Medicare Supplement Plan N

With over 15 years of experience as a Medicare agent, I’ve helped countless people navigate the world of Medicare options. One plan that often stands out to my clients is Medicare Supplement Plan N.

In this guide, I’ll explain everything you need to know about Plan N so you can make an informed decision about whether it might fit your insurance needs.

Here’s what we’ll cover:

• Overview of Medigap Plan N (what’s covered and not covered)
• Plan N vs. Plan G
• Plan N premium costs
• Real-life scenarios
• How to enroll in Plan N

I’ll also compare Medigap Plan N to Medicare Advantage and explain why I believe Medigap Plan N is the superior choice.

Let’s start with an overview of Plan N.

What Is Medicare Supplement Plan N?

Medicare Supplement Plan N is one of the standardized Medigap plans designed to work alongside Original Medicare, which includes Medicare Part A (hospital insurance) and Part B (medical insurance).

Plan N’s primary purpose is to help pay for certain out-of-pocket costs that Original Medicare doesn’t cover, such as copayments, coinsurance, and deductibles.

Plan N offers a balanced level of coverage with generally lower premiums compared to more comprehensive Medigap plans like Plan G or Plan F. In exchange for these lower premiums, beneficiaries are responsible for some out-of-pocket costs when they receive medical services.

Specifically, Plan N requires a copayment of up to $20 for some office visits and up to $50 for emergency room visits that do not result in admission.

Medigap Plan N is a popular choice for people who want comprehensive coverage but are willing to pay a small amount out-of-pocket for certain services in order to save on premiums.

The plan is available through private insurance companies, and although the benefits are standardized by federal law, premiums can vary by provider and location.

What Does Medigap Plan N Cover?

Plan N includes:

• Coverage for Medicare Part A Coinsurance and Hospital Costs: Including up to an additional 365 days after Medicare benefits are exhausted.
• Coverage for Part B Coinsurance: While you may have a small copay for doctor visits ($20) and emergency room visits ($50), Plan N pays for the majority of Part B coinsurance costs.
• Skilled Nursing Facility Coinsurance: If you require skilled nursing care, Plan N will cover the coinsurance, which can save you thousands of dollars.
• Foreign Travel Emergency Coverage: Plan N includes up to 80% coverage for medical emergencies during international travel, up to plan limits.

What Does Plan N Not Cover?

Plan N provides great coverage, but it’s important to also be aware of what isn’t covered:

• Part B Deductible: You’ll need to pay the annual Part B deductible out of pocket ($283 in 2026).
• Excess Charges: Plan N doesn’t cover Medicare Part B excess charges, which occur when a provider charges more than Medicare’s approved amount.
• Prescription Drugs: Like all Medigap plans, Plan N doesn’t include Part D prescription drug coverage.
• Vision, Dental, and Hearing: These services are not covered by Plan N. However, standalone policies are available to fill this gap.

Medigap Plan N: Pros and Cons

Here are some pros and cons to help you better understand Medigap Plan N:

What Are Plan N Excess Charges?

Excess charges under Medigap Plan N refer to a specific type of fee that doctors who do not accept Medicare assignment can bill. To understand excess charges, it’s helpful to break down how Medicare billing works and how Plan N interacts with those rules.

When a doctor or healthcare provider treats a patient under Medicare, they have two choices:

#1. Accept Medicare assignment, meaning they agree to charge only the Medicare-approved amount for services.

#2. They do not accept assignment, meaning they can bill up to 15% more than the Medicare-approved amount. This additional fee is known as a Medicare Part B excess charge.‍

Most doctors do accept Medicare assignment, so excess charges are relatively rare, but they are legal in most states (except in a few that prohibit them, like New York and Pennsylvania).

Medigap Plan N does not cover these excess charges. So, if you receive care from a provider who bills above the Medicare-approved amount, you are responsible for paying the excess – up to 15% more than what Medicare would typically allow.

Here’s an example:

If Medicare allows $200 for a procedure and your provider accepts assignment, they charge only $200, and your costs are minimal with Medicare and Plan N.

If they don’t accept assignment, they can charge up to $230 ($200 + 15%).

Medicare reimburses 80% of $200, leaving you to pay 20% ($40) plus the extra $30 in excess charges, which Plan N doesn’t cover.

