Plan G vs. Plan N: Comparing Medicare Supplement Plans
Plan G and Plan N are popular Medicare Supplement options with similar benefits but different premiums and out-of-pocket costs. First Choice Consulting, LLC helps you compare both plans based on your healthcare needs, budget, and preferences.
Understanding Plan G and Plan N
Medicare Supplement insurance, also called Medigap, helps with certain out-of-pocket costs associated with Original Medicare.
Plan G and Plan N are standardized Medicare Supplement plans in most states. This means the benefits included under each plan letter are standardized, although premiums can vary between insurance companies.
Plan G vs. Plan N at a Glance
The biggest differences involve how much cost sharing you may have after Original Medicare pays its portion.
| Consideration | Plan G | Plan N |
|---|---|---|
| Medicare Part B deductible | Not covered* | Not covered* |
| Certain office visits | No Plan N-style copay | Up to $20 copay |
| Certain ER visits | No Plan N-style copay | Up to $50 copay** |
| Part B excess charges | Covered | Not covered |
| Premiums | May be higher | May be lower |
*For people newly eligible for Medicare on or after January 1, 2020. **The Plan N emergency room copayment can apply when the visit does not result in an inpatient admission.
Premiums vary by insurer and individual circumstances. The table is a general comparison and should not replace reviewing the specific policy available to you.
What Should You Consider When Comparing Plans?
The decision involves more than choosing the plan with the lowest premium.
Monthly Premium
Compare the cost of each policy while considering the potential out-of-pocket expenses associated with the coverage.
Healthcare Use
Think about how frequently you visit healthcare providers. Plan N's potential copayments may be more relevant if you regularly use outpatient services.
Cost Predictability
Consider how you prefer to manage healthcare expenses. You may prefer a potentially higher premium with fewer covered cost-sharing responsibilities or a potentially lower premium with additional costs when certain services are used.
Provider Considerations
Both plans work with Original Medicare and generally allow you to use healthcare providers who accept Medicare. With Plan N, consider whether Part B excess charges could be relevant to providers you use.
How Does Plan G Work?
For people newly eligible for Medicare on or after January 1, 2020, Plan G covers the standardized Medigap benefits included under the plan except the Medicare Part B deductible.
After that deductible is met, Plan G generally provides broader coverage of Medicare-approved cost sharing than Plan N, including Part B excess charges.
This structure may appeal to people who prefer fewer covered out-of-pocket expenses in exchange for a premium that may be higher than Plan N.
How Does Plan N Work?
Plan N also provides broad supplemental coverage but requires additional cost sharing for certain services.
After the Medicare Part B deductible, Plan N may require copayments of up to $20 for certain office visits and up to $50 for certain emergency room visits that do not result in an inpatient admission. Plan N also does not cover Medicare Part B excess charges.
Depending on the insurer and your circumstances, premiums may be lower than Plan G.
What About Prescription Coverage?
Neither Plan G nor Plan N includes outpatient prescription drug coverage. If you want prescription coverage while using Original Medicare and Medigap, you can consider a separate Medicare Part D Prescription Plan.
Plan G vs. Plan N FAQs
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Which costs do both plans leave to me?
For people newly eligible for Medicare on or after January 1, 2020, neither Plan G nor Plan N covers the Medicare Part B deductible. Plan N also has certain additional cost-sharing responsibilities.
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Does Plan N always cost less than Plan G?
Not necessarily. Premiums vary by insurance company and individual circumstances. Compare actual available premiums rather than assuming one plan will always cost less.
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Does Plan N cover Part B excess charges?
No. Plan N does not cover Medicare Part B excess charges. Whether these charges are relevant can depend on the healthcare providers you use and applicable state rules.
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Is Plan G better than Plan N?
Neither plan is automatically better for everyone. Your budget, healthcare use, preferred approach to cost sharing, and other circumstances can influence which option you may want to consider.
Compare Plan G and Plan N With Confidence
Understanding the differences between Plan G and Plan N can make your Medicare Supplement decision easier. Our team can help you compare coverage and costs based on the factors that matter to you.