Medicare Supplement Plan N — Complete 2026 Guide
Medicare Supplement Plan N is the second most popular Medigap plan. It covers the Part A deductible, skilled nursing facility coinsurance, and foreign travel emergencies, but requires copayments for some doctor visits (up to $20) and emergency room visits (up to $50 if not admitted). Plan N does not cover the Part B deductible or Part B excess charges. Its premiums are typically 15–25% lower than Plan G.
What Plan N Covers
Below is the complete coverage table for Plan N. This is the federally standardized benefit chart — every insurer selling Plan N must provide these exact benefits.
| Medicare Cost | Plan N Covers? | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Part A coinsurance & hospital costs (up to 365 days after Medicare) | Covered | — |
| Part A deductible ($1,676 in 2026) | Covered | — |
| Part A hospice care coinsurance or copayment | Covered | — |
| Part B coinsurance or copayment (20% of outpatient costs) | Covered | Up to $20 copay for some office visits; up to $50 ER copay if not admitted |
| Part B deductible ($257 in 2026) | Not Covered | — |
| Part B excess charges (above Medicare-approved amount) | Not Covered | — |
| Skilled nursing facility care coinsurance | Covered | — |
| Foreign travel emergency coverage (up to plan limits) | Covered | — |
Source: CMS standardized Medigap benefit chart. CMS Publication 02110.
Who Should Choose Plan N?
Relatively healthy beneficiaries who visit the doctor infrequently and prefer significantly lower premiums in exchange for small copayments.
Average Plan N Premiums by State (2026)
Premiums for Plan N vary significantly by state due to differences in rating laws, local healthcare costs, and insurer competition. The table below shows estimates for a 65-year-old non-smoking female. Your actual premium will depend on your age, gender, tobacco use, and the specific insurer you choose.
Always get multiple quotes before choosing an insurer. Use the official Medicare Plan Finder or a licensed broker who represents multiple companies.
| State | Est. Monthly Premium (Age 65) | Rating Method | Special Protections |
|---|---|---|---|
| California | ~$135/mo | community | ✓ Birthday Rule ✓ Community Rated |
| Florida | ~$140/mo | attained age | Federal standard |
| Texas | ~$110/mo | attained age | Federal standard |
| New York | ~$208/mo | community | ✓ Community Rated |
| Pennsylvania | ~$122/mo | attained age | Federal standard |
| Ohio | ~$99/mo | attained age | Federal standard |
| Illinois | ~$112/mo | attained age | Federal standard |
| North Carolina | ~$105/mo | attained age | Federal standard |
| Michigan | ~$106/mo | attained age | Federal standard |
| Georgia | ~$100/mo | attained age | Federal standard |
* Estimates based on Medicare.gov plan finder data sampling, April 2026. Premiums vary by insurer, age, gender, and tobacco use. Verify current rates at Medicare.gov.
How Plan N Compares to Other Plans
The right Medigap plan depends on your health, how often you use medical services, and how much premium you're comfortable paying. Here are the key comparisons for Plan N:
Plan N vs Plan G
Plan G has higher premiums than Plan N but provides more complete coverage: no copays for doctor visits, no ER copay, and Part B excess charge protection. If you visit the doctor frequently or see specialists who don't accept Medicare assignment, Plan G may be worth the higher premium. Full comparison: Plan G vs Plan N →
Plan N vs Medicare Advantage
Medicare Advantage and Medigap work very differently. Medigap (including Plan N) works with Original Medicare and any doctor who accepts Medicare. Advantage plans have networks and often additional benefits. Full comparison →
How to Enroll in Plan N
You can enroll in a Medicare Supplement plan through any private insurance company that sells Medigap plans in your state. Here's the process:
- Confirm eligibility: You must be enrolled in Medicare Parts A and B. Most people are first eligible at age 65.
- Enroll during your Open Enrollment Period: Your 6-month OEP begins when you're both 65 and enrolled in Part B. During this window, you have guaranteed issue rights — insurers cannot deny you coverage or charge more based on your health.
- Get quotes from multiple insurers: Because benefits are standardized, the only variable is the premium. Use Medicare.gov or a licensed broker.
- Complete the application: Outside your OEP, insurers can require medical underwriting in most states (exceptions: CA, NY, NJ, OR, FL birthday rules; MA, WI, MN unique rules).
- Pair with a Part D plan: Medigap does not cover prescription drugs. You'll need a separate Part D plan for drug coverage.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much are Plan N copays?
With Plan N, you may pay up to $20 for some doctor office visits and up to $50 for emergency room visits that do not result in an inpatient hospital admission. Not every office visit triggers a copay — it depends on your provider's billing.
Does Plan N cover Part B excess charges?
No. If you see a doctor who does not accept Medicare assignment, that doctor may charge up to 15% above the Medicare-approved amount. Plan N does not cover this excess charge. To avoid it, choose doctors who accept Medicare assignment (most do).
How much can I save with Plan N vs Plan G?
Premium savings vary by state, insurer, and age, but Plan N is typically 15–25% cheaper than Plan G per month. Whether the savings outweigh the copays and excess charge exposure depends on how often you use medical services.
This site provides general information about Medicare Supplement insurance and medical alert devices. It is not affiliated with or endorsed by the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) or any government agency. This is not medical or insurance advice. Always consult a licensed insurance professional for personalized guidance.
Medicare rules, premiums, and plan availability change annually. Always verify current information with Medicare.gov, your State Insurance Department, or a licensed insurance advisor. For free, unbiased help, contact your State Health Insurance Assistance Program (SHIP) at shiphelp.org.
Sources
- Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services. Medicare Supplement Insurance (Medigap). medicare.gov. Retrieved June 2026.
- CMS. Choosing a Medigap Policy: A Guide to Health Insurance for People with Medicare. Publication 02110. cms.gov. Retrieved June 2026.
- CMS. 2026 Medicare Parts A & B Premiums and Deductibles. cms.gov. Retrieved June 2026.