Medicare Supplement Plan N

Medicare Supplement Plan N is one of the most popular Medicare Supplement (Medigap) plans available to those on Original Medicare. Medigap Plan N is ideal for those who prefer great benefits, low copayments, and lower monthly premiums but do not want to forfeit their ability to utilize the freedoms that come with Original Medicare.

Below, we review Medicare Supplement Plan N, what it covers, and how you can benefit from having Plan N as your Medicare Supplement coverage.

What is Medicare Supplement Plan N?

Medicare Supplement Plan N is a standardized Medicare Supplement insurance plan available in most states throughout the U.S. As Medicare Supplement coverage, Plan N helps cover certain costs left by Original Medicate that would otherwise be yours to pay. This plan allows you to have the same great Original Medicare health coverage but at a fraction of the cost as your plan covers most of the financial responsibility.

Since the introduction of Medigap Plan N, enrollment has increased yearly. However, the popularity of this plan does not come as a shock as it is one of the most comprehensive Medigap plan available to those new to Medicare.

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Medicare Supplement Plan N Benefits

Medicare Supplement Plan N offers enrollees comprehensive benefits that combine with Original Medicare coverage. When enrolled in Medicare Supplement Plan N, you are only responsible for your Medicare Part B deductible, small copays at the doctor’s office, and excess charges if applicable in your situation.

With these benefits, those who enroll in Medicare Supplement Plan N only pay a fraction of the out-of-pocket costs they would otherwise be responsible for through Original Medicare.

While Plan N is not the most comprehensive Medicare Supplement plan available, it is a fantastic plan for those who are enrolled in Original Medicare and wish to have additional coverage but do not mind paying copayments and other small costs.

If you only receive care a few times each year during your preventative care appointments and wish to be covered in an emergency situation, Plan N might be the right plan for you.

What Does Medicare Supplement Plan N Cover?

Similar to Medicare Supplement Plan G in many ways, Medigap Plan N offers significant cost-sharing benefits to policyholders.

These benefits include:

• Medicare Part A coinsurance
• Medicare Part A deductible
• Foreign travel emergency care
• Medicare Part B 20% coinsurance (you are responsible for a $20 copayment for doctor office visits and $50 copayments for emergency room visits if not admitted.)

Keep in mind, you may be responsible for additional charges if you live or receive care in a state that allows Medicare Part B excess charges, as Medicare Supplement Plan N does not pay for these. However, most doctors accept Medicare assignment, so excess charges are rare.

Medigap Plan N Outline of Coverage Chart for 2023

The chart below compares Medigap Plan N to the other Medicare Supplement plans available nationwide. You can see how each plan stacks up next to one another regarding benefits and coverage. Remember, regardless of carrier, each Medigap plan offers standardized benefits across the U.S.

Medicare Supplement Plan N Copay Amounts

In exchange for lower monthly premiums, you are responsible for a copay when you enroll in Medicare Supplement Plan N. A copay of $50 is required when visiting the emergency room (if it does not result in inpatient admission), and a $20 copay is required for doctors’ appointments. Yet, there is no copay if you visit an urgent care center.

Thus, if you cannot get an appointment with your primary care physician, instead of going to the emergency room over something minor, you can go to urgent care and avoid copays.

How Much Does Medicare Supplement Plan N Cost in 2023?

The average cost of Medicare Supplement Plan N in 2023 is around $120-$180 per month. However, many factors determine premium cost. Premiums vary from one ZIP Code to another. Thus, in some areas, the monthly premium for Medigap Plan N can be as much as $400; in others, it can be as low as $70.

Your state of residence, gender, age, and tobacco use all play a part in determining your monthly premium rate. The chart below shows the Medicare Supplement Plan N premiums in three states for a non-tobacco-using female, age 65. You can see how premiums range depending on where you reside.

Medicare Supplement Plan N Reviews

The feedback we hear from clients who enroll in Medigap Plan N is positive. If you are prepared for the small copays that come with this option, Medigap Plan N can be an excellent choice for you.

Remember, when researching reviews for a specific letter plan, focus on reviews about the plan benefits, not the carrier. Often, the negative reviews stem from complaints about the carrier, not the plan.

However, when you decide to enroll in coverage, it is important to sign up with a carrier with good reviews in terms of customer satisfaction and company stability. Thus, carrier reviews are essential in this circumstance.

Medicare Supplement Plan N Rate Increase History

Among the factors that impact your monthly premium rates, the pricing method that your carrier uses can influence your premium over time. According to csgactuarial.com, premiums for Medigap Plan N increased between 2% and 4% in the last five years. These increases are lower when compared to Medicare Supplement Plan F and Plan G.

As Medigap Plan N benefits are the same from carrier to carrier, it is essential to discuss with your agent the rate increase history for the company you are considering. Additionally, you should research carrier reviews for Medigap Plan N.

What Carriers Offer Medicare Supplement Plan N?

Since Medicare Supplement Plan N is one of the most popular Medigap plans, most reputable insurance companies offer it. Many lesser-known carriers also offer Medigap Plan N. So, it is essential to understand the pros and cons of each carrier before deciding who to enroll with. Ultimately, your choice of companies depends on your location.

The top-rated carriers that are nationally available who offer Medicare Supplement Plan N include:

• Accendo – A subsidiary of Aetna
• Aetna – Offers 12-month rate protection on all Medigap plans
• Blue Cross Blue Shield – Offers plans in all states
• Cigna – Low rate increases
• Humana  – Customer service seven days of the week
• Lumico – Issues policies in 24 hours
• Mutual of Omaha – Offers the top Medicare Supplement plans
• UnitedHealthcare – No application fees

While the above is not a comprehensive list of carriers offering the plan, they are some of the highest-rated and most widely available companies.

When Do I Enroll in Medicare Supplement Plan N?

You can enroll in a Medicare Supplement plan with no underwriting health questions during your Medicare Supplement Open Enrollment when you first sign up for Medicare Part B. This window lasts up to six months following your 65th birthday or your Medicare Part B effective date.

Outside of this timeframe, you can enroll in a Medicare Supplement plan at any time of the year by passing underwriting. Being subject to underwriting health questions means that a carrier can deny your application for any reason.

Is Medicare Supplement Plan N Better than Medicare Advantage?

The answer to this question depends on your healthcare needs and financial goals. For people who do not need to visit doctors often and find Medigap plans to be out of their price range, a Medicare Advantage plan may be the better choice.

Yet, if you do not want to deal with restrictive doctor networks, a Medigap plan such as Medicare Supplement Plan N will better suit your needs.

Often, those who enroll in Medicare Supplement Plan N over Medicare Advantage plans want a safety net in case of a medical emergency. Medigap Plan N’s low premium and out-of-pocket costs make it an attractive option.

How to Compare Rates for Medigap Plan N

If you are looking to enroll in a Medicare Supplement plan, Plan N is a great option for coverage. You can depend on our licensed agents to review your options and leave you feeling confident about your plan choice. Complete our online rate form to review Medigap plans in your area and receive a free individualized Medicare Supplement Plan N comparison across multiple insurance companies.

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