Medigap Plan G vs Plan N 2026: Which Medicare Supplement Is Right for You?
Quick Answer
Medigap Plan G and Plan N both fill the gaps left by Original Medicare, but they do it differently. Plan G covers almost everything, including Part B excess charges, with no copays beyond the $283 annual Part B deductible. Plan N costs $30 to $60 less per month but charges up to $20 for some office visits, up to $50 for ER visits that do not lead to admission, and does not cover Part B excess charges.
If you see the doctor frequently or want maximum predictability, Plan G is the safer pick. If you are generally healthy and your doctors accept Medicare assignment (about 98% do), Plan N can save you $360 to $720 per year in premiums with minimal out-of-pocket risk.
Key Takeaways
- 1 Plan G and Plan N are the two most popular Medigap plans for people new to Medicare. Plan G covers nearly everything Original Medicare does not, while Plan N costs less per month but includes small copays and does not cover Part B excess charges 12.
- 2 Neither plan covers the $283 Part B deductible in 2026. You pay that once per year before your Medigap coverage kicks in for Part B services 3.
- 3 Plan N premiums typically run $30 to $60 per month less than Plan G. At age 65, expect roughly $90 to $160 per month for Plan N and $120 to $220 per month for Plan G, depending on your state and carrier 45.
- 4 Plan N charges a copay of up to $20 for some office visits and up to $50 for emergency room visits that do not result in a hospital admission. Plan G has no copays at all 1.
- 5 Both plans are standardized by federal law. The benefits for Plan G are identical no matter which insurance company sells it. Same for Plan N. The only difference between carriers is price 1.
Why This Matters
- Choosing between Plan G and Plan N is the single most common Medigap decision for people turning 65 in 2026. Plan F is no longer available to new enrollees (it closed to anyone who became eligible for Medicare after January 1, 2020), making Plan G the most comprehensive option on the market 1.
- The wrong choice can cost you hundreds of dollars per year, either by overpaying for coverage you do not use or by underinsuring and getting hit with unexpected bills.
- This is a decision you want to get right during your initial 6-month Medigap Open Enrollment Period. During that window, no insurance company can deny you coverage or charge you more because of health conditions. If you try to switch plans later, medical underwriting may apply 6.
- Your health, your budget, and where you live all matter. Someone who sees the doctor once or twice a year has a very different cost picture than someone managing multiple chronic conditions.
Key Facts
- Plan G is the most popular Medigap plan in the country, held by roughly 39% of all Medigap enrollees as of 2023 NAIC data. Plan N is held by about 10% 5.
- The 2026 Part B deductible is $283 per year, up from $257 in 2025. Neither Plan G nor Plan N covers this deductible 3.
- Part B excess charges happen when a doctor does not "accept assignment" (the Medicare-approved amount as full payment). These doctors can charge up to 15% more than the Medicare-approved amount. Plan G covers these excess charges. Plan N does not 17.
- About 98% of doctors who accept Medicare also accept assignment, meaning excess charges are uncommon. Eight states (Connecticut, Massachusetts, Minnesota, New York, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, and Vermont) restrict or limit excess charges 7.
- Medigap benefits are standardized by federal law. A Plan G from Blue Cross is identical in coverage to a Plan G from Mutual of Omaha. The only difference is the monthly premium 1.
- A high-deductible version of Plan G is available in some states with a $2,950 annual deductible in 2026 and significantly lower premiums 8.
Plan G vs Plan N: Side-by-Side Coverage Comparison (2026)
| Benefit | Plan G | Plan N |
|---|---|---|
| Part A hospital coinsurance | Covered 100% | Covered 100% |
| Part B coinsurance or copay | Covered 100% | Covered 100%, except copays below |
| Blood (first 3 pints) | Covered 100% | Covered 100% |
| Part A hospice coinsurance | Covered 100% | Covered 100% |
| Skilled nursing facility coinsurance (days 21-100) | Covered 100% | Covered 100% |
| Part A deductible ($1,736 in 2026) | Covered 100% | Covered 100% |
| Part B deductible ($283 in 2026) | Not covered | Not covered |
| Part B excess charges (up to 15% above approved) | Covered 100% | Not covered |
| Office visit copay | None | Up to $20 per visit |
| ER copay (not admitted) | None | Up to $50 per visit |
| Foreign travel emergency (80%) | Covered | Covered |
| Typical monthly premium (age 65) | $120 to $220 | $90 to $160 |
Benefits are standardized by federal law and identical across all carriers for each plan letter. Premiums vary by carrier, location, age, and tobacco use. Premium ranges reflect 2026 estimates for a 65-year-old nonsmoker and will vary by state [1][3][4][5].
