What it is
Medigap Plan N is one of the standardized Medicare Supplement plans. It is sold by private insurance companies. It helps pay some costs that Original Medicare (Parts A and B) leaves to you, such as coinsurance.
Plan N uses copay-based cost sharing. Plan N may ask you to pay a copay for some office visits and emergency room visits. It also does not cover Part B excess charges. Your Medigap agent or the carrier can explain exactly how those pieces work for you.
Plans A, B, D, G, K, L, M and N (and high-deductible Plan G) are sold to people newly eligible for Medicare. Plans C and F are available only to people who became eligible before January 1, 2020. Plans E, H, I and J were discontinued and are not sold today. Massachusetts, Minnesota and Wisconsin standardize Medigap differently, so Plan N may not look the same there.
How it’s traditionally been approached
People have often compared Plan N with Plan G. Plan G generally has fewer out-of-pocket costs at the time of care. Plan N often has a lower monthly premium, with copays and possible excess charges as the trade-off. Which is better depends on the person.
Many people weigh how often they see a doctor against what they pay each month. Someone who expects few visits may lean one way. Someone who prefers predictable costs may lean another. Neither approach is wrong.
Medigap is also often compared with Medicare Advantage. Medigap lets you see any provider nationwide that accepts Medicare, with no network or referrals, and its cost sharing is predictable. Its trade-offs are generally higher monthly premiums, possible medical underwriting outside open enrollment or guaranteed issue, a separate Part D plan for drugs, and no routine dental, vision or hearing. Medicare Advantage often has lower premiums, an annual out-of-pocket maximum, extra benefits and drug coverage in many plans. Its trade-offs include networks, prior authorization and copays.
How the right licensed agent may help
A Medigap agent may help you sort through Plan N, Plan G and other options. A first conversation is usually relaxed. The agent may ask about your doctors, how often you get care, your health needs and your budget.
You might ask how Plan N's copays work in plain terms. You might ask what excess charges are and how likely they are where you live. You can also ask how the carrier handles rate changes over time. Ask which companies sell Plan N in your state.
Ask about enrollment timing too. Open enrollment, guaranteed issue and underwriting rules vary by state and change over time. Confirm current rules with Medicare.gov, your State Health Insurance Assistance Program (SHIP), or a licensed agent. Call 1-800-MEDIGAP for more information.
The bigger picture
Choosing a health plan is about more than numbers. For many people, peace of mind comes from knowing what to expect when they need care. A lower premium may ease monthly budget worries, while fewer surprise costs may ease worries about visits. Your own comfort matters.
Your wellbeing also includes feeling free to get care when you need it. Taking time to understand your choices may reduce stress. If you are also looking for care providers, Providers.plus may be a helpful place to start.
Keep in mind
- Plan N is not the right fit for everyone, and no plan is guaranteed to be best for you.
- Copays and excess charges can add to what you pay. Ask how they apply to your situation.
- Enrollment rules, including open enrollment and guaranteed issue, vary by state and change over time.
- This page is insurance education only, not insurance, legal, tax or medical advice. Official information is at Medicare.gov.
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Frequently asked questions
What is Medigap Plan N?
Medigap Plan N is a standardized Medicare Supplement plan sold by private insurers. It helps pay some costs Original Medicare leaves behind. It uses copays for some visits and does not cover Part B excess charges.
What are Plan N copays?
Plan N may require a copay for some doctor office visits and emergency room visits. The exact amounts vary, so a Medigap agent or the carrier can explain them. This page does not quote dollar figures because they change.
What is the difference between Plan G and Plan N?
Plan G generally leaves you with fewer costs when you receive care, and it covers Part B excess charges. Plan N often has a lower monthly premium but uses copays and does not cover excess charges. The right choice depends on your needs and budget.
Is Plan N a lower-premium alternative to Plan G?
Plan N is often priced lower than Plan G, though premiums vary by carrier, state and age. The lower premium comes with copays and possible excess charges. Compare both before deciding.
Can anyone buy Medigap Plan N?
Plan N is sold to people who are newly eligible for Medicare, but rules vary by state. Outside open enrollment or guaranteed issue, some carriers may use medical underwriting. Confirm current rules with Medicare.gov, your SHIP, or a licensed agent.
Is Plan H still available?
No. Plan H was discontinued and is not sold today, along with Plans E, I and J. People newly eligible for Medicare may look at plans such as A, B, D, G, K, L, M and N. Call 1-800-MEDIGAP for more information.
Educational resource. 1-800-MEDIGAP shares general information and connects people with independent licensed agents. It is not professional advice. Talk with a qualified professional about your own situation.