People comparing Medicare Supplement (Medigap) coverage often consider Plan G and Plan N. Plan N may have a lower premium, but it can require copays for certain visits and does not cover Medicare Part B excess charges. The better total-cost fit depends on the premiums available to you, how you use care, and state rules.
What Plan N Is
Plan N is one of the standardized Medigap plans in most states, so policies with the same letter generally provide the same basic benefits regardless of insurer. Massachusetts, Minnesota, and Wisconsin standardize Medigap differently. Premiums, underwriting, discounts, rate history, customer service, and household eligibility can still differ by company.
What Plan N Covers
Plan N covers most of the same gaps as Plan G:
- Part A hospital deductible
- Part A coinsurance and hospital costs (plus 365 extra days)
- Part B coinsurance (except the small copays noted below)
- Part A hospice coinsurance or copays
- Skilled nursing facility coinsurance
- First three pints of blood
- Foreign travel emergency care, up to plan limits
What Plan N does not cover: the annual Part B deductible, and Part B excess charges (when a provider charges more than Medicare approves).
The Plan N Copays
The main difference from Plan G is that Plan N may require copays in two situations: up to $20 for some doctor office visits and up to $50 for emergency room visits that do not result in a hospital admission. Plan N also does not cover Medicare Part B excess charges. Premium differences vary and must be checked rather than assumed.
What Plan N Costs
Plan N premiums vary by insurer, age, location, rating method, discounts, underwriting status, and effective date. The standardized benefit label does not standardize the premium, future rate changes, customer service, or every state-specific rule.
Plan N vs Plan G
| Feature | Plan G | Plan N |
|---|---|---|
| Monthly premium | Higher | Lower |
| Office visit copay | None | Up to $20 |
| ER copay (not admitted) | None | Up to $50 |
| Part B excess charges | Covered | Not covered |
| Part B deductible | Not covered | Not covered |
Who Plan N Fits
Plan N may fit someone who accepts certain copays and exposure to excess charges in exchange for the premium available to them. Plan G may fit someone who places more value on covering Part B excess charges and avoiding Plan N's visit copays. Neither is universally better, and neither eliminates the Medicare Part B deductible.