Annual Cost Comparison: Plan G vs Plan N at Different Usage Levels
| Scenario | Plan G Annual Cost | Plan N Annual Cost | Plan N Savings (or Extra Cost) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Healthy, 2 office visits per year | $2,287 ($167/mo premium + $283 deductible) | $1,763 ($120/mo premium + $283 deductible + $40 copays) | Plan N saves ~$524/year |
| Moderate use, 8 office visits per year | $2,287 | $1,883 ($120/mo + $283 + $160 copays) | Plan N saves ~$404/year |
| High use, 15+ visits + 2 ER trips per year | $2,287 | $2,123 ($120/mo + $283 + $300 copays + $100 ER) | Plan N saves ~$164/year |
| High use + provider charges excess | $2,287 | $2,123 + excess charges | Plan G may cost less |
Estimates use midrange premiums ($167/mo for Plan G, $120/mo for Plan N) for a 65-year-old. Actual premiums vary by state and carrier. Office visit copays assume $20 maximum per visit. ER copays assume $50 maximum per visit, waived if admitted. This is an educational illustration, not a guarantee of costs [1][3][4].
Step by Step: What to Do
Step 1: Count How Often You See the Doctor
- Look at how many office visits, specialist appointments, and ER trips you had in the past 12 months. This is your baseline.
- If you average 3 or fewer doctor visits a year and rarely go to the ER, Plan N copays will add $60 or less to your annual cost. That is far less than the premium difference between the two plans.
- If you see specialists frequently or manage multiple chronic conditions, those $20 copays add up. At 15 visits a year, you are paying $300 in copays on top of premiums.
Step 2: Check Whether Your Doctors Accept Medicare Assignment
- This matters more for Plan N than Plan G. If your doctors accept assignment (the Medicare-approved amount as full payment), you will never face Part B excess charges.
- About 98% of doctors who participate in Medicare accept assignment. But if you see specialists who do not, Plan N leaves you exposed to up to 15% above the Medicare-approved amount on those visits 7.
- Ask your doctor's billing office: "Do you accept Medicare assignment?" If yes, excess charges are not a concern for you.
- If you live in Connecticut, Massachusetts, Minnesota, New York, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, or Vermont, your state prohibits excess charges entirely, which removes one of Plan G's main advantages 7.
Step 3: Compare Premiums in Your ZIP Code
- Premiums for the same plan letter vary by hundreds of dollars depending on the carrier and where you live. A Plan G that costs $130 per month in Ohio might cost $250 in Florida.
- Use Medicare.gov's plan finder tool to compare actual prices from carriers in your area. This is the only way to get real numbers.
- Look at premium history, not just the current price. Some carriers offer low introductory rates that increase sharply after a few years.
Step 4: Decide During Your Open Enrollment Window
- Your Medigap Open Enrollment Period lasts 6 months, starting the month you turn 65 and are enrolled in Part B. This is your best window 6.
- During this period, no insurer can deny you, charge you more, or add waiting periods because of pre-existing conditions.
- If you wait until after this window closes, switching plans or buying new coverage may require medical underwriting, and you could be denied or charged higher rates.
Step 5: Run the Numbers for YOUR Situation
- Take the monthly premium difference between Plan G and Plan N in your area. Multiply by 12 to get your annual premium savings with Plan N.
- Estimate your annual copays with Plan N: (number of office visits times $20) plus (ER visits not admitted times $50).
- If your premium savings exceed your estimated copays, Plan N costs you less. If they do not, Plan G gives you better value and more peace of mind.
Real-World Example
From Grace
Here is what I tell everyone deciding between Plan G and Plan N.
- There is no universally "best" plan. Plan G is best for people who want zero surprises. Plan N is best for people who are healthy, see the doctor a few times a year, and want to keep premiums lower.
