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PLAN N COVERAGE & BENEFITS

Medicare Supplement Plan N Overview

  1. Availability: Plan N is one of the ten Medicare Supplement Insurance (Medigap) policies offered in most states.

  2. Coverage: Medigap plans, including Plan N, assist with out-of-pocket expenses from Original Medicare’s Parts A and B, such as copayments, coinsurance, and deductibles.

  3. Cost and Coverage: Plan N typically has a lower premium compared to other comprehensive Medigap plans. However, it does not cover the Part B deductible or Part B excess charges.

  4. Consistency: All Plan N policies provide the same benefits, though not every insurer offers Plan N.

  5. Comparison: Plan N is often compared to Plan G, which generally has higher premiums but covers more expenses.

Understanding Medicare Supplement Plan N

Medicare Supplement Plan N is designed to cover many of the out-of-pocket costs associated with Original Medicare. These plans are offered by private insurers and must be purchased separately from Medicare itself. Federal standards ensure that Plan N provides consistent coverage nationwide, although Massachusetts, Minnesota, and Wisconsin have their own Medigap plans, making Plan N unavailable there.

If your current insurer doesn’t offer Plan N, it might still be available from other insurers in your area.

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Clarification

Medicare Part N: There is no such thing as Medicare Part N; it is a Medigap plan offered by private companies. Medicare Parts refer to A, B, C, and D. Part C is Medicare Advantage, which offers similar benefits to Original Medicare but through private insurers. Part D covers prescription drugs, also through private insurers
 

Coverage Details

Plan N helps with out-of-pocket expenses from Medicare Part A and Part B, covering:
 

  • Coinsurance

  • Copayments

  • Deductibles


Note: Medigap plans do not cover outpatient prescription drugs. You would need to enroll in Part D for prescription drug coverage.

Plan N Benefits

Plan N Benefits Table

*Plan N generally covers 100% of Part B coinsurance, but you may incur copayments up to $20 for some office visits and up to $50 for emergency room visits without inpatient admission.

Cost Comparison

Plan N generally has lower premiums than more comprehensive plans like Plan G or Plan F because it does not cover the Part B deductible or excess charges. You might still face some costs such as excess charges from providers or copayments for certain visits.

Here’s a side-by-side comparison of Medicare Plan G, Medicare Plan N, and Medicare Plan F

Medicare Plan F vs. Medicare Plan G vs. Medicare Plan N Comparison

Medicare Plan F vs. Medicare Plan G vs. Medicare Plan N Comparison Table

Enrollment Information

​The optimal time to enroll in a Medigap plan is during the six-month open enrollment period following your initial Medicare Part B signup. This period guarantees issue rights, meaning you can obtain coverage without medical underwriting and regardless of pre-existing conditions.

Outside this period, you may need to undergo a medical exam and insurers can charge higher premiums or deny coverage. Certain circumstances, such as losing other coverage or moving to a new state, may qualify you for guaranteed issue rights.

Comparing Plan N to Medicare Advantage

Cost: Medicare Advantage (Part C) plans often have no monthly premiums but cover Medicare A and B benefits, sometimes with additional services like dental and vision care. Plan N requires paying both the Part B premium and the Plan N premium.

Coverage: Plan N works with Original Medicare, allowing coverage nationwide if the provider accepts Medicare. Medicare Advantage plans often operate within specific networks, which might limit coverage outside the network.

Conclusion

Medicare Supplement Plan N can be beneficial for those seeking to manage out-of-pocket costs with Original Medicare. Evaluating your options carefully and comparing them to other Medigap plans or Medicare Advantage options can help you find the best fit for your needs. For further assistance, consider contacting a licensed insurance agent to explore your choices.

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