MedicareFAQ
HomeMedicare SupplementPlan B
Basic

Medicare Supplement Plan B

Basic Coverage Plus the Part A Deductible

Monthly Premium
$70–$200/mo
New Enrollees
Available
Talk to an Agent

What Is Medicare Supplement Plan B?

Medicare Supplement Plan B is one of the more basic Medigap options. It covers the Part A deductible and basic Medicare coinsurance but does not include skilled nursing facility coverage or foreign travel emergency benefits.

Plan B adds one key benefit over Plan A: it covers the Part A deductible ($1,736 in 2026). This is a meaningful protection since a single hospital stay can trigger this deductible. However, Plan B still leaves gaps in skilled nursing facility coverage and foreign travel.

For most people, Plan N offers better overall value than Plan B - it covers skilled nursing facility coinsurance and foreign travel emergency at a competitive premium. Unless your budget is extremely tight, it's worth comparing Plan N quotes before settling on Plan B.

Key Highlights

  • Covers the Part A deductible ($1,736 in 2026)
  • Covers Part A hospital coinsurance and Part B coinsurance
  • Does NOT cover skilled nursing facility coinsurance
  • Does NOT cover foreign travel emergency
  • One of the lower-premium Medigap options

What Does Plan B 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)

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

Plan B does not cover SNF 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 B Pros & Cons

Pros

  • ✓ Covers the Part A deductible - protects against large hospital bills
  • ✓ Lower premiums than Plan G, D, or N
  • ✓ Covers Part B coinsurance - no surprise bills for outpatient services

Cons

  • ✗ Does not cover skilled nursing facility coinsurance
  • ✗ No foreign travel emergency coverage
  • ✗ Does not cover Part B deductible or excess charges
  • ✗ Plan N often provides more coverage for a similar or lower premium

Frequently Asked Questions

Ready to Compare Medicare Supplement Plan B Quotes?

Our licensed Medicare agents compare rates from multiple carriers at no cost to you. Get your personalized quote in minutes.

Call (888) 335-8996