Medicare Supplement Plan N: Coverage, Costs & Is It Worth It?

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 for 2026:

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, up $26 from $257 in 2025) out of pocket each year, and you're responsible for any Part B excess charges from non-assignment providers. The standard Part B premium also climbed to $202.90/month in 2026 (up $17.90 from $185 in 2025), which is a separate cost everyone on Medicare pays regardless of Medigap plan.

For a broader look at what Original Medicare misses, see our guide on what Medicare doesn't cover.

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, which is $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 and ER copays).

For most people, this is a minor annual expense, but it's something to factor into your total cost calculation. Worth noting: Plan G also doesn't cover the Part B deductible, so this isn't a disadvantage unique to Plan N.

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.

The good news: The vast majority 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 either ban or significantly restrict excess charges through "Medicare Overcharge Measure" laws:

• Full ban states: Connecticut, Massachusetts, Minnesota, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, and Vermont
• New York caps excess charges at 5% rather than the federal 15% limit
• Connecticut additionally has extra protections for QMB beneficiaries

If you live in one of these eight 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. State-specific rules vary widely, so it's also worth reviewing Medicare Supplement rules by state before you enroll.

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.

Average Premium Comparison (2026)

National analyses peg the average 2026 Medigap premium across all plans at roughly $149.50/month, with Plan G averaging around $165.85/month at age 65 and climbing into the $250s by age 80. Plan N typically runs $20 to $45 less per month at every age band, with national Plan N averages clustering between $112 and $140/month overall.

Averages vary significantly by state, insurer, tobacco use, and pricing methodology. Real-world 2026 Plan N quotes range from the mid-$80s in markets like Des Moines to over $880 per month in high-cost metros like San Francisco. Always get personalized quotes from multiple carriers.

For a deeper look at premiums, see our complete breakdown of Medicare Supplement costs for 2026, or learn how to get Medigap quotes the smart way.

The Break-Even Calculation

With Plan N, you save roughly $20 to $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 (you pay this regardless of which plan you choose)
• 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 the best Medicare supplement plans of 2026 stack up, or compare the broader Medigap vs. Medicare Advantage decision before making your choice.

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:

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. If you're still eligible, Plan F (closed to those newly eligible after 2020) offers even more comprehensive coverage. Budget-focused shoppers might also explore High-Deductible Plan G, which trades a $2,950 annual deductible for significantly lower premiums.

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 in 2026:

Read our deep dive on AARP Medicare Supplement plans for a detailed look at one of the largest Plan N issuers, or see our full ranking of the best Medicare Supplement insurance companies of 2026. Our Cigna Medicare Supplement review digs into one of the most competitively priced Plan N options. 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.

Not sure whether to work with an agent or buy direct? Our guide on Medicare Supplement broker vs. direct breaks down the trade-offs.

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, so 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

For a closer look at what carriers ask, see our guide on Medicare Supplement underwriting and health questions.

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. A growing list of 16 states now offer annual "birthday rule" switching protections, with Delaware, Indiana, West Virginia, and Minnesota joining as 2026 additions. Connecticut, New York, Maine, and Massachusetts go further by allowing year-round or annual guaranteed-issue Medigap switching without medical underwriting.

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 (up $26 from $257 in 2025). 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, but 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. The vast majority 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 excess-charge protection states (Connecticut, Massachusetts, Minnesota, New York, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, or Vermont), 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 at age 75 and $185 at age 80 based on national averages. Premiums vary significantly based on your state, ZIP code, insurer, gender, tobacco use, and pricing methodology (attained-age, issue-age, or community-rated). Real-world 2026 Plan N quotes range from under $90 per month in low-cost markets to over $880 per month in high-cost metros like San Francisco, so getting multiple quotes is essential to find the most competitive rate.

Is Plan N better than Plan G?

Neither plan is universally better, since 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 $20 to $45 more per month than Plan N. If you visit the doctor fewer than 6 to 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, Connecticut, Maine, and Massachusetts, plus the 16 birthday-rule states) have more consumer-friendly rules allowing year-round or annual guaranteed issue. If you're considering switching, consult a licensed Medicare insurance broker to understand your options in your state.