Medigap Plan D Benefits & Costs 2023

Medigap Plan D is a mid-tier Medicare Supplement Insurance option that covers 7 out of 9 standardized Medigap benefits. It is often compared to Plan N as a balanced choice for beneficiaries seeking more protection than basic plans, but without the full coverage of Plan F.

Plan D vs. Part D

Don’t confuse Medigap Plan D with Medicare Part D. Medicare Part D is prescription drug coverage, while Medigap Plan D is supplemental coverage that helps pay for certain deductibles, coinsurance, and copayments not covered by Original Medicare.

You can have both Medigap Plan D and a Medicare Part D prescription drug plan at the same time.

What Does Medigap Plan D Cover?

Plan D helps reduce your out-of-pocket costs under Medicare Parts A and B. It covers:

• Medicare Part A coinsurance and hospital costs (up to 365 additional days after Medicare benefits end)
• Medicare Part B coinsurance or copayment
• First 3 pints of blood
• Part A hospice care coinsurance or copayment
• Skilled nursing facility coinsurance
• Medicare Part A deductible ($1,632 per benefit period in 2025)
• Foreign travel emergency care – 80% of approved costs

What Plan D does not cover:

• Medicare Part B deductible ($257 in 2025)
• Medicare Part B excess charges

How Plan D Works With Original Medicare

Original Medicare leaves you responsible for several out-of-pocket costs. Plan D helps cover many of the gaps, lowering the amount you pay for hospital and medical care. For example:

• Hospital stays longer than 60 days come with daily coinsurance — covered in full by Plan D.
• Doctor visits and outpatient services usually require 20% coinsurance — covered in full by Plan D (after the Part B deductible).
• The first 3 pints of blood in a transfusion are not covered by Medicare — covered in full by Plan D.

Plan D Compared to Other Medigap Plans

Plan D offers more protection than Plan A or Plan B, but fewer benefits than Plan F or Plan G.

• Plan F: Covers everything Plan D does, plus the Part B deductible and excess charges (not available to new enrollees after Jan 1, 2020).
• Plan G: Similar to Plan F but does not cover the Part B deductible. Plan G is now the most popular option for new beneficiaries.
• Plan N: Covers most of the same benefits as Plan D, but with small copays for some doctor and ER visits.

Who Can Enroll in Plan D?

Plan D is available to all new Medicare beneficiaries. Unlike Plan C and Plan F, it was not closed to new enrollees in 2020. However, only about 1% of Medigap beneficiaries currently choose Plan D.

When to Enroll

The best time to enroll is during your Medigap Open Enrollment Period. This 6-month window begins once you are 65 and enrolled in Medicare Part B. During this time, insurers cannot deny you coverage or charge more based on your health.

Outside of this window, you may face medical underwriting unless you qualify for a guaranteed issue right.

Compare Plan D to Other Medigap Options

Use the grid below to see how Plan D stacks up against all other standardized Medigap plans.

Next Steps

If you’re considering Plan D, compare premiums and benefits in your state. Start with our Compare Rates tool or review state-specific plans. For personalized help, talk with a licensed insurance agent about whether Plan D meets your coverage and budget needs.