Plan A Basic Coverage Floor
Plan A is the cheapest standardized Medigap plan and the coverage floor every other plan builds on — it fills the big Original Medicare holes but leaves the Part B deductible and excess charges with you.
| Coverage Item | Plan A Treatment |
|---|---|
| Part A coinsurance & 365-day hospital reserve | Covered |
| Part B coinsurance (after deductible) | Covered 100% |
| First 3 pints of blood | Covered |
| Part B deductible | You pay |
| Skilled nursing coinsurance | You pay |
| Foreign travel emergency | Not covered |
Who Plan A actually fits
A fits healthy 65-year-olds who want the lowest entry price and accept rising out-of-pocket exposure. Because it covers the Part B coinsurance (the 20% — the biggest uncapped risk in Original Medicare), it is real insurance, not a token plan. Compare with the mid-tier Plan K file before deciding.
Pricing pattern
A is priced close to N in competitive markets, and occasionally close to G — when the gap is under ~$15/month, most advisors step up a letter. Run both quotes through the pricing-model analysis before signing.
FAQ
Is Plan A enough coverage?
It eliminates the 20% Part B coinsurance and Part A hospital coinsurance, but leaves the Part B deductible and skilled-nursing coinsurance with you.
Why is Plan A sometimes priced near Plan G?
Carrier pricing strategy — some carriers de-emphasize A. Compare letters and prices together on the plans board.
Related reading: All plans · Rate files · Carrier board