Medigap Plan D is one of those options that flies under the radar. Most of our readers come in asking about Plan G (the most popular) or Plan N (the value pick), and Plan D barely gets mentioned. But for the right person, Plan D actually hits a nice sweet spot — solid coverage at a lower price than Plan G, with only one meaningful gap.
We reviewed Plan D offerings from four carriers that actually sell it (not every insurer does), and compared pricing for a 70-year-old woman in Michigan as our benchmark. The spread between the cheapest and most expensive was about $40/month, which over a year is real money for identical coverage.
The one thing Plan D doesn’t cover that Plan G does: Part B excess charges. If your doctor charges more than Medicare’s approved amount, you’d pay the difference yourself. In practice, most doctors accept Medicare assignment, so this gap rarely matters. But it’s worth knowing about. Medicare rules and costs update annually, so verify the latest at medicare.gov or call your state’s free SHIP program. Still not sure? Drop us a line at [email protected] and we’ll help you sort through your options.
Quick answer: Plan D covers most Medicare gaps at a lower premium than Plan G. The only meaningful difference: Plan D doesn’t cover Part B excess charges (when doctors bill above Medicare’s approved amount). If your doctors accept Medicare assignment — most do — this gap rarely matters. UnitedHealthcare offers the lowest pricing in our comparison (~$146/month).
Best Medicare Supplement Plan D Providers in 2026
Medigap Plan D occupies a sensible middle ground in the Medicare supplement landscape. It covers most of the major gaps in Original Medicare at a more modest premium than the comprehensive Plan G.
Here are our top-rated Plan D providers.
What Medigap Plan D Covers
| Benefit | Plan D Coverage |
|---|---|
| Part A coinsurance and hospital costs (up to 365 extra days) | Yes |
| Part B coinsurance or copayment | Yes |
| Blood (first 3 pints) | Yes |
| Part A hospice care coinsurance | Yes |
| Skilled nursing facility care coinsurance | Yes |
| Part A deductible | Yes |
| Part B deductible | No |
| Part B excess charges | No |
| Foreign travel emergency (80%) | Yes |
Plan D covers nearly everything except the Part B deductible and Part B excess charges. If a doctor “balance bills” — charging more than Medicare’s approved amount — Plan D leaves you responsible for that difference. Plan G covers this; Plan D does not.
What Plan D Doesn’t Cover (vs. Plan G)
The key difference between Plan D and Plan G:
- Plan G covers Part B excess charges. Doctors who don’t accept Medicare assignment can charge up to 15% above Medicare’s approved amount. Plan G covers this; Plan D does not.
- Plan D is typically priced lower than Plan G because of this gap.
If you stick to Medicare-accepting doctors who take assignment, Part B excess charges are not a concern — making Plan D’s gap irrelevant in practice.
How We Chose the Best Plan D Providers
Since Medigap coverage is federally standardized, every Plan D policy offers identical benefits. We focused on:
- Bundled savings — Do they offer discounts for multiple policies?
- Customer service quality — Are they responsive and helpful?
- Financial stability — Can they pay claims reliably?
- Pricing — Are premiums competitive in your market?
Top Plan D Providers
1. State Farm — Best Overall
State Farm is our top pick for Medigap Plan D due to their combination of competitive pricing, excellent local agent access, and strong bundling opportunities with other State Farm policies (auto, home, life).
Key strengths:
- Available in 45 states
- 19,000+ local agents for in-person service
- Bundled savings on multiple policies
- Stable, long-established company (founded 1922)
- Competitive pricing: ~$162/month for a 70-year-old woman in Michigan
Pros:
- Personalized service through local agents
- Bundled discounts
- Competitive pricing in most markets
- Stable company with strong financial history
Cons:
- No options for dental, vision, or prescription coverage
2. Colonial Penn — Best Pricing
Colonial Penn has specialized in insurance for seniors for over 60 years. Their narrow focus on life insurance and Medigap gives them deep expertise in this specific market.
Key strengths:
- Available nationwide (except Massachusetts)
- Specializes exclusively in senior insurance products
- 30-day trial period
- Competitive premiums: ~$182/month for a 70-year-old woman in Michigan
Pros:
- Wide plan range
- Reasonable premiums
- No network restrictions
- Portable coverage
Cons:
- No online quoting; must call or request an agent appointment
3. Anthem — Best Discounts
Anthem’s scale as one of the largest insurers in the US translates to competitive premiums and the potential for discounts when bundling with health, dental, or other Anthem plans.
Key strengths:
- Available in most states (except Massachusetts, Minnesota, Wisconsin)
- Fitness program membership included with most plans
- Extensive provider network
- Affordable premiums: ~$186/month for a 70-year-old woman in Michigan
Pros:
- Broad national presence
- Competitive premiums
- Bundling options with health and dental
- Fitness membership included
Cons:
- Some claims have been denied at above-average rates in certain states
4. UnitedHealthcare — Best Customer Service
UnitedHealthcare’s AARP-endorsed plans offer the largest provider network in the US. Their Plan D is competitively priced and backed by robust customer service infrastructure.
Key strengths:
- AARP endorsement
- Nation’s largest provider network
- Competitive pricing: ~$146/month for a 70-year-old woman in Michigan (lowest in this comparison)
- Straightforward online quote tools
Pros:
- Competitive premium (among the lowest)
- Extensive provider network
- No age limit to enroll
- Online enrollment available
Cons:
- Coverage does not extend to all states
- Cancellation policies differ by state
Plan D vs. Plan G: Which Should You Choose?
If you primarily see doctors who accept Medicare assignment (which most do), Plan D’s gap on excess charges is rarely triggered. In that case, Plan D provides nearly identical protection to Plan G at a lower premium.
If you see specialists who may balance-bill, or if you want complete protection without tracking provider assignment status, Plan G is the safer choice.
Use our Medigap cost guide to get quotes for both plans in your area and compare the premium difference against your specific needs.