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Choosing the right Medicare Supplement (Medigap) plan is an important decision for individuals managing healthcare costs. In this post, we will answer the question; why enroll in a Plan N.

Medicare Supplement Plan N can be a great plan option due to its balance of affordability and comprehensive coverage. Individuals considering their Medicare Supplement options may find the Plan N is the perfect fit for their healthcare needs.

Lower monthly premiums

One of the biggest advantages of Plan N is its cost-effectiveness. Although Plan N provides many of the same benefits as other Medigap plans, its premiums are generally lower than Plan G. This makes it a good option for individuals who want solid coverage without paying a high premium for benefits they may not use too often.

Comprehensive coverage

Plan N covers many out-of-pocket costs that Original Medicare does not, including:

• Medicare Part A hospital coinsurance and hospital costs for up to 365 days after Medicare benefits are exhausted
• Medicare Part B coinsurance (except for small copays)once the annual Part B deductible is paid
• First three pints of blood
• Part A hospice care coinsurance
• Skilled nursing facility (SNF) care coinsurance
• Limited foreign travel emergency coverage (80% up to plan limits)

Out-of-Pocket costs

Plan N offers lower premiums in exchange for reasonable cost-sharing amounts. This includes:

• Up to a $20 copay for doctors visits
• Up to a $50 copay for emergency room visits (this copay is waived if the enrollee is admitted)

These low out of pocket amounts costs are predictable and manageable.

Please note: Unlike Plan G, Plan N does not cover Medicare Part B excess charges. Although, this is usually not an issue for beneficiaries who visit doctors that accept Medicare assignment, as they agree to charge only the Medicare-approved amount.

Plan N is a great choice for individuals who:

• Want the freedom to use any provider that accepts Medicare assignment
• Want to save on monthly premiums and still have great coverage
• Do not mind paying a nominal copay for medical services

Freedom to choose any provider that accepts Medicare assignment

Unlike Medicare Advantage plans, which have network restrictions, Medigap Plan N allows beneficiaries to see any doctor who accepts Medicare assignment. This is beneficial for individuals who seek care in more than 1 state and want greater flexibility in choosing healthcare providers. This is especially helpful if the individual uses several providers to treat medical conditions or illnesses.

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Protection from high hospital costs

Hospital stays can be expensive, but Plan N covers Part A coinsurance and hospital costs beyond Medicare’s limits. This ensures that beneficiaries do not face excessive out-of-pocket costs for extended hospital stays allowing beneficiaries to focus on recovery.

Alternative to more expensive Medigap plans

For those who want comprehensive coverage without the higher Plan G premiums, Plan N provides a good balance between affordability and comprehensive coverage.

Why enroll in Plan N

Medicare Plan N is a good choice for:

• Individuals who want lower monthly premiums
• Those who are comfortable with small copays for doctor and ER visits
• Beneficiaries who may use more than one Medicare-approved provider
• People looking for nationwide coverage without restrictive networks

Medicare Supplement Plan N is a great choice for those who want a balance of affordability and comprehensive coverage. With lower premiums, predictable cost-sharing, and strong hospital coverage, it offers a practical solution for many Medicare beneficiaries. Beneficiaries should consult with a licensed Medicare agent before enrolling in any Medicare Plan to ensure the plan aligns with healthcare and financial needs.

Move To A Plan N Supplement

Move To A Plan N Supplement In this post, we are going to give you some reasons why you should Move To A Plan N Supplement.  The majority of seniors enrolled in an AARP Medicare Supplement plan (Also called Medigap) are in Plan F when the best choice would be AARP Plan N supplement.  Why are so many people enrolled in Plan F? What reason should they enroll in plan N instead?  In fact, there are a number of good reasons to consider this option.

First, we will look at why most people with an AARP supplement in Connecticut have Plan F.  Because Plan F has been around the longest most people are familiar with it.  It also has one of the highest premiums which makes consumers think it is the best choice.   On the other hand, Plan N has only been around for 3 years and is not as easy to understand compared to Plan F.

Plan F

Covers 100% of Medicare approved services not covered by Medicare A and B.  Plan N has some limited out of pocket costs ($50.00 for ER visit, $147.00 annual part B deductible, up to $20 for physician services).  All other benefits are the same as plan F.  The premium of plan N in CT is $145.50 a month vs. the Plan F premium of $218.50 a month representing a $876.00 a year premium difference.   The limited out of pocket costs of Plan N make it highly unlikely that anyone will have $876.00 in medical copays.  Only the highest of utilizers of care would be able to approach the number.

Those that want to make a change in Connecticut do not need to wait for the Annual Election Period.  You can switch from Plan F to Plan N any time of the year in Connecticut.   Because it is a guaranteed issue state for Medicare Supplement plans.

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If you would like more information about this healthcare plan or any other plan please contact us.  You can reach us either by phone at (203)796-5403 or by email at admin@croweandassociates.com.

Medicare Supplement Plan N was approved for enrollment on June 1, 2010. The plan is offered at a competative price point by Anthem BCBS and United Healthcare “AARP Branded”. They both offer plan N for around $150 a month depending on availability of discounts.

Plan N is a departure from other supplements in that is allows the physician to bill up to a max of $20 per visit. It also has a $50 emergency room copay and does not cover the part B deductible (disappointing) of $155 a year. Many seniors have been willing to give the plan a try in order to save $50 a month in premium. This has been especially true of those in plan F supplements. Plan J enrollees need to be careful as plan J is a closed plan an they will not be able to go back to it in the event they try plan N and decide they do not like it.

The most suprissing part plan N has been the low number of providers that actually bill any type of excess on the plan. Providers are allowed to bill up to $20 dollars but seem not to do so often. (That has been our limited experience so far anyway)

People switching from their current plan to Plan N do not need to pay the $155 part B deductible as it has already been met for the year. They will however be subject to the Part B deductible in 2011.