The short answer
Some people consider keeping just Original Medicare with no supplement to save on premiums. It's legal, but it exposes you to real risk: Original Medicare pays about 80% of covered Part B services, leaving you the other 20% with no annual cap, plus hospital deductibles. In a healthy year that might be manageable; in a serious year, it can be financially devastating.
Going bare saves a premium but trades it for unlimited downside — the opposite of what insurance is supposed to do.
What a bad year can cost
Picture major surgery, a cancer diagnosis, or a long hospital stay. Under Original Medicare alone, you'd owe the Part A hospital deductible (per benefit period), 20% of a potentially large Part B bill for treatments and doctor services, and more — with nothing stopping the total from climbing. There's no out-of-pocket maximum to catch you, as our guide to whether Medicare has an out-of-pocket max explains.
This is exactly the scenario a Medigap plan is built for: it turns that unpredictable 20% into a predictable premium.
How to weigh it
The premium savings from going without a supplement are real, but so is the risk. For most people, the peace of mind and cost predictability of a Medigap plan (or the capped exposure of a Medicare Advantage plan) is worth it. Going bare only makes sense for those with substantial assets who can truly self-insure a catastrophic year — and even then it's a gamble.
If cost is the concern, there are lower-premium ways to get protection, like a high-deductible Medigap plan. Our Medicare Supplement overview covers the options.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I have Original Medicare without a supplement?
Yes, it's allowed. But you'd face the 20% coinsurance and deductibles with no annual out-of-pocket cap, which is risky in a serious health year.
What could a bad year cost without a supplement?
Potentially a lot — the hospital deductible, 20% of large Part B bills for surgery or cancer treatment, and more, with no cap to stop the total from climbing.
Is going without a supplement ever a good idea?
Only for people with substantial assets who can truly self-insure a catastrophic year, and even then it's a gamble. Most people are better protected with a Medigap or Advantage plan.
Free Consultation
Have Questions About Your Situation?
Every Medicare situation is different. Our Wyoming and Utah advisors provide free, personalized guidance — no pressure, no obligation.