Plan G vs. Plan N Medicare Supplement - Which is better?

Plan G covers almost all of the “gaps” in Medicare at 100%. The only thing it does not cover is the Medicare Part B deductible. For 2019, this deductible is $185/year. With Plan G, after you meet the Part B deductible of $185 all of your Original Medicare A and B costs are covered at 100%, so no copays, no coinsurance at the doctor or hospital after the deductible is satisfied.

With Plan N, just like Plan G, there is no coverage for the Part B deductible, so with Plan N you also have the annual deductible of $185/year. However, with Plan N after the deductible is met, you may be responsible for Co-pays at your provider and at the emergency room. Additionally, you’ll see that Medicare Supplement Plan N does not cover the Medicare Part B excess charges.
Excess charges are very rare, but they could possibly happen if you visit a provider who accepts Medicare but does not accept Medicare assignment. So, it is possible to see a doctor who accepts Medicare patients, but does not accept Medicare Assignment, or Medicare as “payment in full”. In this case, a doctor may charge you up to 15% above the Medicare Approved amount. These are Part B excess charges – and while Plan G covers them at 100% Plan N does not. Recent data estimates that 96% of Medicare doctors nationwide DO accept Medicare Assignment, so the chances are pretty low that you’ll get billed these excess charges. Additionally, in some states excess charges are actually illegal (Connecticut, Massachusetts, Minnesota, New York, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, and Vermont.).

[lukemiller]

Thank you for being such a great source to understand everything about Medicare!!

[donwatson]

While this is an old video it is still very informational. I am a Plan N participant and have been for four years. I can pay a couple of deductibles a month if needed from the savings on my Plan N premium. One note though, the Part B deductible is increased from the amount quoted here. Not sure exactly how much now but a little over $200 I think. Still very good information here. I do believe that a Medigap broker is the way to go as they can check rates of many companies and don't just push one company on you. Thanks for the informative video.

[barbaraebner]

Thank You. It truly is a maze to navigate.

[billlane]

This was such a help. Thank you very much. I am turning 65 in 4 months and this answered some important questions.

[gjonesii]

Your videos are very informative. Thanks so much.

[meetatrivedi]

Thank you for detailed information. Very helpful.

[robertgallagher]

Thanks Stephanie you were very clear and extremely helpful. Good ideas about the future of possible rate changes.

[tofapolamalu-gantt]

Thank you for the information. I’m turning 65 in December so I’m educating myself so I can make the best decision.

[rdrdrd]

Very nice animations, pleasant to watch!

[dconservative]

Thanks Stephanie,
You have a knack for clarity, you should be a journalist.:-)

[PercentOS]

So clear and so informative. I've learned a lot just watching your video. I finally switched to plan N because plan F was getting too expensive though I most certainly like plan F the best. But I've been very happy with plan N since I don't visit the doctor that much.

[tomschmidt]

My wife and I just switched carriers and moved from Plan F and rolled the dice and picked Plan N. Big difference in premiums between the previous and new carrier. We are betting on what you mentioned, that rate increases will be lower for Plan N then G.


Something else to keep in mind you can switch Medicare supplement plans whenever you want but will need to undergo medical underwriting. Not a problem if you are healthy but could limit your choices later on so pick a plan with an eye to the future.

[ronaldlehmann]

S.A.- you made it very easy to understand -plans - N -G -Thank You -God Bless

[AbracaDebras]

Stephanie, I wonder if you have a video that explains the difference between an Advantage Plan vs Supplement Plan. Bravo, you've done such a wonderful job. Thank you.

[butchhaight]

Thank you for your explanations on the different plans. I am 68 and loosing my private medical ins. Thus fore am having to go on plan B. I have read and researched a lot and feel my brain has turned to mush. I am diabetic with several prescriptions. I am on disability with a fixed income that doesn’t allow much for “discretionary” spending. Finding a supplement plan that can fit into my budget has been incredibly confusing.

[reneejones]

Thank you so much for your clarity. Trying to help mom possibly switch from plan F, due to continual rate increases. Your videos are so helpful! So there is no cost to get quotes from you, if not, how do you make a profit?

[mt-qcqh]

I'm sorry I discovered your channel after 12/7 deadline, but I will definitely use your service next year. I was lulled into an Advantage plan. In afterthought The medigap plans seem more secure in the long run of retirement.

[personofinterestf]

Appreciate your videos Stephanie, how does plan N stack up against advantage plans? I'm concerned about planning for dentistry, hearing and vision

[hanibalacosta]

I have a secondary insurance should I go to supplement plan instead

[TheLuckie]

If I have an emergency like a heart attack and the emergency room doctor doesn’t accept Medicare assignment. What happens. You can’t exactly be picky in that situation.