What Does Medicare Supplement Plan N Cover?
Medicare Supplement Plan N (also called Medigap Plan N) is a standardized insurance policy that fills in the gaps left by Original Medicare. It's one of the more popular plans available because it offers substantial coverage at a lower monthly premium than top-tier plans like Plan G. Here's a full breakdown of Plan N's benefit structure:
| Benefit | Plan N Coverage |
|---|---|
| Part A coinsurance & hospital costs | 100% (up to 365 extra days after Medicare ends) |
| Part A deductible ($1,736 in 2026) | 100% covered |
| Part B coinsurance | 100% — except copays (see below) |
| Office visit copay | Up to $20 per visit |
| Emergency room visit copay | Up to $50 (waived if admitted) |
| Skilled nursing facility coinsurance | 100% covered |
| Hospice care (Part A coinsurance) | 100% covered |
| First 3 pints of blood | 100% covered |
| Foreign travel emergency | 80% covered |
| Part B deductible ($283 in 2026) | ❌ NOT covered |
| Part B excess charges | ❌ NOT covered |
Plan N covers most of your major hospital and medical cost exposure — but two important gaps remain. You'll pay the annual Part B deductible ($283 in 2026) out of pocket each year, and you're responsible for any Part B excess charges from non-assignment providers.
Medicare Savings Tip
Plan N's Two Key Exclusions Explained
Understanding what Plan N does not cover is just as important as knowing what it does. These two exclusions are the main reason Plan N's premiums are lower than Plan G's.
The Part B Deductible
Every year, before Medicare starts paying for outpatient services, you must meet the Part B deductible — $283 in 2026. Plan N does not cover this amount. You'll pay it once per calendar year, and after that, Plan N picks up your Part B coinsurance (minus the applicable office/ER copays).
For most people, this is a minor annual expense — but it is something to factor into your total cost calculation.
Part B Excess Charges
This is the bigger concern for many Plan N holders. When a doctor does not accept Medicare assignment, they can charge up to 15% above Medicare's approved rate. Plan N does not cover these excess charges — meaning you're responsible for that difference out of pocket.
Excess Charge Risk
The good news: Over 98% of providers who accept Medicare also accept Medicare assignment, which means they agree to bill at the Medicare-approved rate and cannot charge you excess fees. Additionally, eight states ban excess charges entirely: Connecticut, Massachusetts, Minnesota, New York, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, and Vermont. If you live in one of these states, Plan N's excess charge exclusion is largely a non-issue.
To confirm whether your doctor accepts Medicare assignment, use the Medicare Care Compare tool at Medicare.gov.
Plan N vs. Plan G: A Side-by-Side Comparison
Plan N and Plan G are the two most popular Medigap plans for new enrollees today (Plan F was phased out for those newly eligible after January 1, 2020). The right choice between them depends on your health usage and risk tolerance.
Plan N
- Part A coinsurance (100%)
- Part A deductible covered
- Skilled nursing coinsurance
- Foreign travel emergency (80%)
- Part B deductible NOT covered
- Part B excess charges NOT covered
- Office visit copay (up to $20)
- ER visit copay (up to $50)
Plan G
- Part A coinsurance (100%)
- Part A deductible covered
- Skilled nursing coinsurance
- Foreign travel emergency (80%)
- Part B deductible NOT covered
- Part B excess charges COVERED
- No office visit copays
- No ER visit copays
Average Premium Comparison (2026 Estimates)
| Age | Plan G (Avg. Monthly) | Plan N (Avg. Monthly) | Monthly Savings with N | Annual Savings |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Age 65 | ~$166 | ~$123 | ~$43 | ~$516 |
| Age 70 | ~$190 | ~$148 | ~$42 | ~$504 |
| Age 75 | ~$205 | ~$165 | ~$40 | ~$480 |
| Age 80 | ~$240 | ~$195 | ~$45 | ~$540 |
Averages vary significantly by state, insurer, tobacco use, and pricing methodology. Always get personalized quotes.
The Break-Even Calculation
With Plan N, you save roughly $40–$45/month compared to Plan G. To break even, those savings need to be offset by your copay and deductible costs:
- Part B deductible: $283/year
- Office visit copays: Up to $20 each
- ER copays (if not admitted): Up to $50 each
If you visit the doctor 6 or fewer times a year, Plan N's premium savings will likely outpace your out-of-pocket costs. If you're a frequent care user or see non-assignment specialists regularly, Plan G's predictable zero-copay structure may be more cost-effective over time.
Learn more about how Plan G compares or explore the best Medicare supplement plans of 2026 for a broader side-by-side ranking.
Who Is Plan N Best For?