What’s the Difference Between Medigap Plan N and Plan G?

When it comes to choosing a Medigap (Medicare Supplement) plan, two of the most popular options are Plan N and Plan G.

Both plans offer significant benefits, but they differ in cost structure, coverage details, and overall value.

Plan G usually has higher premiums than Plan N, and costs depend on factors like age, location, and gender. However, it covers Medicare Part B excess charges and doesn’t require copayments for office or ER visits, making it a good choice if you want more predictable costs and frequent healthcare.

Plan N, on the other hand, has lower premiums, which is great if you’re looking to save money, but it does include copayments and doesn’t cover Part B excess charges.

Note: Plan G is the most comprehensive Medigap plan available to new Medicare enrollees since Plan F is no longer offered to those who became eligible for Medicare after January 1, 2020.

Here’s a detailed comparison of the two plans:

Coverage Comparison: Plan G vs. Plan N

With Plan G, your only out-of-pocket expense is the Medicare Part B annual deductible ($283 in 2026, though this amount may vary annually). After meeting this deductible, Plan G covers all eligible expenses, including any Part B excess charges.

Plan N requires you to pay the Medicare Part B deductible and any applicable copayments ($20 for office visits and $50 for ER visits). Additionally, if your provider charges Part B excess charges (up to 15% above the Medicare-approved amount), you’ll be responsible for those costs.

Plan G and Plan N are both widely accepted by healthcare providers that take Medicare, so with either plan, you’ll have no worries about network restrictions.

Both plans also offer coverage for foreign travel emergencies, making them suitable for those who travel internationally.

Plan G vs. Plan N: Which is Better?

The “better” plan depends on your individual healthcare needs and financial preferences.

Here are some key questions to ask yourself:

1. Do you visit doctors frequently? If so, Plan G may be better because of its comprehensive coverage and lack of copayments.
2. Are you on a tight budget? If keeping premiums low is your priority and you’re comfortable with some out-of-pocket expenses, Plan N might be a better fit.
3. Do you live in a state that allows Part B excess charges? If yes, Plan G’s coverage for these charges could save you money.
4. Are you willing to pay more upfront for peace of mind? If so, Plan G’s predictability might be worth the higher premiums.

To sum up: Plan G is ideal for those seeking comprehensive coverage, predictable costs, and protection from Part B excess charges, even with higher premiums.

Plan N suits healthier individuals comfortable with occasional copayments, lower premiums, and limited cost-sharing, especially in states that prohibit Part B excess charges.

How Much Does Medicare Supplement Plan N Cost?

The average monthly premium for Plan N is $99 to $200 per month.

Keep in mind rates can vary from state to state. Here are some premium ranges in various states for both Plan N and Plan G to help give you an idea:

These sample quotes are for a 65-year-old male nonsmoker. Your actual Medicare Supplement Plan N monthly premium depends on where you live and your personal health information.

Which Medigap Plan N Provider Is the Best?

The first thing to know is that all Medigap plans are standardized. So whether you’re considering Plan G or Plan N, it doesn’t matter which company you go with.

For example, Plan N from Cigna has the exact same benefits as Plan N from Aflac. Both plans work with Original Medicare to give you the same coverage, so you’ll get the same protections no matter which provider you choose.

What really sets companies apart are things like monthly premiums, customer experience, available discounts, and extra perks like dental, vision, and hearing coverage.

With that in mind, here is a comparison of several top Medigap providers, their premiums, and what makes them stand out above the rest.

Note: Quotes are for a 65-year-old nonsmoking female living in Dallas, TX.

Now that we’ve covered Plan N’s features and top providers, let’s look at some real-life scenarios of people who are enrolled in Plan N.

Real-Life Stories of People With Plan N

Here are four real-life stories of individuals who found Plan N to be the perfect solution to their healthcare needs.

#1. Barbara: Escaping Medicare Advantage Changes

Barbara had been on a Medicare Advantage plan for years, enjoying its low premiums and perks like gym memberships and vision coverage. But she grew frustrated with the plan’s yearly changes.

Each year, she had to review a new provider directory and deal with changes in copays and coverage. Her favorite cardiologist was suddenly out-of-network, and her hospital stay cost much more than expected.

After consulting an insurance advisor, Barbara switched to Medicare Supplement Plan N. Now, she has consistent coverage and can see any doctor who accepts Medicare without worrying about networks.

