Medigap Plan N

What Is Medigap Plan N?

Plan N is a popular Medicare Supplement plan that offers substantial coverage at lower monthly premiums than Plans F and G. It's an excellent choice for Medicare beneficiaries who are healthy, don't visit doctors frequently, and want to reduce their monthly insurance costs while still maintaining good coverage.

Plan N provides comprehensive coverage for most Medicare out-of-pocket expenses but requires small copayments for certain services. This trade-off allows you to enjoy significantly lower premiums while still being protected from major medical expenses.

What Does Plan N Cover?

Plan N covers the following Medicare-approved costs:

• Part A coinsurance and hospital costs for up to 365 additional days after Medicare benefits end
• Part B coinsurance (except for office visit and ER copays)
• Blood (first 3 pints each year)
• Part A hospice care coinsurance
• Skilled nursing facility care coinsurance
• Part A deductible ($1,736 in 2026)
• Foreign travel emergency (up to plan limits) - 80% coverage

Plan N vs. Plan G

The main difference between Plan N and Plan G is cost versus coverage:

• Premium Savings: Plan N typically costs $20-$60 less per month
• Copayments: Plan N has small copays; Plan G has none
• Excess Charges: Plan N doesn't cover Part B excess charges; Plan G does

Annual Savings Example: If Plan N saves you $40/month in premiums ($480/year) and you visit the doctor 12 times per year, you'd pay $240 in copays. Your net savings would be $240 per year with Plan N.

Is Plan N Right for You?

Plan N may be your best choice if:

• You're relatively healthy and don't see doctors frequently
• You want to lower your monthly premium
• You're comfortable with small, predictable copayments
• Most doctors in your area accept Medicare assignment (don't charge excess fees)

Consider Plan G instead if:

• You see doctors very frequently (multiple times per month)
• You prefer zero copayments for maximum predictability
• You want coverage for Part B excess charges

What Are Part B Excess Charges?

Part B excess charges occur when a doctor doesn't accept Medicare assignment and charges up to 15% more than the Medicare-approved amount. However, this is rare:

• Over 95% of doctors accept Medicare assignment
• Some states prohibit excess charges entirely
• When they do occur, the maximum is 15% above Medicare rates

For most people, the risk of excess charges is minimal and doesn't justify paying higher premiums for coverage.

How Much Does Plan N Cost?

Plan N premiums vary by location, age, gender, and insurance company. Typical monthly costs:

• Ages 65-70: $100-$160 per month
• Ages 71-75: $120-$202.90 per month
• Ages 76-80: $140-$210 per month
• Ages 81+: $160-$240 per month