Medicare Plan N vs. Plan G: Choosing the Best Medigap Plan

Medicare Plan N vs. Plan G: Which Medigap Plan Is Right for You?

Choosing the right Medigap plan to supplement Original Medicare can make a big difference in your healthcare experience and budget. Medicare Plan G and Plan N are two popular Medigap options, each offering comprehensive coverage with some important differences.

Here’s a guide from Medicare.gov to help you determine which plan best suits your healthcare needs.

A Quick Overview

• Plans K & L show how much they'll pay for approved services before you meet your out-of-pocket yearly limit and Part B deductible. After you meet them, the plan will pay 100% of your costs for approved services.
• Plan N pays 100% of the costs of Part B services, except for copayments for some office visits and some emergency room visits.

What Is Medicare Supplement Insurance (Medigap)?

Medicare Supplement Insurance, commonly known as Medigap, helps cover out-of-pocket costs that Original Medicare doesn’t pay, such as copayments, coinsurance, and deductibles. These plans, available from private insurers, help Medicare beneficiaries manage their expenses and reduce financial stress.

• Popular Plans: Among the 10 standardized Medigap plans, Medicare Plan G and Plan N are two of the most popular for their balance of coverage and cost.

Not Sure which Medigap plan fits your needs? A Solace Advocate can provide expert guidance.

What Does Medicare Plan G Cover?

Medicare Plan G offers extensive coverage, often making it the choice for those who want minimal out-of-pocket costs. Here’s what it includes:

• Part A Coinsurance and Hospital Costs: Covers hospital expenses for up to 365 additional days after Medicare benefits are used up.
• Part B Coinsurance or Copayments: Covers Medicare Part B coinsurance, with no additional out-of-pocket costs.
• Blood (First 3 Pints): Covers the first three pints of blood needed in a medical procedure.
• Part A Hospice Care Coinsurance: Covers out-of-pocket expenses for hospice care.
• Skilled Nursing Facility Coinsurance: Provides coinsurance coverage for skilled nursing care.
• Foreign Travel Emergency Care: Covers 80% of emergency care costs outside the U.S., up to plan limits.

Not Covered: Plan G does not cover the Medicare Part B deductible, which is $257 (as of 2025). This is the only out-of-pocket expense beneficiaries will pay before Plan G covers the rest.

What Does Medicare Plan N Cover?

Medicare Plan N is another comprehensive Medigap plan, but it requires more out-of-pocket payments in exchange for lower premiums. Plan N covers the same categories as Plan G, with a few important differences:

• Part A Coinsurance and Hospital Costs: Just like Plan G, Plan N covers hospital costs up to 365 days beyond Medicare benefits.
• Part B Coinsurance or Copayments: Beneficiaries pay a copayment of up to $20 for doctor visits and up to $50 for emergency room visits that don’t result in admission.
• Blood (First 3 Pints): Covers the first three pints of blood needed.
• Part A Hospice Care Coinsurance: Covers out-of-pocket hospice expenses.
• Skilled Nursing Facility Coinsurance: Provides skilled nursing facility coverage.
• Foreign Travel Emergency Care: Covers 80% of emergency care costs outside the U.S., up to plan limits.

Not Covered: Like Plan G, Plan N does not cover the Medicare Part B deductible. However, it also does not cover Part B excess charges, which are additional fees charged by doctors who don’t accept Medicare’s approved rates.

Comparing Costs of Medicare Plan G vs. Plan N

While both plans offer excellent coverage, the cost differences can influence which plan might be better suited to your needs:

• Monthly Premiums: Plan N generally has lower monthly premiums than Plan G, making it attractive for beneficiaries looking to save on monthly costs.
• Out-of-Pocket Expenses: Plan G minimizes out-of-pocket expenses after paying the Part B deductible, while Plan N requires copayments for doctor and ER visits and does not cover Part B excess charges.

Example: A beneficiary with Plan G may pay a higher premium but incur lower out-of-pocket expenses. In contrast, a beneficiary with Plan N saves on premiums but may pay more for doctor visits, particularly when seeing specialists who charge excess fees.

