance or copayment for Medicare-approved outpatient services, doctor visits, and medical treatments. Skilled nursing facility care coinsurance – Covers daily copayments for extended stays. First three pints of blood – Covers costs if a blood transfusion is needed. Foreign travel emergency coverage – Covers 80% of emergency medical costs abroad, up to plan limits. 💡 Tip: Plan D does not cover Medicare Part B excess charges , which means doctors may charge up to 15% more than Medicare’s approved rates if they do not accept Medicare assignment.

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Comparing Medigap Plan D to Other Supplement Plans While Medigap Plan D offers additional coverage , comparing it to Plan G and Plan N can help determine the best fit.

Medigap Plan D vs. Plan G: Key Differences Plan G covers Part B excess charges; Plan D does not. Both cover : Part A coinsurance, skilled nursing care, hospice care, and foreign travel emergencies. Plan G May Be Best for : Those wanting greater coverage , including protection against excess charges , at a slightly higher premium. Medigap Plan D vs. Plan N: Which One Is Right for You? Plan N requires copays for doctor/ER visits; Plan D does not. Neither covers Part B excess charges. Plan N generally has lower premiums but includes copays of up to $20 for doctor visits and $50 for ER visits . Plan N May Be Best for : Those who prefer lower premiums and don’t mind occasional copays . 💡 Tip: If you live in a state where excess charges aren’t allowed (e.g., Connecticut, Massachusetts, Minnesota ), Plan D may be as beneficial as Plan G without the extra cost .

Who Should Consider Medigap Plan D? If you want predictable healthcare costs without the highest premiums, Plan D may be a good option .

Ideal Candidates for Medigap Plan D Medicare beneficiaries whose doctors accept Medicare-approved rates . Those seeking additional coverage without paying the highest monthly premiums . People who don’t want copays , unlike Medigap Plan N . Retirees who travel abroad and need foreign emergency coverage . How To Determine If Plan D Fits Your Needs Ask yourself:

✅ Do you visit doctors who charge excess fees ? If yes, Plan G may be better. ✅ Do you want a plan that eliminates most out-of-pocket costs ? Plan D covers hospital stays, skilled nursing, and other major expenses without copays. ✅ Are you looking for a balance between cost & coverage ? Plan D has more coverage than Plan N but lower premiums than Plan G . ✅ Do you travel abroad ? Plan D’s foreign emergency benefits may be useful.

💡 Tip: Without Medigap coverage , frequent doctor visits could lead to significant out-of-pocket costs .

Costs & Enrollment for Medigap Plan D While Plan D provides additional coverage , its costs vary based on location, provider, and personal factors .

Monthly Premiums & Out-of-Pocket Costs Premiums: Typically range from $100 to $250 per month , depending on insurer, age, and location . Part B deductible: Unlike Plan G, Plan D does not cover the $257 (2025) Part B deductible . No Part B excess charge coverage: If a doctor charges more than Medicare allows , you pay the difference. 💡 Tip: Compare premiums, copays, and coverage to estimate your total annual healthcare costs .

When & How to Enroll in Medigap Plan D Best time to enroll : During your Medigap Open Enrollment Period (OEP) – a six-month window starting when you enroll in Medicare Part B at age 65+. Guaranteed issue rights : During Medigap OEP , insurers cannot deny coverage or charge higher premiums based on health. Late enrollment risks : After OEP, insurers may require medical underwriting , affecting costs or approval. No annual open enrollment : Unlike Medicare Advantage or Part D , Medigap does not have a set annual enrollment period . 💡 Tip: If switching from Medicare Advantage to Medigap Plan D , you must first return to Original Medicare (Parts A & B) before enrolling.

Factors That Affect Medigap Pricing Age-based pricing: Some insurers increase premiums as you age ( attained-age pricing ), while others offer community-rated or issue-age pricing for stable costs. Location: Urban areas often have higher premiums than rural regions . Tobacco use: Smokers may pay higher premiums . Household discounts: Some insurers offer discounts for spouses enrolling together. Market trends: Premiums may increase yearly due to inflation & market factors . 💡 Tip: Research an insurer’s premium increase history before enrolling to avoid unexpected rate hikes .

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Find the Right Medigap Plan for your needs with Healthpilot At Healthpilot , we simplify Medicare Supplement Plan selection by offering:

✅ Personalized recommendations – Compare plans based on cost & coverage . ✅ Side-by-side plan comparisons – See how Plan D stacks up against other supplement plans.

✅ Ongoing Medicare updates – Stay informed on plan changes and benefits .

📢 Your healthcare coverage should work for you—let Healthpilot help you find a Medigap plan that fits your needs.

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