by Russell Noga | Updated May 10th, 2023
One of the frustrating things about being a Medicare member is that your Part A & B policies don’t cover all your out-of-pocket medical expenses. As a result, you end up having to cover the shortfalls they leave behind regarding your hospital and medical treatments and care.
Medigap policies fill this gap, ensuring you cover the remaining costs left behind by Medicare. Medigap policies come in ten different versions, each offering a different level of coverage. Medicare Part N is one of the most popular options due to the coverage it provides in medical emergencies and the low premiums associated with the monthly maintenance of your policy.
This review unpacks everything you need to know about Medigap Plan N. We’ll discuss the benefits, coverage, premiums, and providers.
What is Medicare Part N?
Yes. All insurers offer the same “standardized” benefits for Plan N Medigap policies. The Federal government regulates the industry, ensuring you get the same coverage between all providers. The industry standards are the result of the 2010 Modernization Act.
As a result, you’ll get the same benefits attached to Plan N with any provider you choose. However, some providers offer additional benefits over and above the standardized coverage for Plan N. We’ll discuss these benefits later.
Medicare Part N Coverage
Medigap Plan N will cover the following medical and hospital benefits in 2023.
- Part A coinsurance.
- Part B coinsurance – copays apply for doctors’ room and emergency room visits.
- Blood (first 3 pints).
- Part A hospice care coinsurance.
- Skilled nursing home coinsurance.
- Part A deductible.
- Foreign travel emergencies up to 80% of costs.
Medigap Plan N pays the deductibles and copays associated with Original Medicare Part A inpatient care in the hospital. The extended benefits mean you can spend up to a year in the hospital without paying additional charges.
Medigap Plan N also pays the 20% coinsurance left unpaid by Medicare Part B for outpatient services. Medicare will pay 80% of the fees, while Medigap plan N pays the additional 20% Part B coinsurance. You also get skilled Nursing facility coinsurance, allowing beneficiaries to spend up to 100 days in a skilled nursing facility without incurring out-of-pocket healthcare expenses.
Medicare supplement Plan N covers 80% of your foreign travel emergency care services for 60 days when traveling outside the United States. There’s a deductible of $250 for these services and a $ 50,000 lifetime maximum for this facility.
However, it’s important to note there are no out-of-pocket limitations on the Part A & B coverage received with Plan N. Plan N also covers the “vampire deductible” for the first three points of blood used in blood transfusions and procedures (Medicare only covers from the fourth pint).
Medicare Part N Copayments for Doctors and Emergency Rooms
Medicare Part N differs from plans like Medicare Plan G in that it requires you to make copayments for services. For instance, there’s a copayment of up to $20 for doctor’s visits and copays of up to $50 for trips to the emergency room where you aren’t admitted into inpatient care.
If you are admitted into the hospital, Part B covers you for hospital outpatient services. Depending on your state, the copays might differ, but the copay won’t be more than 20%. You don’t have to make the copayment immediately; you’ll settle it later.
What Does Medicare Supplement Plan N Not Cover?
Plan N doesn’t provide care for preventative treatments like vision, dental, hearing, and foot care or physiotherapy. However, some insurers, like Humana, offer beneficiaries coverage for these services.
Some insurers offering these additional benefits include them in your monthly premiums. Others, like Blue Cross Blue Shield, require you to take an additional policy for coverage at a small monthly fee. Plan N also doesn’t cover private nursing care or care at long-term nursing facilities.
Plan N Doesn't Cover Part B Excess Charges
Plan N doesn’t cover the Part B excess charges involved with seeing a doctor charging more than Medicare assignment rates. You’re liable for the additional charges if you see physicians working outside this rate.
These are quite rare, and on average less than 1% of all claims typically include Part B excess charges. If you use a doctor that accepts Medicare assignment, you will not be billed any excess charges.
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Annual Medicare Part B Deductible
Plan N Doesn’t Cover the Medicare Part B Annual Deductible
Like all other Medigap policies (except Plan F), Plan N doesn’t cover the Part B deductible of $226 for 2023. Plan F covers this deductible, but it’s no longer available for people eligible for Medicare after January 1, 2020.