Need help comparing Medigap costs? A Solace Advocate can help you find the best plan for your budget.

Who Should Consider Medicare Plan G?

Medicare Plan G is ideal for those who want comprehensive coverage and minimal out-of-pocket costs after meeting the Part B deductible. This plan may be a better fit for:

• Frequent Healthcare Users: If you see multiple providers or need regular medical treatments, Plan G can help reduce unexpected costs.
• People Who Travel Abroad: Plan G’s foreign travel coverage can be helpful for beneficiaries who travel outside the U.S. frequently.
• Beneficiaries Who Want Peace of Mind: With Plan G, you don’t have to worry about Part B excess charges or copayments for doctor visits, making it a more predictable option.

Solace advocates are covered by Medicare.

Who Should Consider Medicare Plan N?

Medicare Plan N may be the right choice for beneficiaries who are generally healthy and want to save on premiums, but who are willing to handle copayments. This plan is well-suited for:

• Cost-Conscious Beneficiaries: If you’re looking for lower premiums and are okay with copays for occasional doctor or ER visits, Plan N could be more economical.
• People with Minimal Medical Needs: If you rarely need medical care or prefer to pay per visit, Plan N can be a cost-effective solution.
• Beneficiaries Who See Medicare-Approved Doctors: Plan N does not cover Part B excess charges, so it’s ideal if your doctors all accept Medicare’s approved rates.

Looking for lower premiums with solid coverage? A Solace Advocate can guide you through your options.

Choosing between Medicare Plan N and Plan G

Both Medicare Plan G and Plan N offer valuable coverage to help manage the costs that Original Medicare doesn’t cover. Plan G is best for those who prefer comprehensive coverage with fewer out-of-pocket surprises, whereas Plan N offers a more budget-friendly option for healthier beneficiaries willing to handle occasional copayments.

To learn more about choosing the best Medigap plan for your needs, contact a Solace advocate to guide you through your options and help you make an informed choice.

FAQ: Frequently Asked Questions About Medicare Plan N and Medicare Plan G

Which plan is better: Plan G or Plan N?

Choosing between Medicare Plan G and Plan N depends on your healthcare needs and budget. Plan G offers more comprehensive coverage with fewer out-of-pocket expenses, making it ideal for those who frequently visit healthcare providers and prefer predictable costs. In contrast, Plan N has lower premiums but involves copayments for doctor visits and does not cover Part B excess charges, making it a cost-effective option for healthier individuals with fewer medical needs.

Does Medicare Plan N cover excess charges?

No, Medicare Plan N does not cover Part B excess charges. If your healthcare provider charges more than Medicare’s approved rate, you will be responsible for paying these additional costs. It's important to confirm if your doctor accepts Medicare's assignment to avoid unexpected expenses.

Are Plan G and Plan N available to all Medicare beneficiaries?

Yes, both Medicare Plan G and Plan N are available to Medicare-eligible beneficiaries seeking Medigap coverage. However, the cost and availability of these plans can vary by state and provider, so it's crucial to compare options in your area to find the best fit for your needs.

Can I switch from Plan N to Plan G if my needs change?

Yes, you can switch from Medicare Plan N to Plan G, but medical underwriting may be required. This process allows insurers to assess your health status and could affect your eligibility or premium rates. It's advisable to check with your insurer about their specific policies regarding plan changes.

Why does Plan G have a higher premium than Plan N?

Medicare Plan G typically has a higher premium because it provides more comprehensive coverage, including payment for Part B excess charges and no copays for doctor or emergency room visits. This extensive coverage results in more predictable out-of-pocket expenses, which is reflected in the higher premium cost.

Still have questions about Medigap? Contact a Solace Advocate for personalized insurance guidance.

This article is for informational purposes only and should not be substituted for professional advice. Information is subject to change. Consult your healthcare provider or a qualified professional for guidance on medical issues, financial concerns, or healthcare benefits.