Medicare Part B Deductible
Medicare Part B covers a range of medical services (both preventative and diagnostic). However, before your coverage kicks in, you must satisfy your Medicare Part B deductible. In 2024, the Medicare Part B deductible is $240 per year.
Beneficiaries with Medigap Plan G have to pay this cost out of pocket, but in exchange, Medigap Plan G premium rates are usually lower than the more comprehensive Medigap Plan F, which does cover the Part B deductible.
2020 and Beyond
As a result of Section 401 of the Medicare Access and CHIP Reauthorization Act (MACRA), supplement plans that cover the Medicare Part B deductible will be phased out Jan. 1, 2020. The two Medigap plans affected by this are Plan F and Plan C.
People who already have these types of policies will be exempt, but if you become eligible for Medicare on or after Jan. 1, 2020, Medigap Plan C and Medigap Plan F will no longer be options.
If you become eligible for Medicare prior to Jan. 1, 2020 and don't already have Plan C or Plan F, you may be able to buy either of them if they are available where you live.