If you’re turning 65 or reviewing your Medicare coverage for 2026, you’ve probably heard the terms “Plan G,” “Plan N,” and “Plan F” thrown around. These are the three most popular Medicare Supplement (also called Medigap) plans — and choosing between them is one of the most important healthcare decisions you’ll make in retirement.

Get it right and you’ll have comprehensive coverage with predictable costs. Get it wrong and you could face unexpected bills or overpay for coverage you don’t use.

Here’s everything you need to know.

Quick Primer: What Is a Medicare Supplement Plan?

Original Medicare (Parts A and B) doesn’t cover everything. You’re responsible for:

The Part A hospital deductible: $1,676 per benefit period in 2026
The Part B deductible: $257 in 2026
Part B coinsurance: 20% of all covered outpatient services (with no out-of-pocket cap)
Hospital coinsurance for extended stays
Skilled nursing facility coinsurance after day 20

Medicare Supplement plans are sold by private insurance companies to fill in these gaps. They’re standardized by the federal government — a Plan G from Aetna covers the exact same benefits as a Plan G from Cigna. The only difference is the premium and the service.

The Three Plans That Matter Most in 2026

Plan F — The Cadillac Plan (Grandfathered)

Plan F was the most popular Medicare Supplement for decades because it covers everything — including the Part B deductible. There are no out-of-pocket costs at all.

Covered by Plan F:

Part A deductible ✅
Part B deductible ✅
Part A and B coinsurance/copays ✅
Skilled nursing facility coinsurance ✅
Foreign travel emergency (80%) ✅
Part B excess charges ✅

The catch: Plan F is no longer available to people who turned 65 after January 1, 2020. If you became eligible for Medicare on or after that date, you cannot enroll in Plan F.

If you’re already on Plan F, you can keep it. But because the pool of Plan F members will only age (no new younger members joining), premiums are expected to rise faster than Plan G over time.

Plan G — The Best Value for Most People in 2026

Plan G is now the most popular Medicare Supplement plan for new enrollees — and for good reason. It covers everything Plan F covers, except the Part B deductible ($257 in 2026).

Covered by Plan G:

Part A deductible ✅
Part A and B coinsurance/copays ✅
Skilled nursing facility coinsurance ✅
Foreign travel emergency (80%) ✅
Part B excess charges ✅
Part B deductible ❌ (you pay $257/year)

In exchange for paying that $257 deductible yourself, Plan G premiums are typically $20–$50 per month less than Plan F for the same coverage.

The math: If Plan G costs $35/month less than Plan F, that’s $420/year in savings. Subtract the $257 Part B deductible you now pay yourself, and you net $163/year in savings with identical benefits otherwise.

2026 Plan G Monthly Premiums in Oregon (Approximate):

Age 65, female, non-smoker: $130–$185/month
Age 65, male, non-smoker: $145–$205/month
Age 70, female, non-smoker: $150–$220/month
Age 70, male, non-smoker: $175–$250/month

Premiums vary significantly by ZIP code, tobacco use, and carrier.

Plan N — Lower Premium, More Copays

Plan N offers lower monthly premiums than Plan G in exchange for some cost-sharing at the point of care.

Covered by Plan N:

Part A deductible ✅
Part A coinsurance ✅
Part B coinsurance (with copays) ⚠️
Skilled nursing facility coinsurance ✅
Foreign travel emergency (80%) ✅
Part B deductible ❌ (you pay $257/year)
Part B excess charges ❌

What “Part B coinsurance with copays” means:

Doctor office visits: up to $20 copay
Emergency room visits (non-admitted): up to $50 copay (waived if admitted)

What Plan N does NOT cover that Plan G does:

Part B excess charges — if a doctor doesn’t accept Medicare assignment, they can charge up to 15% above the Medicare-approved amount. Plan N doesn’t cover this. Plan G does.

2026 Plan N Monthly Premiums in Oregon (Approximate):

Age 65, female, non-smoker: $95–$140/month
Age 65, male, non-smoker: $110–$160/month

Plan N typically runs $35–$65/month less than Plan G.

Plan G vs. Plan N: Which Is Right for You?

