My trip to the ER and Medicare Supplement HD G Plan

[shotgunner]

I remain very pleased with my decision to go with a High Deductible Plan G supplement to my traditional Medicare since 2022. On Jan 10th of this year I suffered a fall on black ice that resulted in a head strike. I was seen in a local ER. They evaluated my condition, cleaned the wound, took a CT Scan of my head and closed the wound with four staples. The ER billed $9080. My out of pocket cost totaled $381.65. My annual Part B deductible for 2026 was $283, a difference $98.65. My HD Plan G doesn't provide coverage until my total out of pocket cost hits $2950. The difference in premium between a full plan G and my high deductible plan is $113 per month less for high deductible. One month into the year, a trip to an ER for care and I am still ahead $ wise.

 

[FD1000]

I like my Advantage too. I had 2 surgeries in the last 2 years at about $40K each. I paid $370 and $415 out of pocket. I have been paying nothing monthly for several years. In 2026, it's at $27.
My calculations show I'm $6K ahead annually VS Plan G (not the high ded) including all the benefits I got.
We have access to great doctors in town and other states.

 

[shotgunner]

I like my Advantage too. I had 2 surgeries in the last 2 years at about $40K each. I paid $370 and $415 out of pocket. I have been paying nothing monthly for several years. In 2026, it's at $27.
My calculations show I'm $6K ahead annually VS Plan G (not the high ded) including all the benefits I got.
We have access to great doctors in town and other states.

I can't speak to Advantage Plans which have been collapsing in NH where I live. To me it was a calculated choice to go with an HD Plan G or pay the higher premiums for a "full" plan G when on traditional Medicare. I thought my post might be helpful to those who are weighing the pros and cons of that choice.

 

[aja8888]

Whether you are on traditional Medicare and a supplement, or on MA, the real key is having doctors and hospitals that accept your plan. Around here, the very large Memorial Herman hospital system (many doctors, hospitals and clinics) quit taking Humana MA plans permanently (unless a contract is signed someday). This is the Houston, Texas area.

 

[Koolau]

Whether you are on traditional Medicare and a supplement, or on MA, the real key is having doctors and hospitals that accept your plan. Around here, the very large Memorial Herman hospital system (many doctors, hospitals and clinics) quit taking Humana MA plans permanently (unless a contract is signed someday). This is the Houston, Texas area.

Have they stated why they no longer accept Humana MA?

 

[walkinwood]

I originally went with a G-HD plan. Financially, it was the best solution for me. I'm glad to hear that it is working for you too. Financially, for anyone in good health & with assets to meet the relatively low deductible (compare it to ACA plan deductibles), it probably is the best plan.

However, in my case, 3 months into the plan, in December, the provider (Globe Life) decided to stop selling medigap plans in Colorado. I didn't want to be in a dead pool, so I started looking for alternatives. I found that all the G-HD plans I looked at in Colorado had very low enrollment numbers (insured lives). Taken along with Globe getting out of the market, I decided that going with a G-HD plan in colorado was a risk. I did give United American a hard look, but in the end decided to go with a plan that had a high number of policies in the state.

Luckily, we can afford a G plan and I switched within my 6 month open enrollment period at the start of Medicare.

 

[Looking4Ward]

I'm in the process of switching back to Medicare from a UHC Advantage Plan and adding a UHC Plan G supplemental coverage with a $192 monthly premium and a third party Part D with $0 monthly premium.

The reason is I was diagnosed with Leukemia this month. I've had no issues with the Advantage Plan but I want to be able to see any specialist I want (like the CLL specialists at MD Anderson, who doesnt accept UHC Advantage but does accept Medicare) without needing a referral.

Since I signed up for the Advantage plan last summer when I turned 65, I had a one year "Trial" window in which I could cancel it, go back to Medicare, and enroll in a supplemental plan without needing underwriting.

Guaranteed acceptance.

I'll see how this current plan works out, I can always switch back to an Advantage plan during open enrollment with no underwriting required but it was a once in a lifetime chance to be guaranteed a supplemental plan.

 

[walkinwood]

The reason is I was diagnosed with Leukemia this month.

Good luck with your treatment. Wish you all the best.

 

[Koolau]

All the best to you Looking4Ward! We are all hoping for complete remission and cure.

 

[mf15]

Have F HD,very good. Had for the past 12 years still only 69/month. Back in 2021 190k hosp bill back then paid about 2800. But hosp billing a nightmare,to keep track of when older.
oldmike

 

[Koolau]

But hosp billing a nightmare,to keep track of when older.

Yes, I've often thought this was intentional.

I recall an episode of a favorite drama in which someone was reviewing pages and pages of a hospital bill. They found an entry for "MRS." IIRC the bill was around $80. After significant research the protagonist found that MRS stood for "Mucous Recovery System" - aka Kleenex. No idea if that is truly indicative of actual hospital bills, but it wouldn't surprise me too much.

 

[Buckeye]

I originally went with a G-HD plan. Financially, it was the best solution for me. I'm glad to hear that it is working for you too. Financially, for anyone in good health & with assets to meet the relatively low deductible (compare it to ACA plan deductibles), it probably is the best plan.

However, in my case, 3 months into the plan, in December, the provider (Globe Life) decided to stop selling medigap plans in Colorado. I didn't want to be in a dead pool, so I started looking for alternatives. I found that all the G-HD plans I looked at in Colorado had very low enrollment numbers (insured lives). Taken along with Globe getting out of the market, I decided that going with a G-HD plan in colorado was a risk. I did give United American a hard look, but in the end decided to go with a plan that had a high number of policies in the state.

Luckily, we can afford a G plan and I switched within my 6 month open enrollment period at the start of Medicare.

We initially started with United American when we discovered G-HD as an option in FL. No issues with the policy and the insurance group that sold us the policy provided excellent service. We switched to UHC when they finally started offering G-HD because we use the free gym membership benefit and their price was slightly lower. My husband qualified for a lower rate than normal because his prior 9 years with UHC on Plan N (what a waste of money!).