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Medicare Supplement Plan A

Basic Core Benefits at the Lowest Medigap Premium

Monthly Premium
$60–$180/mo
New Enrollees
Available
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What Is Medicare Supplement Plan A?

Medicare Supplement Plan A is the most basic Medigap plan, covering only the core Medicare cost-sharing benefits. It has the lowest premium of any Medigap plan but leaves significant gaps - including the Part A deductible and skilled nursing facility costs.

Plan A is the baseline Medigap plan that all insurers are required to offer. It covers Part A hospital coinsurance (including extended stays beyond Medicare's 60-day limit) and Part B coinsurance, but nothing else.

The most significant gap in Plan A is the Part A deductible ($1,736 in 2026). A single hospital admission triggers this deductible, and Plan A provides no protection against it. For most people, the premium difference between Plan A and Plan N is modest enough that Plan N is the clearly better choice.

Key Highlights

  • Lowest premium of all Medigap plans
  • Covers Part A hospital coinsurance and Part B coinsurance
  • Does NOT cover Part A deductible, SNF coinsurance, or foreign travel
  • Required to be offered by all Medigap insurers
  • Limited protection - most enrollees benefit from Plan G or N

What Does Plan A Cover?

BenefitCoverage

Part A hospital coinsurance & costs (up to 365 days after Medicare benefits)

Covered

Part A hospice care coinsurance or copayment

Covered

Part A deductible ($1,736 in 2026)

You pay this yourself

Not Covered

Part B coinsurance or copayment

Covered

Part B excess charges

Not Covered

Part B deductible ($283 in 2026)

Not Covered

Blood (first 3 pints)

Covered

Skilled nursing facility coinsurance

Not Covered

Foreign travel emergency

Not Covered

All Medigap plans are standardized by federal law. Benefits are identical regardless of which insurer you choose.

Plan A Pros & Cons

Pros

  • ✓ Lowest monthly premium of any Medigap plan
  • ✓ Covers extended hospital stays beyond Medicare's limits
  • ✓ Covers Part B coinsurance - no bills for outpatient services
  • ✓ Available from all Medigap insurers

Cons

  • ✗ Does not cover the Part A deductible ($1,736) - significant exposure for hospital stays
  • ✗ No skilled nursing facility coverage
  • ✗ No foreign travel emergency coverage
  • ✗ Most people get better value from Plan G or Plan N

Frequently Asked Questions

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