- The Part B excess charge question sounds scary, but it affects very few people. About 98% of Medicare providers accept assignment. If yours do, that coverage gap in Plan N is a non-issue.
- Do not forget: you are choosing a plan letter, not a company. Once you pick G or N, shop carriers hard. The same Plan G can cost $90 per month more from one company than another in the same ZIP code.
- If you are not sure, Plan G is the safer default. You can always try to switch to Plan N later to save money, though you may need to pass medical underwriting outside your open enrollment window.
- Before making a final decision, consider contacting your State Health Insurance Assistance Program (SHIP) for free, unbiased Medicare counseling. Visit shiphelp.org or call 1-877-839-2675.
Grace is an AI educational tool, not a licensed financial advisor. This content is for informational purposes only and does not constitute financial, tax, or legal advice. Always consult a qualified professional for decisions specific to your situation.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between Medigap Plan G and Plan N? +
Both plans cover most of the costs that Original Medicare does not, including Part A hospital coinsurance, skilled nursing facility coinsurance, the Part A deductible, and foreign travel emergencies. The key differences: Plan G covers Part B excess charges and has no copays. Plan N does not cover Part B excess charges and charges a copay of up to $20 for some office visits and up to $50 for ER visits that do not result in admission. Neither plan covers the $283 Part B deductible in 2026. Plan G has higher monthly premiums, typically $30 to $60 more than Plan N.
Does Plan N cover Part B excess charges? +
No. Plan N does not cover Part B excess charges. These charges occur when a doctor who does not accept Medicare assignment bills you up to 15% above the Medicare-approved amount. However, about 98% of Medicare-participating doctors accept assignment, and eight states (Connecticut, Massachusetts, Minnesota, New York, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, and Vermont) prohibit excess charges entirely. If all your doctors accept assignment, this coverage gap in Plan N will not affect you.
How much does Plan G cost vs Plan N per month? +
Premiums vary significantly by state, carrier, age, and tobacco use. For a 65-year-old nonsmoker, Plan G typically costs $120 to $220 per month, while Plan N runs $90 to $160 per month. Plan N premiums are generally $30 to $60 less per month than Plan G from the same carrier in the same area. Use the plan finder at Medicare.gov to compare actual premiums in your ZIP code, because the same plan letter can cost hundreds of dollars more or less depending on the carrier.
Which Medigap plan is best for someone who rarely goes to the doctor? +
Plan N is typically the better financial choice for healthy people with low healthcare usage. If you visit the doctor 2 to 4 times per year, your copays with Plan N would total $40 to $80 annually, while your premium savings over Plan G could be $360 to $720 per year. The math favors Plan N for light users, as long as your doctors accept Medicare assignment.
Can I switch from Plan G to Plan N later? +
You can apply to switch at any time, but outside your initial 6-month Medigap Open Enrollment Period (which starts the month you turn 65 and have Part B), the insurance company can use medical underwriting. This means they can deny your application, charge higher premiums, or exclude pre-existing conditions based on your health history. Some states have additional protections, so check your state insurance department. Switching from a more comprehensive plan (like G) to a less comprehensive one (like N) is generally easier than the reverse.
Related Articles
Sources
- [1] Medicare.gov, Compare Medigap Plan Benefits (accessed May 5, 2026)
- [2] NerdWallet, Medigap Plan G vs. Plan N: Which Is Best? (accessed May 5, 2026)
- [3] Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services, 2026 Medicare Parts A & B Premiums and Deductibles (accessed May 5, 2026)
- [4] MedicareSupplement.com, Average Cost of Medicare Supplement Insurance by Age in 2026 (accessed May 5, 2026)
- [5] The Big 65, Compare the 10 Best Medicare Supplement Plans in 2026 (accessed May 5, 2026)
- [6] Medicare.gov, When Can I Buy a Medigap Policy? (accessed May 5, 2026)
- [7] MedicareAdvantage.com, Medicare Part B Excess Charges Explained (accessed May 5, 2026)
- [8] Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services, CY2026 Medigap High Deductible Options (F, G, J) (accessed May 5, 2026)
Educational content only. This is not financial, tax, or legal advice. Consult a qualified professional for guidance specific to your situation.