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
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