Choosing the right Medicare Supplement plan can feel overwhelming, but Plan N deserves a closer look. It covers most of the gaps left by Original Medicare while keeping your monthly premiums noticeably lower than more comprehensive options like Plan G or Plan F.
In this guide, we break down exactly what Medicare Supplement Plan N covers, what it does not cover, how its costs compare to other Medigap plans, and who benefits most from choosing it. All coverage details and figures reflect 2026 standards set by the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS).
What Is Medicare Supplement Plan N?
Medicare Supplement Plan N (also called Medigap Plan N) is a standardized insurance policy sold by private companies that helps pay out-of-pocket costs not covered by Original Medicare (Parts A and B). The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services standardizes Plan N benefits nationwide, which means every Plan N policy offers the same coverage regardless of which insurance company sells it. The only difference between carriers is the monthly premium.
Plan N is often described as the “sweet spot” among Medigap plans because it provides broad coverage similar to Plan G but at a lower monthly premium. The tradeoff is small copays for certain doctor and emergency room visits, plus two coverage gaps (the Part B deductible and Part B excess charges).
What Does Medicare Supplement Plan N Cover?
Plan N covers the vast majority of gaps in Original Medicare. Here is a complete breakdown of what Plan N pays for in 2026:
Part A Hospital Coverage
- Part A coinsurance and hospital costs: Plan N pays 100% of your Part A coinsurance, including the $434 per day coinsurance for days 61-90, the $868 per day for lifetime reserve days, and coverage for up to an additional 365 days after Medicare benefits are exhausted.
- Part A deductible: Plan N covers the full $1,736 Part A inpatient hospital deductible per benefit period in 2026.
- Part A hospice care: Covers the coinsurance or copayment for hospice care services.
- Skilled nursing facility care: Pays the $217 per day coinsurance for days 21 through 100 in a skilled nursing facility.
Part B Medical Coverage
- Part B coinsurance: Plan N covers 100% of Part B coinsurance (normally 20% of Medicare-approved amounts) with specific copay exceptions noted below.
- Blood: Pays for the first three pints of blood needed for medical procedures each year.
Additional Benefits
- Foreign travel emergency care: Covers 80% of Medicare-approved emergency medical care when traveling outside the United States, up to a $50,000 lifetime maximum after a $250 annual deductible.
Plan N Copays: What You Pay Out of Pocket
The key feature that sets Plan N apart from Plan G is its copay structure. Under Plan N, you may pay:
- Up to $20 per office visit: This applies to doctor office visits. Many providers charge the full $20, but some charge less.
- Up to $50 per emergency room visit: This copay only applies if you visit the emergency room and are not admitted to the hospital. If your ER visit results in an inpatient admission, you pay $0.
These copays are set by federal law and cannot be increased by your insurance company. For many beneficiaries, these modest copays are a worthwhile tradeoff for significantly lower monthly premiums.
What Plan N Does NOT Cover
Understanding Plan N’s coverage gaps is just as important as knowing what it covers. Plan N does not pay for:
Part B Deductible ($283 in 2026)
You must pay the annual Part B deductible of $283 out of pocket before Plan N’s Part B coverage kicks in. This deductible increased from $257 in 2025. Note that Plan G also does not cover the Part B deductible, so this gap is not unique to Plan N.
Part B Excess Charges
This is the most significant difference between Plan N and Plan G. If a doctor does not accept Medicare assignment, they can charge up to 15% more than the Medicare-approved amount. Plan N does not cover these excess charges, while Plan G does.
However, the practical impact is often small. According to CMS data, approximately 97% of Medicare providers accept assignment, meaning excess charges are relatively uncommon. Additionally, eight states (Connecticut, Massachusetts, Minnesota, New York, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, and Vermont) prohibit excess charges entirely.
Other Exclusions
- Prescription drugs: No Medigap plan covers prescriptions. You need a separate Medicare Part D plan.
- Dental, vision, and hearing: These are not covered by any standardized Medigap plan.
- Long-term care: Not covered under any Medigap policy.
Plan N vs Plan G: Which Is Better?