While she pays a small copayment for some visits, she’s relieved to have a simple, reliable plan that doesn’t change.

“Plan N has given me peace of mind,” Barbara said. “I no longer stress about surprise bills or losing access to my doctors.”

#2. Linda: Doctor No Longer Accepting Medicare Advantage

Linda was happy with her Medicare Advantage plan until her primary care doctor, Dr. Reynolds, announced he would no longer accept it due to low reimbursement rates. Losing Dr. Reynolds was tough – she had been his patient for over 10 years.

Finding a new doctor felt overwhelming, as many in-network physicians had long waitlists or poor reviews.

After some research, Linda switched to Medicare Supplement Plan N and was thrilled to learn she could keep seeing Dr. Reynolds, who accepted Medicare.

Plan N gave her the freedom to choose providers without network restrictions.

“I didn’t want to lose my doctor,” Linda said. “Plan N let me keep my relationship with Dr. Reynolds and feel confident in my healthcare choices.”

#3. Leroy: Against Network Limitations

Leroy had always been diligent about his healthcare choices. As he approached Medicare eligibility, he explored both Medicare Advantage and Medicare Supplement plans.

After weighing the pros and cons, he realized how important it was to have the freedom to visit any doctor who accepted Medicare.

“I don’t want to be limited by networks,” Leroy said. “If I need a specialist or have an emergency, I want to know that I can go to the best available doctor.”

Leroy chose Medicare Supplement Plan N because of its affordability and flexibility. The plan’s small copayments for office and emergency room visits were a minor trade-off for the peace of mind he gained.

Leroy has since recommended Plan N to several friends who value access to quality care.

#4. Tom: Flexibility for Snowbirds

Tom and Susan split their time between homes in Florida and Michigan. When enrolled in a Medicare Advantage plan, they constantly worried about whether their doctors in both states were in-network.

Scheduling check-ups or finding specialists in Florida during winter was a hassle.

Tired of the inconvenience, they switched to Medicare Supplement Plan N. Now, they can see any doctor who accepts Medicare, no matter the state.

Whether in Michigan for summer or Florida for winter, they no longer worry about network restrictions.

“Plan N works perfectly for our lifestyle,” Susan said. “We can enjoy our time in both states without stressing about healthcare.”

Stories like these show why people choose Medicare Supplement Plan N. Whether it’s avoiding annual plan changes, keeping a trusted doctor, or needing flexibility for travel, Plan N remains a reliable, flexible option for Medicare beneficiaries.

How Do I Enroll in Medigap Plan N?

Enrolling in Medigap Plan N involves a few key steps. First, you must ensure that you are eligible.

To qualify for Medigap Plan N, you need to be enrolled in both Medicare Part A and Part B. You also must live in the state where the Medigap policy is available. Most commonly, individuals become eligible when they turn 65, although some states allow people under 65 with disabilities to enroll.

The best time to sign up is during your Medigap Open Enrollment Period. This six-month window begins on the first day of the month you are both 65 or older and enrolled in Medicare Part B.

During this period, you have what are called guaranteed issue rights. These rights mean that insurance companies must sell you a policy regardless of your health status and cannot charge you more due to any pre-existing conditions.

Before enrolling, it’s important to compare different insurance providers. When comparing providers, consider factors such as monthly premiums, customer service, and the insurer’s financial strength.

Once you’ve selected a provider, the next step is to apply. If you apply during your Open Enrollment Period, your coverage will typically begin on the date you choose, often the first day of the next month.

Applying outside of this window may mean you are subject to medical underwriting, and your application could be denied or delayed based on your health history.

If you need help enrolling in a Medigap plan, feel free to contact our licensed agents. We’re happy to simplify the process for you.

Medigap Plan N vs. Medicare Advantage: Which Is Better?

When choosing between Medigap Plan N and Medicare Advantage, it’s important to understand that these are two fundamentally different approaches to healthcare coverage.

Both are designed to supplement Original Medicare, but they operate in very different ways and appeal to different priorities.

Medicare Advantage, also known as Medicare Part C, is an all-in-one alternative to Original Medicare. These plans are offered by private insurance companies and usually include coverage for hospital, medical, and often prescription drugs.

