Medigap Plan Comparison
Medicare Supplement Plan G vs. Plan N
Plan G generally leaves fewer Medicare-covered costs after the Part B deductible. Plan N may have a lower premium but adds limited copays and excess-charge exposure.
Quick answer: Both Plan G and Plan N cover the Part A deductible and most major cost-sharing gaps in Original Medicare. Neither covers the Part B deductible. Plan N may require up to a $20 copay for certain office visits, up to a $50 copay for certain emergency-room visits that do not result in an inpatient admission, and it does not cover Part B excess charges.
What Is the Main Difference Between Plan G and Plan N?
Plan G is designed for someone who wants the policy to cover more of the standardized Part B cost sharing after the annual Part B deductible. Plan N trades several smaller potential costs for what may be a lower monthly premium.
If you want the standalone coverage explanation before comparing the two, see Medicare Supplement Plan G Explained.
| Benefit or cost | Plan G | Plan N |
|---|---|---|
| Part A hospital deductible | Covered | Covered |
| Part B deductible | Not covered | Not covered |
| Part B coinsurance | Covered after the deductible | Covered except permitted office and ER copays |
| Certain office visits | No Plan G copay after the deductible | Up to $20 |
| Certain ER visits without inpatient admission | No Plan G copay after the deductible | Up to $50 |
| Part B excess charges | Covered | Not covered |
| Foreign-travel emergency | 80% within plan limits | 80% within plan limits |
Benefits are standardized, so the medical benefits of Plan G are the same across companies, and the medical benefits of Plan N are the same across companies. Premiums and carrier experience can differ.
How Do Plan N Copays Work?
Plan N permits a copayment of up to $20 for certain office visits and up to $50 for certain emergency-room visits that do not result in inpatient admission. These are maximums for qualifying visits, not automatic charges for every encounter.
Office visits
How an encounter is billed and processed determines whether the Plan N office-visit copay applies. Diagnostic tests or other services can process separately.
Emergency room
The permitted ER copay applies to certain visits that do not result in an inpatient admission. It is waived under the standardized rule when the visit results in inpatient admission.
Neither Plan G nor Plan N pays the annual Medicare Part B deductible. After that deductible, each plan pays according to its standardized benefits.
What Are Part B Excess Charges?
A provider who accepts Medicare but does not accept Medicare assignment may be permitted to bill more than the Medicare-approved amount for certain Part B services. The additional amount is called an excess charge.
Plan G covers Part B excess charges; Plan N does not. Excess charges are not the same as ordinary Plan N office copays, and they do not apply when a provider accepts assignment.
Ask the specific provider whether they accept Medicare assignment. A health system’s general Medicare participation does not necessarily answer the question for every clinician or service.
Which Plan Costs Less?
Plan N often has a lower premium than Plan G from the same carrier, but “often” is not a guarantee. Quotes vary by carrier, location, age, rating method, tobacco status, discounts, eligibility and approved rates.
Compare the annual premium difference, not only the monthly number. Then consider expected office and ER copays, possible excess charges and the value you place on simpler bills.
Annual premium
Multiply the monthly difference by 12 and include any discount requirements.
Expected use
Consider routine appointments and the chance of an emergency-room visit without admission.
Risk preference
Decide whether lower fixed premiums are worth accepting several variable costs.
Who Might Prefer Plan G or Plan N?
Plan G may fit if you:
- Prefer fewer bills after the Part B deductible
- Want coverage for Part B excess charges
- See providers frequently
- Value predictability more than the lowest current premium
Plan N may fit if you:
- Want strong coverage for major gaps
- Are comfortable with limited office and ER copays
- Will verify Medicare assignment
- Find the premium savings meaningful
Neither plan includes routine outpatient prescription coverage. Someone using Original Medicare with either plan generally compares a separate Part D plan.
Can You Switch Between Plan G and Plan N?
You may apply to switch, but acceptance is not guaranteed in every situation. Outside Medigap Open Enrollment or another protected right, medical underwriting may apply. State switching laws can protect only specified changes.
Do not cancel the current Medigap policy until the new policy is approved and its effective date is confirmed. When replacing Medigap, coordinate the 30-day free-look period and both premiums.
Plan G vs. Plan N Questions
Does Plan G cover the Part B deductible?
No. People newly eligible for Medicare cannot buy a Medigap policy that covers the Part B deductible. Plan G and Plan N both leave it to the policyholder.
Do I pay $20 for every visit with Plan N?
No. Plan N permits up to a $20 copay for certain office visits. Billing and claim processing determine whether it applies.
Does Plan N have a provider network?
A standard Plan N works with Original Medicare and generally does not use a local provider network. Medicare SELECT policies are an exception and may have provider requirements.
Is Plan N always cheaper than Plan G?
No. Plan N often has a lower premium, but actual rates vary. Compare current quotes from the same market and include discounts and rating method.
Which plan is better?
Plan G offers more standardized coverage for Part B cost sharing, while Plan N accepts limited cost sharing in exchange for possible premium savings. The better fit depends on the actual price difference and your preferences.
Independent Medicare guidance
Compare Medicare Supplement Options
Thompson Medicare Brokerage can help you compare plan benefits, premiums, enrollment rights and carrier options in Missouri and Illinois. Consultations are no-cost and no-obligation.
Thompson Medicare Brokerage is a non-government insurance agency. This page provides general educational information. Policy availability, premiums, underwriting, eligibility and enrollment rights vary by applicant, carrier, state and effective date.