Plan N and Plan G are the two most popular Medigap plans for new Medicare beneficiaries in 2026. Here is how they compare:
| Benefit | Plan N | Plan G |
|---|---|---|
| Part A deductible ($1,736) | ✅ Covered | ✅ Covered |
| Part A coinsurance & hospital costs | ✅ Covered | ✅ Covered |
| Skilled nursing facility coinsurance | ✅ Covered | ✅ Covered |
| Part B coinsurance | ✅ Covered* | ✅ Covered |
| Part B deductible ($283) | ❌ Not covered | ❌ Not covered |
| Part B excess charges | ❌ Not covered | ✅ Covered |
| Blood (first 3 pints) | ✅ Covered | ✅ Covered |
| Hospice care coinsurance | ✅ Covered | ✅ Covered |
| Foreign travel emergency (80%) | ✅ Covered | ✅ Covered |
| Doctor visit copay | Up to $20 | $0 |
| ER copay (not admitted) | Up to $50 | $0 |
| Average monthly premium (age 65) | ~$135-$170 | ~$170-$220 |
*Plan N covers Part B coinsurance with copays of up to $20 for office visits and $50 for ER visits not resulting in admission.
The Bottom Line on Plan N vs Plan G
The only meaningful coverage differences are: Plan G covers Part B excess charges and has no copays, while Plan N does not cover excess charges and has small copays. In exchange, Plan N typically costs $20 to $50 less per month than Plan G, which adds up to $240 to $600 in annual premium savings.
For most beneficiaries, Plan N offers the better value. The excess charge risk is minimal (97% of providers accept assignment), and the copays are modest. The premium savings can more than offset the small out-of-pocket costs over time.
Plan N vs Plan F: Key Differences
Plan F was historically the most popular Medigap plan, but it is no longer available to people who became eligible for Medicare on or after January 1, 2020. If you were eligible before that date, here is how Plan F compares to Plan N:
| Feature | Plan N | Plan F |
|---|---|---|
| Part B deductible covered | ❌ No | ✅ Yes |
| Part B excess charges covered | ❌ No | ✅ Yes |
| Office visit copay | Up to $20 | $0 |
| ER copay (not admitted) | Up to $50 | $0 |
| Available to new enrollees (2020+) | ✅ Yes | ❌ No |
| Average monthly premium (age 65) | ~$135-$170 | ~$220-$270 |
Plan F premiums tend to increase faster than Plan N because the Plan F risk pool is closed to new enrollees and aging over time. Many beneficiaries who currently have Plan F find that switching to Plan N can save them $50 to $100+ per month with minimal change in practical coverage.
How Much Does Plan N Cost in 2026?
Medicare Supplement Plan N premiums vary based on your age, gender, location, and insurance carrier. Based on 2026 market data, here are typical ranges:
Average Plan N Premiums by Carrier (Age 65, Nonsmoker)
| Insurance Carrier | Estimated Monthly Premium |
|---|---|
| Cigna | $135 – $150 |
| Aetna | $145 – $160 |
| Mutual of Omaha | $155 – $170 |
| Blue Cross Blue Shield (varies by state) | $148 – $185 |
| Humana | $160 – $192 |
| AARP/UnitedHealthcare | $160 – $200 |
Premiums are estimates based on 2026 market data and vary significantly by state, age, and health status. Your actual rate may differ.
Three Pricing Methods
Insurance companies use one of three methods to price Medigap plans:
- Community-rated (no-age-rated): Everyone pays the same premium regardless of age. Premiums may still increase due to inflation or claims experience, but not because you get older.
- Issue-age-rated: Your premium is based on your age when you first buy the policy. It will not increase just because you age, though it may rise for other reasons.
- Attained-age-rated: Your premium starts low but increases as you get older. These plans may seem cheapest initially but can become the most expensive over time.
Regardless of pricing method, expect premiums to increase annually due to healthcare inflation and other factors.
Who Is Plan N Best For?
Medicare Supplement Plan N may be the right choice if you:
- Want comprehensive coverage at a lower premium: Plan N provides nearly identical protection to Plan G but typically costs $20 to $50 less per month.
- Are comfortable with small, predictable copays: The $20 office visit and $50 ER copays are manageable for most budgets.
- Live in a state that prohibits excess charges: If you are in Connecticut, Massachusetts, Minnesota, New York, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, or Vermont, the excess charge gap is irrelevant.
- Primarily use doctors who accept Medicare assignment: Since about 97% of providers accept assignment, excess charges rarely apply.
- Are on a fixed income and need to minimize monthly expenses: The premium savings with Plan N can amount to $300 to $600+ per year compared to Plan G.