This is the most common decision new Medicare enrollees face. Here’s how to think through it:

Choose Plan G if:

You visit doctors frequently (you’ll avoid copays)
Your doctor charges above Medicare-approved amounts (excess charges protection)
You want maximum simplicity — show your card and have zero concerns
You don’t want to think about whether a doctor “accepts Medicare assignment”
You’re in an area with many providers who do charge excess charges

Choose Plan N if:

You’re generally healthy and see doctors infrequently
You’re comfortable with small copays and the discipline to track them
Your area has few doctors who charge excess charges (most don’t)
You want the lowest possible premium
You’d rather pocket the $40–$60/month difference and self-insure the copay risk

The break-even math: If Plan N saves you $50/month ($600/year) but you incur $20 copays for 12 doctor visits a year ($240), your net savings is $360. But in years with heavy medical use, the math shifts.

What About High-Deductible Plan G?

There’s also a High-Deductible Plan G (HDPG) that some carriers offer. With HDPG:

You pay a high annual deductible ($2,870 in 2026) before benefits kick in
After the deductible, Plan G benefits apply in full
Monthly premiums are extremely low — often $35–$75/month

HDPG is best for very healthy, low-utilization people who want catastrophic protection at the lowest possible premium. It’s not suitable if you have ongoing health needs.

Understanding Part B Excess Charges

This is a concept that trips up many people shopping Medicare Supplements.

Medicare sets an “approved amount” for every covered service. Doctors who “accept Medicare assignment” agree to accept that approved amount as payment in full. The vast majority of doctors (about 95%+) accept assignment.

However, some specialists — particularly in certain metro areas or specialties — are “non-participating” and can legally charge up to 15% above the Medicare-approved amount. This extra amount is a Part B excess charge.

Plan G covers excess charges. Plan N does not.

If you live in an area with a high concentration of non-participating providers (certain major cities), Plan G’s protection is more valuable. In rural Oregon, this is less of a concern.

How Oregon Medigap Rules Work

Oregon has some Medigap protections beyond federal minimums:

Guaranteed issue at 65: When you first enroll in Medicare Part B, you have a 6-month open enrollment window. During this window, insurers must accept you regardless of health history.
After the window closes: Oregon gives additional guaranteed issue rights beyond federal minimums. However, once you’re past the initial enrollment window and don’t have a qualifying event, you may face medical underwriting if you want to switch plans.
Rate increase protections: Oregon regulates insurer rate increases, providing some stability in premium growth.

The bottom line: enroll in the best plan for you during your initial open enrollment window. This is when you have the most protection and the best rates.

How to Compare Carriers for the Same Plan

Since Plan G benefits are identical across all carriers, your decision comes down to:

Premium — Shop multiple carriers. Rates for the same Plan G at age 65 can vary by $50–$100/month in the same ZIP code.
Rate increase history — Some carriers have a history of stable, modest rate increases. Others spike rates after a few years. This matters more than the initial premium.
Rate structure — Attained-age vs. issue-age vs. community-rated. These affect how quickly your premium rises as you get older.
Household discount — Many carriers offer 5–10% discounts if both spouses have policies with them.
Financial strength — Look for AM Best rating of A or better.

Working with an independent Medicare broker like Legacy Wealth Services lets you see rates from dozens of carriers side-by-side rather than calling each one individually.

The Enrollment Timing Question

When should you enroll in a Medicare Supplement?

The answer is: during your Medicare Supplement Open Enrollment Period — the 6-month window starting the first month you’re enrolled in both Medicare Part A and Part B at age 65 or older.

During this window:

No medical underwriting
You cannot be turned down or charged more for health conditions
This is your best opportunity to lock in coverage

Important: This is NOT the same as Medicare’s Annual Enrollment Period (October 15 – December 7), which is for Medicare Advantage and Part D changes. Medicare Supplement open enrollment is tied to your birthday and Part B enrollment date.

Your Next Step

Choosing between Plan G, Plan N, and other Medigap options is one of the most consequential healthcare decisions you’ll make in retirement. Getting objective guidance from an independent broker — not someone who only works with one carrier — is essential.

At Legacy Wealth Services, we work with dozens of Medicare Supplement carriers and can run a side-by-side comparison for your specific ZIP code, age, and health situation in minutes.

There’s no cost, no obligation, and no pressure. We get compensated by the carrier you choose, so our goal is to find you the right fit — not the most expensive plan.

Ready to compare Medicare Supplement plans for your situation? Schedule a free call with Rodney Cummings, RSSA®, and get a personalized carrier comparison within 24 hours.

Schedule Your Free Medicare Consultation →

Legacy Wealth Services serves Medicare beneficiaries throughout Oregon and nationwide. Rodney Cummings holds OR License #17926384. Medicare Supplement plan premiums quoted are estimated ranges for illustration only. Actual rates vary by carrier, ZIP code, and individual health history. Contact us for current quotes.