Understanding Medigap Plans in Florida
If you’re a Florida resident on Original Medicare, you’ve likely heard that a Medigap (Medicare Supplement) plan can help cover the gaps in your healthcare costs. Two of the most popular options are Plan G and Plan N, and choosing between them is one of the most important Medicare decisions you’ll make.
Talk to a licensed Medicare broker at The Big 65 to compare Plan G and Plan N options in Florida.
Both plans offer strong coverage, but they differ in monthly premiums, out-of-pocket costs, and how they handle certain expenses. This guide breaks down exactly how Plan G and Plan N compare for Florida beneficiaries so you can make a confident, informed choice.
What Is Medicare Supplement (Medigap) Insurance?
Medigap is private insurance that works alongside Original Medicare (Parts A and B) to cover costs that Medicare doesn’t fully pay. These include deductibles, coinsurance, copayments, and excess charges.
Medigap plans are standardized by the federal government, meaning a Plan G from one insurance company covers the same benefits as a Plan G from another. The difference between carriers comes down to pricing, customer service, and financial stability.
In Florida, Medigap plans are regulated by the state’s Office of Insurance Regulation, which provides additional consumer protections including a 30-day free-look period when you first enroll.
Plan G Coverage: What’s Included
Plan G is the most comprehensive Medigap plan available to people who became eligible for Medicare after January 1, 2020. It covers nearly all out-of-pocket costs associated with Original Medicare.
Plan G covers:
- Part A hospital coinsurance and costs: up to an additional 365 days after Medicare benefits are used
- Part B coinsurance or copayment: typically 20% of Medicare-approved amounts
- Blood: first 3 pints per calendar year
- Part A hospice care coinsurance or copayment
- Skilled nursing facility care coinsurance
- Part A deductible: $1,676 in 2026
- Part B excess charges: amounts above Medicare-approved costs
- Foreign travel emergency care: 80% coverage up to plan limits
The only standard Medicare cost Plan G does not cover is the Part B annual deductible ($257 in 2026). After you pay that deductible each year, Plan G covers essentially everything else.
Plan N Coverage: What’s Included
Plan N offers robust coverage at a lower monthly premium than Plan G. The trade-off is a small amount of cost-sharing at the time of service.
Plan N covers:
- Part A hospital coinsurance and costs: up to an additional 365 days
- Part B coinsurance or copayment: with some exceptions (see below)
- Blood: first 3 pints per calendar year
- Part A hospice care coinsurance or copayment
- Skilled nursing facility care coinsurance
- Part A deductible: $1,676 in 2026
- Foreign travel emergency care: 80% coverage up to plan limits
What Plan N does NOT cover:
- Part B deductible ($257 in 2026)
- Part B excess charges: if a doctor doesn’t accept Medicare assignment, you may pay the difference
- Copayments: up to $20 for some office visits and up to $50 for emergency room visits that don’t result in an inpatient admission
Plan G vs. Plan N: Side-by-Side Comparison
| Benefit | Plan G | Plan N |
|---|---|---|
| Part A hospital coinsurance | 100% | 100% |
| Part B coinsurance | 100% | 100% (with copay exceptions) |
| Blood (first 3 pints) | 100% | 100% |
| Part A hospice coinsurance | 100% | 100% |
| Skilled nursing facility coinsurance | 100% | 100% |
| Part A deductible | 100% | 100% |
| Part B deductible | Not covered | Not covered |
| Part B excess charges | 100% | Not covered |
| Foreign travel emergency | 80% | 80% |
| Office visit copay | $0 | Up to $20 |
| ER copay (no admission) | $0 | Up to $50 |
| Monthly premium (FL avg.) | Higher | Lower |
What Do Medigap Plans Cost in Florida?
Florida is one of the most competitive states for Medigap pricing due to its large Medicare-eligible population. Monthly premiums vary based on your age, zip code, gender, tobacco use, and the insurance carrier you choose.
Typical monthly premium ranges in Florida (age 65):
- Plan G: approximately $120 to $250 per month
- Plan N: approximately $80 to $180 per month
The premium difference between Plan G and Plan N in Florida typically ranges from $30 to $70 per month, which translates to $360 to $840 per year in savings with Plan N.
However, those savings need to be weighed against Plan N’s potential out-of-pocket costs. If you visit the doctor frequently, the copayments under Plan N can add up. For a deeper look at Medigap pricing, see our complete Medigap cost breakdown guide.
Florida-Specific Medigap Rules You Should Know
Florida has several consumer-friendly Medigap regulations that benefit enrollees:
Open Enrollment Protection
During your Medigap Open Enrollment Period (the 6-month window starting when you turn 65 and enroll in Part B), insurance companies cannot deny you coverage or charge higher premiums based on your health. This is the best time to lock in low rates on either Plan G or Plan N.
Birthday Rule
Florida’s Birthday Rule gives Medigap policyholders a 30-day window around their birthday each year to switch to a different Medigap plan of equal or lesser value from any insurer, without medical underwriting. This is a valuable protection that many states do not offer.
Rate Type Options
Florida insurers may use different rating methods:
- Community-rated (no-age-rated): everyone pays the same premium regardless of age
- Issue-age-rated: premium is based on your age when you first buy the policy
- Attained-age-rated: premium increases as you get older
When comparing Plan G and Plan N quotes, make sure you’re comparing the same rating type. Community-rated or issue-age-rated plans may cost more initially but can save money over time.
For a broader overview of all available options, read our Florida Medigap plans overview.
Who Should Choose Plan G in Florida?
