Medicare Supplement Plan G vs. Plan N: A Detailed Comparison
The two most popular Medigap plans compared head-to-head — coverage, costs, and which one saves you more based on how often you see the doctor.
Plan G vs. Plan N — The Key Differences
Plan G and Plan N are the two most popular Medigap plans sold today. They cover most of the same gaps in Original Medicare, but differ in a few important ways that can affect your wallet depending on how much healthcare you use.
| Feature | Plan G | Plan N |
|---|---|---|
| Part A hospital coinsurance | ✅ 100% | ✅ 100% |
| Part A deductible ($1,676/2025) | ✅ 100% | ✅ 100% |
| Part B coinsurance (doctor visits) | ✅ 100% — $0 copay | ✅ with copays* |
| Part B deductible ($257/2025) | ❌ You pay | ❌ You pay |
| Part B excess charges | ✅ Covered | ❌ NOT covered |
| Foreign travel emergency | ✅ 80% | ✅ 80% |
| Skilled nursing coinsurance | ✅ 100% | ✅ 100% |
| Typical monthly premium | $130–$250 | $90–$190 |
*Plan N copays: up to $20 per doctor office visit, up to $50 per ER visit that doesn’t result in admission. Premiums vary by age, location, and carrier.
The Break-Even Math: When Does Plan G Save You Money?
The premium difference between Plan G and Plan N is typically $30–$60/month ($360–$720/year). Let’s figure out when each plan saves you more:
| Doctor Visits Per Year | Plan N Copays | Plan N Savings (Premium) | Net Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| 0–4 visits | $0–$80 | ~$480/yr | Plan N saves $400+ |
| 5–12 visits | $100–$240 | ~$480/yr | Plan N saves $240+ |
| 15–20 visits | $300–$400 | ~$480/yr | Close — depends on exact premium gap |
| 24+ visits | $480+ | ~$480/yr | Plan G wins |
💡 Bottom Line: If you see the doctor fewer than 20 times a year, Plan N typically saves you money. If you have chronic conditions requiring frequent specialist visits, Plan G’s $0 copays and excess charge protection make it the better long-term value.
What Are Part B Excess Charges?
This is the biggest difference between Plan G and Plan N that most people overlook. Doctors who accept Medicare but don’t “accept assignment” can charge up to 15% more than the Medicare-approved amount. This extra amount is called an “excess charge.”
- Plan G: Covers 100% of excess charges — you pay nothing extra
- Plan N: Does NOT cover excess charges — you pay the full 15% overage
How common are excess charges? In practice, fewer than 1% of Medicare doctors charge excess fees — and some states (like Connecticut, Massachusetts, Minnesota, New York, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, and Vermont) prohibit them entirely. In North Carolina, excess charges are legal but uncommon. For most people in NC, this difference is minor — but if you travel to states where excess charges are more common, Plan G provides that extra protection.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I switch between Plan G and Plan N?
Yes, but it may require medical underwriting unless you live in North Carolina (where the Birthday Rule gives you an annual guaranteed-issue window) or you qualify for another guaranteed-issue right. In NC, you can switch from Plan G to Plan N (or vice versa) during your Birthday Rule window without health questions.
Is High-Deductible Plan G worth considering?
High-Deductible Plan G (HD-G) has a very low premium but requires you to pay a $2,870 deductible (2025) before coverage kicks in. After the deductible, it works exactly like regular Plan G. If you’re very healthy and want the lowest possible premium, HD-G can make sense — but you need to be comfortable paying nearly $3,000 out of pocket before your plan starts paying.
Do Plan G and Plan N premiums increase over time?
Yes, all Medigap premiums increase over time due to age (attained-age rating), medical inflation, and carrier rate adjustments. However, different companies increase rates at different speeds. This is why it’s valuable to work with an independent agent who tracks rate histories across carriers and can help you switch during your Birthday Rule window when a better rate becomes available.
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