Plan N is an excellent fit for a specific type of Medicare beneficiary. Ask yourself these questions to see if you're a good candidate:
Pros
- Generally healthy with infrequent doctor visits
- You primarily see Medicare-assignment providers
- You want lower monthly premiums without sacrificing hospital coverage
- You live in a state that bans Part B excess charges
Cons
- You visit the doctor or ER frequently (copays add up)
- You see specialists who may not accept Medicare assignment
- You want complete cost predictability with zero copays
- You have complex chronic conditions requiring ongoing specialist care
Plan N is ideal for: Active, generally healthy seniors in their 60s who want to limit their fixed monthly expenses while still having robust protection against major hospitalization costs.
Plan G may be better for: Seniors who value complete predictability, see multiple specialists, or have conditions requiring frequent outpatient care.
Top Companies Offering Medicare Supplement Plan N
All Medigap plans are standardized by the federal government — meaning the benefits of Plan N are identical regardless of the insurer you choose. What differs is the price, financial stability, and customer service. Here are the top-rated companies offering Plan N:
| Company | A.M. Best Rating | Best Known For |
|---|---|---|
| Mutual of Omaha | A+ (Superior) | Competitive pricing, rate stability, large risk pool |
| UnitedHealthcare / AARP | A (Excellent) | Nationwide availability, brand recognition, digital tools |
| Aetna (CVS Health) | A (Excellent) | Easy online enrollment, household discounts |
| Humana | A (Excellent) | Bundled dental/vision add-ons, strong online support |
| State Farm | A++ (Superior) | Low complaint ratio, strong local agent network |
| Cigna / HealthSpring | A (Excellent) | Competitive rates, low complaint index |
Since all Plan N benefits are identical, compare on price first — then factor in rate increase history, financial strength, and customer service reputation. Use Medicare's official Medigap policy search to compare licensed insurers in your area.
Medicare Savings Tip
Enrollment Timing & Underwriting: What You Need to Know
When you enroll in Plan N can dramatically affect your eligibility and pricing.
The Medigap Open Enrollment Period (OEP)
Your best window to enroll in any Medigap plan — including Plan N — is during your 6-month Medigap Open Enrollment Period. This begins the month you turn 65 and are enrolled in Medicare Part B. During this window:
- You have guaranteed issue rights — insurers cannot deny you coverage
- You cannot be charged more due to pre-existing health conditions
- You can enroll in any plan offered in your state
Outside the Open Enrollment Period
If you miss your OEP, enrolling in Plan N becomes significantly harder. Most states allow insurers to require medical underwriting, which means:
- You may be denied coverage based on health conditions
- You may face higher premiums or waiting periods
- Certain conditions may be excluded from coverage
Exceptions: You may have guaranteed issue rights outside the OEP if you lose employer coverage, if your Medicare Advantage plan leaves your area, or under other qualifying life events.
Don't Miss Your Window
Frequently Asked Questions About Medicare Supplement Plan N
Does Plan N cover the Part B deductible?
No, Plan N does not cover the Medicare Part B deductible, which is $283 in 2026. You must pay this amount out of pocket at the beginning of each calendar year before your Part B coverage kicks in. This is one of the primary differences between Plan N and more comprehensive plans. However, the annual deductible is relatively modest compared to the monthly premium savings Plan N provides over Plan G.
What are Part B excess charges and do I need to worry about them with Plan N?
Part B excess charges occur when a doctor does not accept Medicare assignment and charges up to 15% above the Medicare-approved rate. Plan N does not cover these charges, leaving you responsible for the difference. However, more than 98% of Medicare-participating providers accept assignment, so this risk is minimal if you verify your doctors beforehand. If you live in one of the eight states that ban excess charges (CT, MA, MN, NY, OH, PA, RI, VT), this exclusion is largely irrelevant.
How much does Medicare Supplement Plan N cost per month?
The average monthly premium for Plan N in 2026 is approximately $123/month at age 65, rising to around $165–$195 at age 75–80. However, premiums vary significantly based on your state, ZIP code, insurer, gender, tobacco use, and pricing methodology (attained-age, issue-age, or community-rated). Getting multiple quotes from different insurers is the best way to find the most competitive rate in your area.
Is Plan N better than Plan G?
Neither plan is universally better — the right choice depends on your health and usage patterns. Plan G offers more complete coverage with no copays and covers excess charges, but costs roughly $40–$45 more per month than Plan N. If you visit the doctor fewer than 6–8 times per year and see Medicare-assignment providers, Plan N's premium savings will likely outweigh your copay costs. If you're a frequent care user or want complete cost predictability, Plan G may be the smarter choice.
Can I switch from Plan N to Plan G later?
You can apply to switch from Plan N to Plan G at any time, but outside of your Medigap Open Enrollment Period, insurers in most states can require medical underwriting. This means you could be denied the switch or charged higher premiums based on your current health status. A few states (like New York and Connecticut) have more consumer-friendly rules allowing year-round guaranteed issue. If you're considering switching, consult a licensed Medicare insurance broker to understand your options in your state.