Plan G may be the better choice if you:
- Want predictable healthcare costs: after paying the Part B deductible, you’ll have virtually zero out-of-pocket expenses for Medicare-covered services
- Visit doctors frequently: the absence of copayments means no surprise costs at appointments
- See specialists who may charge excess fees: Plan G’s excess charge protection can save you significant money
- Value peace of mind: knowing your coverage is as comprehensive as possible
- Have a higher healthcare utilization rate: the math often favors Plan G if you use many services
Who Should Choose Plan N in Florida?
Plan N may be the better choice if you:
- Are generally healthy and don’t visit the doctor frequently
- Want to save on monthly premiums: the $30 to $70 monthly savings can be significant on a fixed income
- Primarily see doctors who accept Medicare assignment: this eliminates the excess charge concern
- Don’t mind small copayments: $20 for an office visit is manageable for most budgets
- Prefer lower fixed costs and are comfortable with occasional small out-of-pocket expenses
The Math: When Does Plan G Save You Money Over Plan N?
Let’s look at a practical example for a Florida Medicare beneficiary:
Scenario: 65-year-old in Miami, FL
- Plan G monthly premium: $170
- Plan N monthly premium: $120
- Annual premium savings with Plan N: $600
With Plan N, potential additional annual costs:
- 12 office visit copays at $20 each: $240
- Part B excess charges (if applicable): varies
- Total additional Plan N costs: $240+ per year
In this scenario, Plan N still saves approximately $360 per year if you have 12 doctor visits annually and your doctors accept Medicare assignment. However, if you have 20+ doctor visits or see providers who charge excess fees, Plan G may come out ahead.
The breakeven point: if you visit the doctor more than about 25-30 times per year (with $20 copays each time), Plan G’s higher premium may actually save you money. Most healthy 65-year-olds visit the doctor 4-8 times annually, making Plan N the more economical choice in those cases.
Get a personalized Plan G vs. Plan N comparison for your Florida zip code from The Big 65.
Top Medigap Insurance Companies in Florida
Several major insurers offer competitive Plan G and Plan N rates in Florida:
- AARP/UnitedHealthcare: one of the largest Medigap providers nationwide with strong Florida presence
- Blue Cross Blue Shield of Florida (Florida Blue): well-known local carrier with broad provider networks
- Mutual of Omaha: competitive pricing and strong financial ratings
- Cigna: offers both community-rated and attained-age-rated plans
- Aetna: national carrier with competitive Florida rates
Rates vary significantly between carriers for the same plan, so comparing quotes from multiple companies is essential. An independent Medicare broker can help you compare options without bias toward any single carrier.
How to Enroll in Plan G or Plan N in Florida
Follow these steps to get the best Medigap coverage in Florida:
- Confirm your Medicare enrollment: you need both Part A and Part B before enrolling in a Medigap plan
- Enroll during your Open Enrollment Period: this 6-month window begins the month you turn 65 and are enrolled in Part B; guaranteed issue rights protect you from underwriting
- Compare quotes from multiple carriers: rates for the same plan can differ by $50+ per month between companies
- Choose your rating type: consider community-rated or issue-age-rated plans for long-term savings
- Work with an independent broker: a broker who represents multiple carriers can show you all available options
How Plan G and Plan N Compare to Medicare Advantage in Florida
Some Florida residents also consider Medicare Advantage (Part C) as an alternative. While Medicare Advantage plans may offer lower premiums and added benefits like dental and vision, they typically come with network restrictions, prior authorization requirements, and higher out-of-pocket costs when you need significant care.
Medigap plans like G and N let you see any doctor or specialist nationwide who accepts Medicare, with no referral requirements. For Florida residents who travel frequently or split time between states, this flexibility can be especially valuable. For a detailed comparison, see our guide on Medicare Advantage vs. Medicare Supplement in 2026.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Plan G or Plan N more popular in Florida?
Plan G is currently the most popular Medigap plan in Florida and nationwide. It became the go-to option after Plan F was closed to new Medicare beneficiaries in 2020. However, Plan N has been growing in popularity among cost-conscious enrollees who want strong coverage at a lower premium.
Can I switch from Plan G to Plan N in Florida?
Yes. Florida’s Birthday Rule allows you to switch to a plan of equal or lesser value during a 30-day window around your birthday without medical underwriting. Since Plan N provides less coverage than Plan G, this switch is typically allowed under the Birthday Rule. Switching from Plan N to Plan G outside of guaranteed issue periods may require medical underwriting.
Do all Florida doctors accept Medigap plans?
Any doctor or hospital that accepts Medicare patients will accept your Medigap plan. Medigap works with Original Medicare, not with a separate provider network. Over 97% of physicians in Florida accept new Medicare patients.
What is the Part B excess charge, and should I worry about it in Florida?
A Part B excess charge occurs when a doctor charges up to 15% more than the Medicare-approved amount. In Florida, the vast majority of doctors accept Medicare assignment (meaning they agree to the Medicare-approved rate), so excess charges are relatively uncommon. However, Plan G covers these charges while Plan N does not.
When is the best time to buy a Medigap plan in Florida?
The best time is during your Medigap Open Enrollment Period, which starts the month you turn 65 and are enrolled in Part B. During this 6-month window, you have guaranteed issue rights, meaning insurers cannot deny you or charge more based on health conditions.
Does Medigap cover prescription drugs?
No. Medigap plans (including Plan G and Plan N) do not cover prescription drugs. You’ll need a separate Medicare Part D plan for drug coverage. Unlike Medicare Advantage, which sometimes bundles drug coverage, Medigap requires you to enroll in a standalone Part D plan.