Below is a YouTube video by a prolific writer, Stephanie Abt. I love her videos - she's easy to listen to and usually has great content. But this video about problems with Plan G is not true. My comments will show you why.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fSmgxre7ZAA
1. Rate increases happen with ALL plans - this is not specific to G
2. "May" being the operative word. Insurance companies raise rates based on class/state/and other factors - not just because of the plan designation (i.e., N, G,, A, etc) so not really a "G" thing.
3. Never seen a company or an agent that only offered G. When consumers say
'I don't want copays": Plan G.
"I don't want a bill" : G is the only plan that covers Part B excess charges!
"I want a fixed cost so I don't have to worry" Plan G. It's just very often the right choice.
Plan N does NOT cover excess charges which leaves a huge amount of risk for the consumer. If you're excruciatingly healthy and rich, the other plans are fine. For pre-existing conditions? Limited income? less worry? Plan G every time.
4. This is not particular to G either; none of the medigap plans offer prescription, dental, vision, hearing, long term care or pay excess charges (only plan G pays excess charges). They WILL pay for medically necessary (not routine) issues related to mouth reconstruction, eye surgery, hearing surgery etc., things like that resulting from injury or disease. While long term care is not covered, the first 20 days in skilled nursing usually are although some plans don't.
Concerning changing plans, going down from G does not require underwriting. Going from a lesser plan to G always does require underwriting because you're taking on more coverage. Just like going from an A to an N would also require underwriting.
The only medigap plan (I know of) that does offer some extra benefits is Physician's Mutual and they have a regular G, High Deductible G, and a patented hybrid G that has a vanishing deductible after the 3rd calendar year at a lower cost than regular G but more than the full, permanent high deductible G. They provide a Silver & Fit membership, you can change Letter plans within the first 24 months, they cover Life Line Screenings and Thermal Mammograms. They don't spend money advertising but rather use it to beef up their funds so plans have historically single digit increases, if they increase at all, generally in the 2-5% range. You're welcome to call me for more information 430.999.2271.