When you enroll in Original Medicare (Part A and Part B), you may notice that there are some gaps in coverage—like deductibles, coinsurance, and copayments. That’s where Medicare Supplement Insurance, commonly called Medigap, comes in. One of the lesser-known but useful options is Medigap Plan B.

This article breaks down the benefits, costs, and details of Medigap Plan B so you can decide if it’s the right fit for your healthcare needs.

What Is Medigap Plan B?

Medigap Plan B is one of the standardized Medicare Supplement plans available in most states (Massachusetts, Minnesota, and Wisconsin have different rules). Like other Medigap plans, Plan B is sold by private insurance companies and is designed to help pay for certain out-of-pocket costs that Original Medicare doesn’t fully cover.

It’s important not to confuse Medigap Plan B with Medicare Part B—they are very different. Part B is part of Original Medicare and covers outpatient care, while Medigap Plan B is optional supplemental insurance.

What Does Medigap Plan B Cover?

Plan B provides a fairly basic set of benefits but still offers significant protection against high medical bills. Here’s what’s included:

• Medicare Part A coinsurance and hospital costs (up to an additional 365 days after Medicare benefits are used up)

• Medicare Part B coinsurance or copayments

• First three pints of blood for medical procedures each year

• Part A hospice care coinsurance or copayments

• Medicare Part A deductible

What Medigap Plan B Does Not Cover

Plan B leaves some gaps compared to more comprehensive options like Plan F or Plan G. It does not cover:

• The Medicare Part B deductible

• Skilled nursing facility coinsurance

• Part B excess charges (if a doctor charges more than the Medicare-approved amount)

• Foreign travel emergency care

For people who travel internationally or expect frequent skilled nursing care, another plan may be more suitable.

Comparing Medigap Plans

Costs of Medigap Plan B

The cost of Medigap Plan B can vary widely depending on your:

• Age

• Gender

• Location

• Tobacco use

• Insurance company’s pricing method (community-rated, issue-age-rated, or attained-age-rated)

On average, monthly premiums for Medigap Plan B typically range between $110 and $200 per month, but prices can be higher or lower based on your personal profile.

Remember that these premiums are in addition to:

• Your Medicare Part B premium ($185 per month in 2025 for most people)

• Any deductibles or costs not covered by Plan B

Shopping around is key—two companies may offer the same standardized Plan B coverage at very different monthly rates.

Who Should Consider Medigap Plan B?

Medigap Plan B may be a good fit if you:

• Want basic coverage for the largest hospital costs, plus the Part A deductible

• Prefer a lower monthly premium compared to more comprehensive plans

• Rarely travel outside the U.S.

• Don’t mind paying for services not covered (like skilled nursing facility coinsurance or foreign travel emergencies)

Enrollment Tips

• Best time to enroll: Your six-month Medigap Open Enrollment Period, which begins the month you’re both age 65 or older and enrolled in Medicare Part B. During this window, you can’t be denied coverage or charged more for health conditions.

• After this period, you may face medical underwriting or higher premiums, depending on your state’s rules.

• Always compare Plan B against other Medigap plans (like Plan G, which is currently one of the most popular) to see which offers the best balance of cost and coverage for your situation.

Bottom Line

Medigap Plan B offers solid coverage for major Medicare gaps, particularly hospital costs and the Part A deductible. It’s less comprehensive than some other plans, but it can be a smart, affordable choice for enrollees who want peace of mind without paying higher monthly premiums.

Before deciding, compare prices from different insurers, weigh your healthcare needs, and think about whether you’ll need benefits like skilled nursing or international travel coverage.