Plan B Part A Excess
Plan B sits one notch above A: it adds the Part A deductible — the single largest hospital admission cost in Original Medicare — while keeping everything else identical.
| Coverage Item | Plan B Treatment |
|---|---|
| Part A deductible (2025: $1,676 per benefit period) | Fully covered |
| Part B coinsurance (after deductible) | 100% covered |
| Part B deductible | You pay |
| Skilled nursing coinsurance | You pay |
| Foreign travel emergency | Not covered |
The narrow middle ground
B exists for shoppers who want hospital-admission protection without paying N-tier premiums. In most states its niche is thin: it usually prices within $20–30 of Plan N, which covers more. Verify availability — not every carrier files a B rate in every state.
One hospital stay pays for itself
A single multi-day hospital admission costs $1,676 out of pocket under Plan A (per benefit period, repeatable). Under B, that is zero. If your savings-vs-A is under ~$30/month, the insurance math tilts to B. Check the ZIP-level pricing file for local rates.
FAQ
Why is Plan B rarely recommended?
It is priced too close to fuller plans in most markets; it survives where G/N rates are inflated.
Does Plan B cover excess charges?
No — only G and the legacy F/C cover Part B excess charges.
Related reading: All plans · Local pricing · Carrier board