Medigap Plan B

Medigap Plan B adds the Medicare Part A hospital deductible on top of the core Plan A benefits. It’s a solid mid-tier option for beneficiaries who want hospital deductible protection without the higher premium of more comprehensive plans.

What Plan B Covers

Benefit	Covered
Medicare Part A coinsurance and hospital costs up to an additional 365 days after Medicare benefits are exhausted	✓
Medicare Part B coinsurance or copayment	✓
First 3 pints of blood	✓
Part A hospice care coinsurance or copayment	✓
Medicare Part A deductible	✓
Skilled nursing facility (SNF) care coinsurance	✗
Medicare Part B deductible	✗
Medicare Part B excess charges	✗
Foreign travel emergency (up to plan limits)	✗

How to Compare Plans

Because Medigap benefits are standardized by the federal government, Plan B covers the exact same benefits at every insurance company that sells it. The only difference between carriers is the premium — which can vary by 30–50% for the same plan and the same applicant. Working with an independent broker lets you see the full market and pick the lowest price for identical coverage.

Is Medicare Supplement Plan B Right for You?

Plan B is a modest step up from Plan A, adding coverage for the Part A hospital deductible ($1,736 per benefit period in 2026). This protects you from a significant out-of-pocket cost if you are hospitalized, particularly multiple times in a year. It is a reasonable choice for budget-conscious enrollees who want hospital deductible protection but don’t need broader coverage.

For most new Medicare enrollees, Plan G remains the more popular choice since it covers nearly all Medicare cost-sharing for a relatively small premium increase over Plan B. Because Medigap benefits are standardized, comparing premiums across carriers is the only step needed to find the best value — something an independent broker can do quickly at no charge.