Medicare Supplement Plan N vs G: The Complete 2026 Comparison Guide
Medicare Supplement Plan N vs G: The Complete 2026 Comparison Guide
Meta Description: Plan G vs Plan N — which Medicare Supplement saves you more in 2026? Compare coverage, costs, and copays to find the right Medigap plan for your budget. (155 characters)
Published by: Legacy Wealth Services | Rodney Cummings, RSSA® Last Updated: May 2026 Reading Time: ~9 minutes
You’ve Earned Medicare. Now Make Sure It Actually Works for You.
Picture this: You turn 65, enroll in Medicare, and breathe a sigh of relief — finally, healthcare coverage you can count on. Then your first Explanation of Benefits arrives. There’s a 20% coinsurance charge here, a deductible there, and a line item that reads “excess charges.” Suddenly, that relief feels a lot like confusion.
Here’s the reality most people don’t hear until it’s too late: Original Medicare (Parts A and B) covers roughly 80% of your medical costs — leaving you responsible for the rest. For someone with a serious illness or frequent doctor visits, that 20% gap can translate to thousands of dollars out of pocket every year.
That’s exactly why Medicare Supplement Insurance — commonly called Medigap — exists. And in 2026, two plans dominate the conversation for nearly every Medicare-eligible adult: Plan G and Plan N.
This guide will walk you through everything you need to know to make a confident, informed decision — with real numbers, real math, and straight talk from an independent advisor who works for you, not an insurance company.
What Is Medicare Supplement Insurance?
Medicare Supplement Insurance (Medigap) is private health insurance designed to fill the coverage gaps left by Original Medicare. You pay a monthly premium to an insurance company, and in return, that plan picks up costs that Medicare leaves behind — things like coinsurance, copayments, and hospital deductibles.
Key facts about Medigap in 2026:
- Plans are federally standardized — Plan G from Carrier A covers the exact same benefits as Plan G from Carrier B. The only difference is the price.
- You can use any doctor or hospital that accepts Medicare — no networks, no referrals required.
- Plans are sold by private insurance companies, but regulated by both federal and state law.
- To qualify for a Medigap plan, you must be enrolled in Medicare Parts A and B.
- The best time to enroll is during your 6-month Medigap Open Enrollment Period, which begins the month you turn 65 and enroll in Part B — during this window, insurers cannot deny you coverage or charge more due to pre-existing conditions.
There are 10 standardized Medigap plan types (A, B, C, D, F, G, K, L, M, and N). But for most people turning 65 today, the conversation quickly narrows to two: Plan G and Plan N.
Medicare Supplement Plan G: The Gold Standard of Coverage
What Plan G Covers
Plan G is widely considered the most comprehensive Medigap plan available to new Medicare enrollees in 2026. Here’s what it covers:
- ✅ Medicare Part A coinsurance and hospital costs — up to 365 days after Medicare benefits are exhausted
- ✅ Medicare Part A deductible — $1,736 per benefit period in 2026
- ✅ Medicare Part A hospice care coinsurance or copayment
- ✅ Medicare Part B coinsurance or copayment — the 20% you’d otherwise owe on all covered outpatient services
- ✅ Medicare Part B excess charges — when a doctor charges more than Medicare’s approved amount (up to 15% above the approved rate)
- ✅ Skilled Nursing Facility (SNF) coinsurance — Days 21–100 of a SNF stay
- ✅ First three pints of blood annually
- ✅ Foreign travel emergency — 80% of costs after a $250 deductible (up to plan limits)
What Plan G Does NOT Cover
- ❌ Medicare Part B deductible — $257 in 2026 (this is the only gap)
- ❌ Dental, vision, or hearing care
- ❌ Long-term custodial care
- ❌ Prescription drugs (you’ll need a separate Part D plan)
Who Is Plan G Best For?
Plan G is ideal for people who:
- Want maximum predictability — once you pay the $257 Part B deductible, you have essentially $0 out-of-pocket for the rest of the year on covered services
- See doctors frequently or manage chronic conditions
- Want to see any Medicare-accepting provider, including specialists who charge excess charges
- Prefer simplicity over complexity — one annual deductible and you’re done
Typical Plan G Premiums in 2026
Monthly premiums vary by age, gender, tobacco use, location, and carrier — but here are general ranges for a 65-year-old non-tobacco user:
| Age at Enrollment | Typical Monthly Premium Range |
|---|---|
| Age 65 | $120 – $200/month |
| Age 70 | $145 – $230/month |
| Age 75 | $175 – $270/month |
Pro Tip: Premiums vary significantly by carrier — sometimes by $50–$80/month for identical coverage. This is why working with an independent broker who can shop multiple carriers is so valuable.
Medicare Supplement Plan N: The Smart Cost-Sharing Alternative
What Plan N Covers
Plan N provides robust coverage at a lower premium than Plan G — but it introduces a small amount of cost-sharing in exchange for those savings:
- ✅ Medicare Part A coinsurance and hospital costs — up to 365 extra days
- ✅ Medicare Part A deductible — $1,736 per benefit period in 2026
- ✅ Medicare Part A hospice care coinsurance or copayment
- ✅ Medicare Part B coinsurance or copayment — with exceptions noted below
- ✅ Skilled Nursing Facility coinsurance — Days 21–100
- ✅ First three pints of blood annually
- ✅ Foreign travel emergency — 80% after $250 deductible (up to plan limits)
What Plan N Does NOT Cover
- ❌ Medicare Part B deductible — $257 in 2026
- ❌ Medicare Part B excess charges — if your doctor charges above Medicare’s approved rate, you pay the difference (up to 15%)
- ❌ Office visit copays — up to $20 per visit for non-preventive doctor’s office visits
- ❌ Emergency room copays — up to $50 per ER visit (waived if you’re admitted to the hospital)
The Excess Charge Factor: What It Really Means
“Excess charges” sound alarming, but context matters. Medicare-participating providers — the vast majority of doctors in the U.S. — cannot charge excess charges. Only providers who have “opted out” of Medicare entirely can charge them. In most states, this is a small minority of physicians.
