Medicare Plan G and Plan N are the two most popular Medigap plans available. So what are the differences?
Medicare Plan N has lower premiums than Plan G as well as lower annual rate increases. In exchange for lower premiums, Plan N has some additional out-of-pocket expenses that you could incur.
The Differences Between Plan G and Plan N:
- Plan G has only one out of pocket expense (Annual Part B deductible), then 100% coverage
- Plan N also has this expense, but then possible co-payments
- If you visit the doctor frequently Plan G might be a better option
- Plan N is best for people who visit the doctor infrequently but still want great coverage
Medigap Plans are Standardized
Please note: There’s a standardization of Medigap plans across the USA except for Wisconsin, Minnesota, and Massachusetts.
You can find ten Medigap plans which are designated in letters. These letters run A – N, and although Plan A has the most basic coverage, the coverage doesn’t get better as you work your way down the alphabet.
Medigap Plans are offered by private insurance carriers and you can check rates and apply right through our website.
Standardized means each company offers the same benefits within each plan letter. Their premiums however are all different for the exact same coverage.
To be sure you’re not going to overpay, click the button below to view the different rates now from top carriers in your area.
View the Plans
Medicare Supplement Plan N Vs. G
What coverage do Plan G and N offer?
Both Plan G and N will offer coverage for almost all expensive services which traditional Medicare (Part A and B) does not cover. But you won’t get coverage for a deductible of Part B from either of these plans. You must pay this yourself out-of-pocket each calendar year.
However, you can expect coverage for Medicare Part B services such as doctor’s office visits. So, once you pay for your insurance policy’s deductible for a particular year, you’ll start getting coverage from both Medicare and your Medigap plan.
Medicare Plan G
Plan G offers better coverage than Plan N but at a higher monthly premium. Here are the areas that are covered by Plan G and not Plan N:
Plan G Coverage
- Part B copays and coinsurance for outpatient or doctor visits
- Copays for emergency room
- Excess charges for Part B
Medicare Plan N
Plan N Coverage
- Part B coinsurance
- Co-pay of up to $20 per doctor’s visit; None for telehealth visits
- $50 co-pay for emergency room visits if not admitted; None for urgent care visits
Items not covered by Medigap Plan N
Medicare Part B Excess charges:
These are quite rare, in fact, a recent study showed only 1% of providers even charge these.
The Majority of service providers that usually accept Medicare plans also accept the rates set by Medicare.
So, if your medical service provider doesn’t accept assignments they can charge up to 15% extra. Again this is incredibly rare, and doctor’s in the following states are not even allowed to charge these:
- CT
- MN
- OH
- PA
- RI
- VT
- MA
- NY
Copayments: You need to pay for all the copays. Most of the time, copayments lie between $0 to $20 for standard doctor’s visits. They will never be more than $20 per visit and do not apply to telehealth visits.
And in case you need emergency treatment at the hospital and you are not admitted, you’ll need to pay $50. This does not apply to urgent care visits.
Cost of Premium for Plan G and Plan N
Plans G and N are different in the coverage they offer and the monthly rate for each. In fact, the differences in monthly premium can often be up to $30 per month.
Remember, each carrier charges a different rate for the exact same coverage. So let us help, it’s FREE!
Plan N - Lower Premiums than Plan G
Due to its lower premiums (sometimes substantially lower) and lower rate increases, Medicare Plan N is usually a better decision than Plan G in our opinion.
Plan N often starts as low as $75 per month in some areas but still provides you with fantastic coverage and NO network.
Click the button below to view plans and rates for Plan N in your area and see how much you can save. You can even start the application process online.
Which plan should you choose?
The best plan is the one that helps you maintain your budget, lifestyle, and offers an amount of coverage that you’re comfortable with.
That being said, people who enroll in Medicare Plan G are usually those who need to due to a guaranteed issue situation where that is the only plan they qualify for, or they just don’t mind paying more to avoid the possible co-payments that could come with Plan N.
We are now seeing that most people love the value of Plan N, as well as the lower rates and increases each year. In our opinion in most cases, Plan N wins!
Click below to view the rates of both Plan G and Plan N in your area.
View the Plans
Final Considerations
Enrolling in either Medigap plan has never been easier.
Whether you’re new to Medicare, or your shopping for a better rate for Medigap insurance, we almost always have an option for everyone.
To get started, give us a call today at 1-888-891-0229.
Russell Noga is the CEO of Medisupps.com, an online Medicare Agency and resource center helping Medicare beneficiaries learn about Medicare, Medigap and Part D drug plans, and Medicare Advantage plans since 2009. Russell is licensed in all 50 states and has been featured as a keynote speaker, and author of several publications, along with hosting the very popular Medisupps.com Youtube channel.