Medigap Plan G vs Plan N: Which Medicare Supplement Is Right for You?
Plan G and Plan N are the two most popular Medigap plans in Florida. Here is a detailed comparison of benefits, costs, and which type of beneficiary each plan suits best.
Medigap Plan G vs Plan N: Which Medicare Supplement Is Right for You?
Plan G and Plan N are the two most popular Medigap (Medicare Supplement) plans sold in Florida today. Both provide excellent coverage -- but they differ in cost-sharing structure and premium. Choosing between them depends on how you use healthcare and how much premium savings you want in exchange for some cost-sharing. Here is a detailed comparison.
What Both Plans Cover
Both Plan G and Plan N cover:
- Medicare Part A coinsurance and hospital costs (up to 365 additional days after Medicare benefits are exhausted)
- Medicare Part A deductible ($1,632 in 2024)
- Medicare Part A hospice care coinsurance or copayment
- Medicare Part B coinsurance or copayment -- with differences (see below)
- First 3 pints of blood
- Skilled nursing facility care coinsurance
- Foreign travel emergency (80%, up to plan limits)
The Key Differences
Part B Coinsurance
Plan G: Covers 100% of Part B coinsurance -- you pay nothing after the annual Part B deductible.
Plan N: Covers Part B coinsurance except:
- Up to $20 copay for office visits
- Up to $50 copay for emergency room visits (waived if admitted as inpatient)
Part B Excess Charges
Plan G: Covers Part B excess charges -- the additional amount (up to 15% above Medicare's approved amount) that doctors who do not accept Medicare assignment can charge.
Plan N: Does not cover Part B excess charges. If your doctor does not accept Medicare assignment, you are responsible for excess charges.
Premium Difference
Plan N premiums are typically $20-$50/month lower than Plan G premiums for the same age and insurer. Over a year, that is $240-$600 in premium savings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Benefit | Plan G | Plan N |
|---|---|---|
| Part A deductible | ✅ Covered | ✅ Covered |
| Part A coinsurance | ✅ Covered | ✅ Covered |
| SNF coinsurance | ✅ Covered | ✅ Covered |
| Part B deductible | ❌ Not covered | ❌ Not covered |
| Part B coinsurance | ✅ 100% covered | ⚠️ Covered except $20 office / $50 ER copay |
| Part B excess charges | ✅ Covered | ❌ Not covered |
| Foreign travel emergency | ✅ 80% | ✅ 80% |
| Typical monthly premium | Higher | Lower ($20-$50 less) |
Note: Neither Plan G nor Plan N covers the annual Part B deductible ($240 in 2024).
Who Plan G Is Best For
Plan G is the better choice if:
- You see doctors frequently (multiple specialist visits per year)
- You want complete predictability -- no surprise copays
- Your doctors include any who do not accept Medicare assignment (excess charge risk)
- You value simplicity -- present your card and owe nothing beyond the annual Part B deductible
- You are in poorer health or anticipate significant healthcare use
Who Plan N Is Best For
Plan N is the better choice if:
- You are relatively healthy and see doctors infrequently
- All your doctors accept Medicare assignment (no excess charge risk)
- You want to save $300-$600/year in premiums and are comfortable with occasional copays
- You can tolerate some cost variability in exchange for lower monthly costs
The Break-Even Calculation
To determine which plan saves you more money, calculate your expected annual copays under Plan N and compare to the annual premium difference:
Example:
- Plan G premium: $150/month
- Plan N premium: $120/month
- Premium savings with Plan N: $360/year
- Expected office visit copays (12 visits × $20): $240/year
- Net savings with Plan N: $120/year
In this example, Plan N saves money. But if you have 20+ office visits per year, Plan G may be more cost-effective.
We do not offer every plan available in your area. Please contact Medicare.gov or 1-800-MEDICARE to get information on all of your options.
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About the Author
William Gray
Independent Medicare BrokerUS Air Force Veteran · Florida Medicare Specialist
William Gray is an independent Medicare insurance broker based in Daytona Beach and Palm Coast, FL. A US Air Force veteran (A-10 crew chief, Germany), he spent years in corporate insurance before going independent to serve Florida seniors directly. He has helped more than 1,000 clients across Northeast Florida compare Medicare Advantage, Medigap, and Part D plans — always at no cost to the client.
