Choose plan g or plan n — that is the most common Medigap decision facing Medicare beneficiaries today. Since Plan F closed to new enrollees in 2020, these two plans have dominated the supplemental insurance market. Plan G alone holds roughly 39% market share nationwide, with over 5.3 million people enrolled. Plan N costs less each month but leaves a few coverage gaps.
Both plans are federally standardized by CMS. That means the benefits are identical no matter which insurance company sells the policy. The only differences between carriers are premiums, customer service, and rate increase history. Understanding where these two plans diverge will help you choose plan g or plan n with confidence.
What Plan G and Plan N Actually Cover
Both plans cover the Part A hospital deductible, skilled nursing coinsurance, and foreign travel emergencies. Neither covers the annual Part B deductible, which rises to $283 in 2026. After you meet that deductible, coverage between the two plans starts to diverge.
Plan G pays 100% of remaining Part B coinsurance with no copays. It also covers Part B excess charges. These are fees that non-participating doctors can bill — up to 15% above the Medicare-approved amount. Plan N, on the other hand, covers Part B coinsurance with two notable exceptions. You may owe up to $20 per office visit. Emergency room visits that do not result in admission carry a copay of up to $50. Plan N does not cover excess charges at all.
The excess charge gap matters less than it appears for many people. Eight states ban these charges entirely: Connecticut, Massachusetts, Minnesota, New York, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, and Vermont. If you live in one of those states, that particular difference disappears. As a result, Plan N becomes a stronger option in those markets. These coverage details are central when you choose plan g or plan n for your Medicare needs.
How to Choose Plan G or Plan N: Comparing Costs
A side-by-side comparison clarifies where each plan stands.
| Feature | Plan G | Plan N |
|---|---|---|
| Part B Coinsurance | Fully covered | Covered with copays |
| Part B Excess Charges | Covered | Not covered |
| Office Visit Copay | None | Up to $20 |
| ER Copay (not admitted) | None | Up to $50 |
| Monthly Premium | Higher | Typically 15–25% lower |
The premium gap is the primary reason people weigh these two options. Plan N premiums typically run 15% to 25% lower than Plan G from the same carrier. Over a full year, those monthly savings can be substantial. Meanwhile, Plan G’s higher premium buys predictable costs after the Part B deductible is met.
Plan N’s out-of-pocket exposure is limited but worth calculating. If you visit the doctor frequently, copays add up. Beneficiaries who see a doctor more than once a month may spend more on copays than they save. In most cases, the savings erode quickly for those managing chronic conditions. Typically, healthy beneficiaries who rarely visit the doctor come out ahead with Plan N.
Insurers also use different pricing methods for Medigap policies. Community-rated plans charge the same premium regardless of age. Issue-age plans base your rate on the age when you first enroll. Attained-age plans start lower but increase as you get older. Understanding your carrier’s rating method helps predict long-term costs. NAIC data shows that attained-age rating is the most common structure nationwide.
Steps to Take Before You Decide
Timing matters when you choose plan g or plan n. Your Medigap Open Enrollment Period lasts exactly six months. It begins the month you turn 65 and are enrolled in Part B. During this window, insurers cannot deny coverage or add surcharges for pre-existing conditions. After it closes, medical underwriting applies in most states. Missing this deadline can lead to higher premiums or outright denial.
Contact your State Health Insurance Assistance Program (SHIP) for free, unbiased counseling. SHIP counselors are trained volunteers with no financial incentive to steer you toward any plan. They can compare local premiums from carriers like UnitedHealthcare, Mutual of Omaha, Aetna, Blue Cross, and Cigna in your ZIP code. You can reach SHIP by calling 1-800-MEDICARE.
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Before enrolling, verify whether your doctors accept Medicare assignment. If they do, excess charges will never apply. That makes Plan N’s coverage gap irrelevant for your situation. Check each provider’s participation status on Medicare Care Compare. Additionally, remember that Medigap plans are standardized. A Plan G from one company covers the exact same benefits as Plan G from another. The only variables are the premium and how fast it rises over time.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Plan G or Plan N more popular among Medicare beneficiaries?
Plan G is the most enrolled Medigap plan in the country. It holds about 39% market share with over 5.3 million beneficiaries. Plan N is gaining ground as more people choose plan g or plan n based on monthly budget.
Can I switch from Plan N to Plan G later?
You can apply to switch at any time. However, outside your Medigap Open Enrollment Period, insurers in most states can use medical underwriting. They may deny coverage or charge more based on your health history. For this reason, many advisors suggest starting with Plan G if you are uncertain.
Do I still pay the Part B deductible with either plan?
Yes. Neither Plan G nor Plan N covers the Part B deductible. In 2026, that amount is $283 per year. Consequently, when you choose plan g or plan n, the deductible cost stays the same for both.
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Official Sources & Resources
For verified information on Medicare regulations and consumer protection:
- Medicare.gov (Official Site): medicare.gov
- CMS (Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services): cms.gov
- NAIC (National Association of Insurance Commissioners): naic.org
- KFF Medicare Research: kff.org/medicare
- Social Security Administration: ssa.gov
Content last reviewed May 2026. If you notice any outdated information, please contact us.