Medicare Supplement Plan N
Lower Premiums with Modest Cost-Sharing
What Is Medicare Supplement Plan N?
Medicare Supplement Plan N strikes a balance between comprehensive coverage and affordable premiums. It covers most Medicare cost-sharing in full but includes modest copays for office and emergency room visits - making it an attractive option for healthy enrollees who want lower monthly costs.
Plan N has become increasingly popular as premiums for Plan G have risen. With Plan N, you get the same hospital coverage as Plan G - including the full Part A deductible - but pay lower monthly premiums in exchange for small copays when you see a doctor.
The key trade-offs with Plan N are: (1) up to $20 copay per office visit, (2) up to $50 copay per ER visit (waived if admitted), and (3) no coverage for Part B excess charges. For people who are generally healthy and primarily see doctors who accept Medicare assignment, these trade-offs can result in significant savings.
Plan N does not cover Part B excess charges. This means if you see a doctor who doesn't accept Medicare assignment, you could owe up to 15% above the Medicare-approved rate out of pocket. In states with 'balance billing' protections (like New York and Connecticut), this is less of a concern since excess charges are prohibited.
When comparing Plan N to Plan G, calculate your expected annual copay costs based on your typical healthcare usage. If you have 3–4 office visits per year, Plan N copays might total $60–$80 - far less than the premium difference. But if you're managing multiple chronic conditions with frequent specialist visits, Plan G's predictability may be worth the higher premium.
Key Highlights
- Premiums typically 20–30% lower than Plan G
- Covers Part A deductible and hospital costs in full
- Small copays: up to $20 for office visits, up to $50 for ER visits
- Does NOT cover Part B excess charges
- Good choice for healthy enrollees with infrequent doctor visits
What Does Plan N Cover?
Part A hospital coinsurance & costs (up to 365 days after Medicare benefits)
Part A hospice care coinsurance or copayment
Part A deductible ($1,736 in 2026)
Part B coinsurance or copayment
Covered except up to $20 copay for office visits, up to $50 for ER visits
Part B excess charges
You pay 100% of excess charges
Part B deductible ($283 in 2026)
You pay this once per year
Blood (first 3 pints)
Skilled nursing facility coinsurance
Foreign travel emergency (up to plan limits)
80% after $250 deductible, up to $50,000 lifetime
All Medigap plans are standardized by federal law. Benefits are identical regardless of which insurer you choose.
Plan N Pros & Cons
Pros
- ✓ Significantly lower premiums than Plan G - often $50–$100/month less
- ✓ Covers the large Part A deductible ($1,736) in full
- ✓ No network restrictions - any Medicare-accepting provider
- ✓ Includes foreign travel emergency coverage
- ✓ Good option if you're healthy and rarely need medical care
Cons
- ✗ You pay the Part B deductible ($283) yourself
- ✗ Up to $20 copay per office visit (waived if no charge is made)
- ✗ Up to $50 copay per ER visit (waived if admitted)
- ✗ Does NOT cover Part B excess charges - avoid doctors who don't accept Medicare assignment
- ✗ Could cost more than Plan G if you have frequent doctor visits
Frequently Asked Questions
Compare Plan N Rates by State
Plan N premiums are typically 20-30% lower than Plan G. Select your state below to see a full rate comparison from all available carriers.
More states coming soon. Rates shown are the lowest available from publicly filed rate data and may vary by age, gender, and zip code.
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