- Are switching from Plan F to save money: If your Plan F premiums have increased significantly, Plan N may provide comparable practical coverage at a much lower rate.
Pros and Cons of Medicare Supplement Plan N
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Lower monthly premiums than Plan G or Plan F | Copays of up to $20 per office visit |
| Covers Part A deductible, coinsurance, and hospital costs | Copay of up to $50 for ER visits not resulting in admission |
| Covers Part B coinsurance (with copay exceptions) | Does not cover Part B excess charges |
| Includes skilled nursing facility coverage | Does not cover the $283 annual Part B deductible |
| Includes foreign travel emergency care (80%) | No prescription drug coverage (need separate Part D plan) |
| Available to all new Medicare beneficiaries | Premium savings vary by state and carrier |
| Standardized benefits across all insurance companies | Not available in MA, MN, or WI (these states have their own plans) |
| Freedom to see any doctor who accepts Medicare |
How to Enroll in Medicare Supplement Plan N
Medigap Open Enrollment Period
The best time to enroll is during your Medigap Open Enrollment Period, which is the six-month window that begins on the first day of the month you are both age 65 or older and enrolled in Medicare Part B. During this period:
- Insurance companies cannot deny you coverage based on health conditions
- They cannot charge you more due to pre-existing conditions
- You have guaranteed issue rights to any Medigap plan sold in your state
Outside Open Enrollment
You can apply for Plan N at any time of year. However, outside your Medigap Open Enrollment Period, insurance companies in most states can:
- Use medical underwriting to evaluate your health
- Deny coverage or charge higher premiums based on pre-existing conditions
- Impose waiting periods for pre-existing conditions
Some states offer additional protections, including guaranteed issue rights during the Annual Enrollment Period or birthday rule provisions that let you switch Medigap plans without underwriting.
What You Need to Enroll
- Active Medicare Part A and Part B coverage
- Your Medicare number (from your Medicare card)
- Personal information for the application
Frequently Asked Questions About Medicare Plan N
What does Medicare Supplement Plan N cover?
Plan N covers Part A coinsurance and hospital costs (up to 365 additional days), the Part A deductible ($1,736 in 2026), skilled nursing facility coinsurance, Part B coinsurance (with copays), the first three pints of blood, hospice care coinsurance, and foreign travel emergency care at 80%. It does not cover the Part B deductible ($283 in 2026) or Part B excess charges.
Does Plan N cover the Part B deductible?
No. The Part B deductible is $283 in 2026, and you must pay this out of pocket each calendar year before Plan N’s Part B coinsurance coverage applies. Plan G also does not cover the Part B deductible.
What is the difference between Plan N and Plan G?
Plan G covers Part B excess charges and has no copays for office or ER visits. Plan N does not cover excess charges and requires copays of up to $20 per office visit and $50 per ER visit (not resulting in admission). In exchange, Plan N premiums are typically $20 to $50 lower per month than Plan G.
How much does Medicare Supplement Plan N cost per month?
Plan N premiums typically range from $135 to $200+ per month for a 65-year-old, depending on your state, gender, and insurance carrier. On average, Plan N costs about $171 per month at age 65 nationally. Premiums increase with age and vary significantly by location.
Can I switch from Plan G to Plan N?
Yes. You can apply to switch from Plan G to Plan N at any time during the year. However, outside your Medigap Open Enrollment Period, the insurance company may require medical underwriting and could deny your application based on health status. Some states have birthday rule protections that allow switching without underwriting.
Does Plan N cover Part B excess charges?
No. Part B excess charges occur when a doctor does not accept Medicare assignment and charges up to 15% above the Medicare-approved amount. Plan N does not cover these charges. However, approximately 97% of Medicare providers accept assignment, and eight states prohibit excess charges entirely.
Is Plan N available in all states?
Plan N is available in 47 states and Washington, D.C. Massachusetts, Minnesota, and Wisconsin have their own standardized Medigap plans with different letter designations and benefit structures.
Do I need a separate prescription drug plan with Plan N?
Yes. No Medigap plan covers prescription drugs. If you want drug coverage, you need to enroll in a standalone Medicare Part D prescription drug plan separately. In 2026, the Part D deductible is $615, with a 25% coinsurance until reaching the $2,000 out-of-pocket cap.
Want to understand all your Medicare costs for 2026? See our complete 2026 Medicare costs breakdown covering every premium, deductible, and coinsurance amount.