$0 premium Medicare Advantage vs Medigap Plan G: what does each really cost?
On the surface, $0 premium MAPD looks free vs Medigap Plan G at $150–$200/month. But $0 premium plans have copays, networks, and an out-of-pocket maximum. Medigap Plan G has predictable costs after the $283 Part B deductible. Let's run the math.
Head-to-head
$0 Premium MAPD
$0/mo premium · Copays per visit ($0–$50) · OOP cap $4,000–$8,850 · Network restrictions · Includes drugs · Best for healthy, in-area
Medigap Plan G + Part D
$150–$200/mo Medigap + $30/mo Part D · $283/yr Part B deductible · Then $0 OOP · Any Medicare doctor · Best for predictability, snowbirds, major care needs
Our take
If you're healthy in your home area: $0 MAPD wins on average. If you have meaningful conditions, travel, or want predictability: Medigap G + Part D wins by a lot. Run YOUR specific doctors and drugs through both — call (866) 534-1886.
Frequently asked questions
Is $0 premium Medicare Advantage really free?
No. The $0 premium covers your monthly premium — you still pay copays, coinsurance, and deductibles when you use care. The annual out-of-pocket maximum is typically $4,000–$8,850 depending on the plan.
Which is cheaper if I'm healthy?
$0 premium MAPD if you barely use care. You pay $0/mo + maybe $200/yr in occasional copays. Medigap Plan G is $150–$200/mo plus $283 deductible = $2,083–$2,683 per year minimum even if perfectly healthy.
Which is cheaper if I have a major event?
Medigap Plan G usually wins for major events. After $283 deductible, you owe $0 — no matter the size of the bills. $0 premium MAPD costs you up to the $4,000–$8,850 annual OOP maximum.
What about prescription drugs?
Most $0 premium MAPDs include drugs. Medigap doesn't include drugs — you add a Part D plan at $5–$80/mo. The new 2026 $2,000 Part D OOP cap means even expensive drugs are capped — narrowing the cost advantage of MAPD's bundled drug coverage.
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