Medicare Advantage plans typically feature low or zero monthly premiums, but they come with network restrictions, meaning you may be required to use a specific set of doctors or hospitals.

There can also be high out-of-pocket costs, including copayments, coinsurance, and deductibles, especially if you need specialist care or receive treatment outside your network.

While Plan N does require small copays for doctor and emergency room visits and doesn’t cover the Medicare Part B deductible or excess charges, it still offers highly predictable and manageable out-of-pocket costs.

Five Reasons Why I Recommend Medigap Plan N

#1. Freedom of Choice

One of the greatest advantages of Medigap Plan N is the freedom it provides. With Plan N, you can see any doctor or specialist who accepts Medicare – no referrals, no networks. This is particularly important if you have preferred healthcare providers or anticipate needing care while traveling.

Medicare Advantage plans, by contrast, often limit you to a network of doctors and hospitals, with additional costs for out-of-network care. Even worse, some Advantage plans have narrow networks that may not include the top hospitals or specialists you need.

#2. Predictable Costs

Medigap Plan N offers a level of predictability that Medicare Advantage plans often lack. While you will pay a monthly premium for Plan N, your out-of-pocket costs are typically minimal.

Plan N includes small copayments for doctor visits and emergency room visits but eliminates surprise expenses like coinsurance for hospital stays or skilled nursing care.

Despite their low (or even $0) premiums, Medicare Advantage plans frequently have higher copays, deductibles, and out-of-pocket maximums.

Additionally, with Medicare Advantage, you could face high costs for specialized treatments, durable medical equipment, or extended hospital stays.

#3. No Hidden Trade-Offs

Medicare Advantage plans often advertise low premiums and added perks like gym memberships or dental care. However, these perks come with trade-offs.

Many Medicare Advantage plans require prior authorization for certain treatments or services, adding bureaucratic hurdles to your care. This can delay or even deny access to needed treatments.

With Plan N, your care decisions are between you and your doctor – no pre-approvals or insurance company interference. Furthermore, Medicare Advantage plans’ additional benefits often have significant limitations; for example, dental and vision coverage may be capped or only cover basic services.

#4. Superior Coverage for Serious Health Needs

If you develop a chronic condition or require extensive medical care, Medigap Plan N’s comprehensive coverage can save you thousands of dollars.

Medicare Advantage plans’ annual out-of-pocket maximums for in-network services can be as high as $9,250 in 2026, and that doesn’t include out-of-network costs, which can quickly add up.

With Plan N, you’re only responsible for the Medicare Part B deductible and small copayments, making it a more cost-effective option for long-term health needs.

In some cases, Medicare Advantage’s cost-sharing structure discourages beneficiaries from seeking care, potentially worsening their health outcomes.

#5. Stability Over Time

Another issue with Medicare Advantage plans is that they can change annually. Networks, costs, and benefits are subject to revision, which means your plan this year might not meet your needs next year.

This lack of stability can force you to switch plans or providers regularly, creating unnecessary stress.

Medigap Plan N, on the other hand, provides consistent coverage year after year, offering peace of mind and stability.

Why People Love Medicare Supplement Plan N

Medicare Supplement Plan N is an excellent choice for those who want:

• Lower Premiums: Compared to Plan G, Plan N often costs less monthly.
• Comprehensive Coverage: It covers most out-of-pocket expenses, including hospital stays and emergency care.
• Nationwide Access: Beneficiaries can visit any doctor or hospital that accepts Medicare.

While Plan N does not cover Medicare Part B excess charges and includes small copayments for some services, it remains a popular option for those seeking a practical, cost-effective solution.

Final Thoughts

Plan N typically shines for those who value choice and flexibility in their healthcare. It’s especially favorable for people who travel frequently or spend part of the year in different states since Medigap plans are portable and not tied to local networks.

Additionally, those who are willing to pay a modest monthly premium in exchange for greater provider access, fewer coverage surprises, and low, predictable costs often find Medigap Plan N the better choice.

While Medicare Advantage may appeal to those focused on upfront cost savings and are comfortable navigating plan networks, Medigap Plan N wins for people who prioritize broad provider access, predictable costs, and long-term peace of mind in their healthcare coverage.

If you’re looking for a Medicare solution that prioritizes your healthcare over the insurance company’s bottom line, Plan N deserves serious consideration.