How Much is the Deductible?
In 2023, the Medicare Part B deductible is $226. This will change slightly in 2024 and should be relatively close to this amount.
Those on Medicare Plan N will need to pay the first $226 of their medical expenses in 2023. After this is met, Medicare Part B will begin paying 80% of their medical bills.
Medicare Plan N Doesn't Cover Prescriptions
Medigap Plan N doesn’t provide coverage for your prescription medications. However, it does cover pain relief medications in hospices and respite care in skilled nursing facilities, with a $5 copayment. You must take the additional Part D plan if you want drug coverage.
Medicare Part N Cost
Each insurer charges different amounts for Plan N premiums, and the premium can vary by state. So, Humana might charge you one rate in one state, which might be more or less expensive in another. Insurers also consider your age, gender, and smoking status when setting your premium.
The average cost for a Plan N policy across all states and providers is between $100 and $180. Depending on influencing factors, some states and insurers might have premiums as high as $400 or as low as $120. Contact us or use our automated quoting tool to get the best rate on Plan N policy premiums in your state.
You can enroll in Medigap policies from the day of your 65th birthday. The “Open Enrollment” window lasts for six months from this date. If you take an approach from a provider in this window, you don’t have to undergo a medical underwriting. That means the insurer must issue you a policy, even if you have a pre-existing health condition.
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What is Medicare Plan N?
Medicare Plan N is a type of Medicare Supplement Insurance also known as Medigap. It’s designed to cover some of the out-of-pocket costs that aren’t covered by Original Medicare, such as copayments, coinsurance, and deductibles. It also offers coverage for foreign travel emergency care.
What does Medicare Plan N cover?
Medicare Plan N covers several costs including Medicare Part A deductible and hospital costs up to 365 days after Original Medicare benefits are used up, Medicare Part B coinsurance costs, the first three pints of blood used in a medical procedure, and 80% of foreign travel emergency care.
What is not covered by Medicare Plan N?
Unlike some other Medigap plans, Plan N does not cover Medicare Part B deductible or any excess charges, which are the costs that may exceed Medicare-approved amounts for doctors who do not accept Medicare assignment.
How much does Medicare Plan N cost?
The cost of Medicare Plan N can vary based on factors like your location, age, and the insurance company. On average, premiums can range anywhere from $70 to $200 per month. Our FREE quote engine on this page can give you accurate rates for Plan N in your area for your age. Just enter your zip code above
How is Medicare Plan N different from Plan G?
The main difference between Medicare Plan N and Plan G is that Plan G covers Medicare Part B excess charges, while Plan N does not. Plan N may also require a small copayment for certain office visits and emergency room trips.
Is prescription drug coverage included in Medicare Plan N?
No, prescription drug coverage is not included in Medicare Plan N. For prescription drug coverage, you would need to enroll in a separate Medicare Part D plan.
Can I switch from another Medigap plan to Plan N?
Yes, you can switch from one Medigap plan to another, including Plan N, but it’s subject to medical underwriting after the initial enrollment period unless you have guaranteed issue rights.
Does Medicare Plan N cover dental, vision, or hearing services?
No, Medicare Plan N does not cover routine dental, vision, or hearing services. For these types of coverage, you would need additional insurance.
When can I enroll in Medicare Plan N?
The best time to enroll in Medicare Plan N is during your Medigap Open Enrollment Period, which is a six-month period starting the month you’re 65 or older and enrolled in Medicare Part B.
Where can I purchase Medicare Plan N?
Call us today at 1-888-891-0229 to enroll in a Medigap Plan today and get your questions answered. Our service is FREE!
Russell Noga is the CEO and Medicare editor of Medisupps.com. His 15 years of experience in the Medicare insurance market includes being a licensed Medicare insurance broker in all 50 states. He is frequently featured as a featured as a keynote Medicare event speaker, has authored hundreds of Medicare content pages, and hosts the very popular Medisupps.com Medicare Youtube channel. His expertise includes Medicare, Medigap insurance, Medicare Advantage plans, and Medicare Part D.