Top Plan G Add-ons

Why Plan G Holders Need Add-on Coverage

Plan G covers almost all Medicare gaps except the Part B deductible. While it's excellent medical coverage, it doesn't address many healthcare-related expenses.

Smart add-ons fill the biggest remaining gaps without duplicating your existing comprehensive coverage.

Top Priority Add-ons for Plan G

1. Dental Insurance

This is the most important gap for Plan G holders. Medicare and Plan G provide zero coverage for routine dental care.

What Good Dental Plans Cover

• Preventive (100% coverage): Cleanings, exams, X-rays
• Basic (70-80% coverage): Fillings, extractions, periodontal care
• Major (50% coverage): Crowns, bridges, dentures

Cost vs Benefit Analysis

Monthly premiums: $30-$50. Annual maximums: $1,000-$2,500.

If you need a crown ($1,200) and two cleanings ($300), dental insurance saves you money even in year one.

2. Vision Coverage

Plan G covers medically necessary eye care but not routine vision services or eyewear.

Typical Vision Benefits

• Annual comprehensive eye exam
• $150-$300 allowance for frames
• Coverage for standard lenses
• Discounts on upgrades and contacts

When Vision Coverage Makes Sense

If you wear glasses or contacts, vision coverage usually pays for itself. Monthly premiums of $20-$35 are often less than one pair of glasses per year.

3. Long-Term Care Insurance

This represents the largest potential financial risk not covered by Plan G. Medicare only covers short-term skilled nursing care.

Long-Term Care Options

• Traditional LTC insurance: Pays for nursing home, assisted living, or home care
• Hybrid life/LTC policies: Life insurance with LTC benefits
• Annuities with care riders: Investment vehicle with care benefits

Cost and Timing Considerations

Apply while healthy. Premiums increase significantly with age and health issues.

A 65-year-old might pay $2,500/year for $150/day benefits. A 75-year-old could pay $4,000+ for the same coverage.

4. Hearing Aid Coverage

Medicare covers hearing tests but not hearing aids. Quality devices cost $2,000-$6,000 per pair.

Hearing Aid Benefits

• Annual hearing evaluations
• Allowances for digital hearing aids
• Professional fitting and adjustments
• Replacement batteries and accessories

Medium Priority Add-ons

Cancer Insurance

While Plan G covers cancer treatment costs, cancer insurance provides cash for non-medical expenses.

What Cancer Insurance Covers

• Lump sum cash payment upon diagnosis
• Income replacement during treatment
• Transportation to specialty facilities
• Experimental treatments not covered by Medicare

International Travel Insurance

Plan G includes limited foreign emergency coverage. Separate travel insurance provides broader protection.

When Travel Insurance Helps

• Extended international trips
• Medical evacuation coverage
• Trip cancellation due to health issues
• Coverage in countries Medicare doesn't cover

Lower Priority Add-ons for Plan G

Hospital Indemnity Plans

Since Plan G covers most hospital costs, these provide limited additional value.

Consider only if you want extra cash for comfort items or family expenses during hospital stays.

Critical Illness Insurance

Plan G covers medical treatment for critical illnesses. These plans mainly help with income replacement.

Accident Insurance

Plan G already covers accident-related medical costs. Limited additional benefit for most people.

Smart Shopping Strategies

Start With the Biggest Gaps

Dental coverage should be your first add-on. It's needed regularly and Medicare provides zero coverage.

Calculate Break-Even Points

For each add-on, calculate how much you'd need to use annually to justify the premium cost.

Example: Vision Coverage

Premium: $25/month ($300/year)

Break-even: One pair of glasses ($300) or eye exam ($150) plus contacts ($150)

Consider Waiting Periods

Many add-ons have waiting periods for major services. Enroll early to avoid delays when you need care.

Bundling vs Individual Policies

Bundled Package Pros

• Potential multi-policy discounts
• Single bill and customer service
• Coordinated benefits and claims

Individual Policy Pros

• Shop for best value in each category
• Customize coverage levels
• Change one policy without affecting others

Age-Based Add-on Strategies

Ages 65-70: Foundation Building

Focus on: Dental, vision, and long-term care insurance (while premiums are lower)

Ages 70-75: Health Maintenance

Add: Hearing aid coverage if needed, consider cancer insurance

Ages 75+: Practical Needs

Focus on: Services you actually use rather than adding new coverage

Budget Planning for Add-ons

Add-on premiums can quickly accumulate. A comprehensive package might cost:

• Dental: $40/month
• Vision: $25/month
• Hearing aids: $35/month
• Long-term care: $250/month
• Total: $350/month additional

Budget tip: Start with 1-2 add-ons that address your immediate needs. You can always add more coverage later as your budget allows.

Enrollment Timing and Health Requirements

No Health Questions

• Most dental and vision plans
• Basic hearing aid coverage

Limited Health Questions

• Cancer insurance
• Hospital indemnity plans

Full Medical Underwriting

• Long-term care insurance
• Some critical illness plans

Making the Right Add-on Choices

As a Plan G holder, you already have excellent medical coverage. Your add-ons should focus on services Medicare excludes entirely.

Dental coverage is almost always worth it. Vision coverage makes sense if you wear glasses. Long-term care insurance is important but expensive.

Avoid add-ons that duplicate your existing Plan G benefits. Focus on genuine gaps in your healthcare protection.

Plan G Add-on Success Strategy

Start with dental coverage—it's the biggest gap and most frequently needed.

Add vision coverage if you wear glasses or contacts.

Consider long-term care insurance while you're healthy and premiums are lower.

Evaluate other add-ons based on your specific health needs and budget.

Remember: Plan G provides excellent medical coverage. Your add-ons should complement, not duplicate, this strong foundation.