Medigap Plan N vs Plan G: Which Is Right for You
When shopping for a Medicare Supplement (Medigap) plan, there are many options. Plan G and Plan N are two of the most popular choices for people looking to fill in the coverage gaps of Original Medicare. While they share many similarities, there are key differences in cost, coverage, and how they handle out-of-pocket expenses. Understanding Medigap Plan N vs Plan G can help you choose the plan that best fits your healthcare needs and budget.
What Medigap Plans Have in Common
Both Plan G and Plan N are standardized Medicare Supplement plans, meaning the basic benefits are the same no matter which insurance company offers them. With either plan, you get:
- Coverage for Medicare Part A coinsurance and hospital costs (after the beneficiary uses up Medicare’s benefits) for up to 365 days
- Coverage for Part B coinsurance or copayment (with exceptions for Plan N – explained below)
- Blood coverage (first 3 pints per year)
- Part A hospice care coinsurance or copayment
- Skilled nursing facility coinsurance
- Part A deductible
- Foreign travel emergency coverage (up to plan limits)
Key Differences Between Plan G and Plan N
1. Part B Excess Charges
- Plan G: Covers 100% of Medicare Part B excess charges (extra costs you may be billed if your provider doesn’t accept Medicare’s standard payment).
- Plan N: Does not cover Part B excess charges; if your provider bills them, you’ll have to pay out of pocket.
2. Office Visit & ER Copays
- Plan G: No copays for office visits or ER (after Medicare pays its share).
- Plan N: You may pay up to $20 for some doctor visits and up to $50 for emergency room visits (waived if admitted to the hospital).
3. Monthly Premiums
- Plan G: Generally has higher monthly premiums because it covers more.
- Plan N: Often has lower monthly premiums but requires more cost-sharing through copays and the possibility of excess charges.
4. Part B Deductible
- Both plans require you to pay the annual Medicare Part B deductible before coverage kicks in (for 2025, it’s $257).
Watch our YouTube video on Medicare Advantage vs Medicare Supplements
Which Plan is The Best Fit
- Choose Plan G if:
- You want the most comprehensive coverage available to new Medicare enrollees.
- You prefer predictable costs and don’t want to worry about excess charges or visit copays.
- You see specialists who may charge more than Medicare’s approved amount.
- Choose Plan N if:
- You want a lower monthly premium and are okay with occasional copays.
- You typically see Medicare-assigned doctors who don’t bill excess charges.
- You’re healthy, visit doctors less often, and want to save on monthly costs.
Both Plan G and Plan N are strong options that can protect you from high out-of-pocket costs not covered by Original Medicare. The right choice depends on how often you use healthcare services, whether your providers accept Medicare’s payment terms, and how much you want to pay each month in premiums versus at the point of care.
When comparing, it’s smart to enlist the help of a licensed Medicare agent who get quotes for both plans from multiple carriers. Please note: premiums vary by carrier even though the benefits are standardized.