What it is
Medigap Plan N is a Medicare Supplement plan sold by private insurance companies. It works alongside Original Medicare (Part A and Part B). Medigap is different from Medicare Advantage, which replaces Original Medicare rather than supplementing it.
Medigap plans are standardized by letter. That means a Plan N generally offers the same basic benefits no matter which company sells it. Plan N is among the plans sold to people newly eligible for Medicare, along with Plans A, B, D, G, K, L and M, and high-deductible Plan G. 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.
Plan N is often described as a middle-ground option. It may cover many Medicare cost-sharing gaps, but it can leave some smaller costs to the policyholder, such as certain office visit or emergency room copays and possible Part B excess charges. Massachusetts, Minnesota and Wisconsin standardize Medigap differently, so plans there may look different.
How it’s traditionally been approached
People have traditionally looked at Plan N when they want the predictability of a Medigap plan but are open to sharing a few small costs. Some weigh it against Plan G, which generally covers more of those smaller costs. Others compare it with lower-cost-sharing options or with Medicare Advantage.
Medigap offers real advantages. You may see any provider nationwide who accepts Medicare, without a network or referrals, and cost-sharing is generally predictable. The trade-offs are that monthly premiums are generally higher than many Medicare Advantage plans, and medical underwriting may apply outside open enrollment or guaranteed issue. You also need a separate Part D plan for drugs, and Medigap does not include routine dental, vision or hearing.
Medicare Advantage has its own strengths. Many plans have lower premiums, an annual out-of-pocket maximum, extra benefits and drug coverage. The trade-offs can include networks, prior authorization and copays. Neither path is wrong; the right fit depends on your health, budget, doctors and comfort with risk.
How the right licensed agent may help
A Medigap agent may help you compare Plan N with other Medigap plans side by side. A licensed, independent agent can generally explain what each letter covers and how different companies in your state may price them. They may also explain how the rules apply to your situation.
A conversation with an agent is usually a relaxed Q&A. You may be asked about your doctors, how often you use care, your budget and your timing. Helpful questions include: What would Plan N leave me to pay? How do Plan N and Plan G differ for me? Does underwriting apply to me? How might premiums change over time?
Rules such as open enrollment, guaranteed issue and birthday or anniversary rights 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 Medigap plan is about more than numbers. Knowing how your coverage works may bring peace of mind, and worrying about surprise bills can weigh on wellbeing. A plan that fits your comfort with risk may help you feel more at ease when you seek care.
Take your time and ask questions. Your health, finances and peace of mind are connected, and it is fine to compare several options. If you are also looking for care providers, Providers.plus may be a helpful place to explore.
Keep in mind
- Medigap Plan N is educational information here, not insurance, legal, tax or medical advice.
- 1-800-MEDIGAP is independent and privately run. It is not Medicare.gov, CMS or Social Security; official information is at Medicare.gov.
- Plan availability, underwriting and enrollment rules vary by state, and Massachusetts, Minnesota and Wisconsin differ.
- No plan is guaranteed to be best, and acceptance or savings cannot be promised.
Take the next step
- Talk with a Medigap agent ↗Jeff Cline on contacts.plus — a person, not a call center.
Not sure where to start? Answer a few gentle questions and choose who you’d like to hear from.
Call 1-800-MEDIGAP for more information
Frequently asked questions
What is Medigap Plan N?
Medigap Plan N is a standardized Medicare Supplement plan sold by private insurers. It generally helps pay some costs Original Medicare does not, while leaving a few smaller cost-sharing items to you. Details vary by state, so confirm with a licensed agent or Medicare.gov.
Is Medigap Plan N available to everyone?
No, availability depends on your eligibility, state and timing. Plan N is sold to people newly eligible for Medicare, but insurers may use medical underwriting outside open enrollment or guaranteed issue. A Medigap agent may help you understand your options.
How is Medigap Plan N different from Plan G?
Plan N generally involves sharing a few more small costs than Plan G, such as certain copays and possible Part B excess charges. Plan G generally covers more of those items. Which fits better depends on your needs and comfort with risk.
Does Medigap Plan N include prescription drug coverage?
No. Medigap plans do not include drug coverage, so you would generally need a separate Medicare Part D plan. Plan N also does not include routine dental, vision or hearing.
Can I use any doctor with Medigap Plan N?
Generally, yes. You may see any provider nationwide who accepts Medicare, with no network or referrals required. It is still wise to confirm with your provider that they accept Medicare.
Is Plan N better than Medicare Advantage?
Neither is better for everyone. Medigap offers broad provider choice and predictable cost-sharing, while Medicare Advantage often has lower premiums, an out-of-pocket maximum and extra benefits, with networks and prior authorization. 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.