Medicare Supplement Plan D, explained.
Plan D is a quietly excellent option — it covers nearly everything Plan G does, and unlike Plans C and F, it’s still open to new enrollees. Its only real gap is Part B excess charges, which many states ban outright. May River Medicare compares every plan against your budget, at no cost.
Not the same as Medicare Part D (drug coverage) — this is a private supplement plan. All figures reflect 2026 amounts.
Medigap Plan D is not Medicare Part D. Medicare Part D is your prescription drug coverage. Medigap Plan D is a private supplement policy that helps pay your medical bills. Unlike Plans C and F, Plan D is still available to anyone new to Medicare — no pre-2020 restriction.
Three things to know about Plan D
Almost as strong as Plan G
Plan D covers the Part A deductible, skilled nursing, and foreign travel. The only difference from Plan G is that Plan D doesn’t cover Part B excess charges.
Open to new enrollees
Unlike Plans C and F, Plan D has no pre-2020 restriction — anyone new to Medicare can buy it.
A hidden gem in some states
In states that ban excess charges (like NY, CT, PA, OH, MA, MN, RI, VT), Plan D gives near-Plan-G protection, sometimes for less.
Exactly what Plan A does and doesn’t cover
What Plan D covers
- Part A hospital deductible ($1,736 in 2026)
- Part A hospital coinsurance — plus 365 extra days after Medicare benefits end
- Part B coinsurance or copayment (the 20% Original Medicare leaves you)
- Skilled nursing facility coinsurance
- First 3 pints of blood + Part A hospice coinsurance
- Foreign travel emergency care (80% after deductible, up to plan limits)
What Plan D does not cover
- Part B deductible ($283 in 2026) — you pay this once a year
- Part B excess charges (its only gap vs. Plan G)
- Prescription drugs (pair with a separate Part D plan)
- Routine dental, vision, or hearing
Plan D and Plan G are nearly identical — the single difference is that Plan G also covers Part B excess charges. Since most doctors accept Medicare’s approved amount (and some states ban excess charges entirely), that gap is often minor. If Plan D’s premium comes in lower than Plan G in your area, it can be excellent value — and we’ll show you both side by side.
Who Plan D tends to fit
Wants near-complete coverage, open to new enrollees
If you want Plan-G-level protection and your doctors accept Medicare assignment, Plan D can deliver almost the same coverage.
Especially in no-excess-charge states
If you live where excess charges are banned, Plan D’s only gap essentially disappears — making it a smart, potentially lower-cost choice.
No Medigap plan includes prescription coverage — you’ll pair Plan A with a separate Part D plan. And your best enrollment window is the 6-month Medigap Open Enrollment Period (starting when you’re 65 and on Part B), when carriers can’t deny you or charge more for health conditions.
Is Plan D your hidden gem? Let’s find out.
We’ll put Plan D side by side with Plan G and Plan N using real rates from 30+ A-rated carriers, so you can see whether Plan D gives you near-identical coverage for less in your area. Free, no pressure, no carrier bias.
May River Medicare Insurance is an independent agency and is not affiliated with or endorsed by the U.S. government, the federal Medicare program, or CMS. Medigap benefits are federally standardized; premiums vary by carrier, age, location, and tobacco use. Figures reflect 2026 amounts published by CMS and independent sources. For a complete list of your options, contact Medicare.gov or 1-800-MEDICARE.