That said, if you live in a state with a higher concentration of opt-out providers, or if you see specialists in certain fields (some oncologists, psychiatrists, and anesthesiologists), Plan N’s exposure to excess charges is worth factoring in.
Who Is Plan N Best For?
Plan N is an excellent fit for people who:
- Are generally healthy and visit the doctor infrequently (fewer than 5–6 office visits per year)
- Want lower monthly premiums and are comfortable with small, predictable copays
- Live in a state where excess charges are rare or banned (e.g., Pennsylvania, New York, Massachusetts, Connecticut, Minnesota, Ohio, Vermont, and Rhode Island ban excess charges)
- Are budget-conscious and want to put the premium savings toward other retirement goals
Typical Plan N Premiums in 2026
| Age at Enrollment | Typical Monthly Premium Range |
|---|---|
| Age 65 | $80 – $160/month |
| Age 70 | $100 – $185/month |
| Age 75 | $125 – $210/month |
Plan G vs. Plan N: Side-by-Side Comparison
| Feature | Plan G | Plan N |
|---|---|---|
| Part A Deductible ($1,736/benefit period) | ✅ Covered | ✅ Covered |
| Part A Coinsurance & Hospital Costs | ✅ Covered | ✅ Covered |
| Part A Hospice Coinsurance | ✅ Covered | ✅ Covered |
| Part B Deductible ($257/year) | ❌ You pay $257/yr | ❌ You pay $257/yr |
| Part B Coinsurance (20%) | ✅ Fully covered | ✅ Covered (with copays) |
| Part B Excess Charges | ✅ Covered | ❌ You pay up to 15% above approved rate |
| Skilled Nursing Facility Coinsurance | ✅ Covered | ✅ Covered |
| Doctor Office Visit Copay | $0 | Up to $20/visit |
| Emergency Room Copay | $0 | Up to $50/visit (waived if admitted) |
| Foreign Travel Emergency | ✅ 80% after $250 deductible | ✅ 80% after $250 deductible |
| Blood (first 3 pints) | ✅ Covered | ✅ Covered |
| Typical Monthly Premium (age 65) | $120 – $200/mo | $80 – $160/mo |
| Typical Annual Premium (age 65) | $1,440 – $2,400/yr | $960 – $1,920/yr |
| Annual Out-of-Pocket Exposure | $257 (deductible only) | $257 + copays + possible excess charges |
| Best For | Frequent users, predictability seekers | Healthy, infrequent users, budget-focused |
When Plan G Makes More Sense
Plan G is likely the better choice if:
- 🏥 You have ongoing health conditions that require regular specialist visits, lab work, imaging, or procedures
- 📅 You see your doctor more than 5–6 times per year — copay costs on Plan N add up quickly
- 🩺 You want to see any Medicare provider without restriction — including those who charge excess fees
- ✈️ You travel internationally and want comprehensive emergency coverage
- 🧠 You value simplicity — pay the $257 deductible once a year and you’re done; no copay tracking required
- 💼 You’re newly eligible and in your Open Enrollment window — this is the best time to lock in Plan G at the best possible rate
When Plan N Makes More Sense
Plan N is likely the better choice if:
- 💪 You’re in good health and visit the doctor only for annual wellness visits and the occasional illness
- 💰 Premium savings matter — if Plan N saves you $50–$80/month vs. Plan G, that’s $600–$960/year back in your pocket
- 🏠 You live in a state that prohibits excess charges — removing that risk makes Plan N even more attractive
- 📊 You’re comfortable with some cost-sharing — small, capped copays feel manageable vs. higher monthly premiums
- 🔄 You’re a strategic self-insurer — you plan to bank the premium savings and use them to cover the occasional copay
The Real Cost Calculation: Let’s Do the Math
This is where most comparisons fall short — they compare premiums but ignore total annual cost. Let’s run three real scenarios using 2026 figures.
Assumptions:
- Age 65, non-tobacco user
- Plan G premium: $160/month | Plan N premium: $115/month
- Monthly premium savings with Plan N: $45/month = $540/year
Scenario 1: Healthy Year (4 doctor visits, 0 ER visits)
| Cost Category | Plan G | Plan N |
|---|---|---|
| Annual Premiums | $1,920 | $1,380 |
| Part B Deductible | $257 | $257 |
| Office Visit Copays (4 visits × $20) | $0 | $80 |
| ER Copays | $0 | $0 |
| Excess Charges | $0 | $0 |
| Total Annual Cost | $2,177 | $1,717 |
| Plan N Savings | — | $460 |
✅ Winner: Plan N — saves $460 in a healthy year.
Scenario 2: Moderate Year (8 doctor visits, 1 ER visit)
| Cost Category | Plan G | Plan N |
|---|---|---|
| Annual Premiums | $1,920 | $1,380 |
| Part B Deductible | $257 | $257 |
| Office Visit Copays (8 visits × $20) | $0 | $160 |
| ER Copay (1 visit) | $0 | $50 |
| Excess Charges | $0 | $0 |
| Total Annual Cost | $2,177 | $1,847 |
| Plan N Savings | — | $330 |
✅ Winner: Plan N — still saves $330, even with more utilization.
Scenario 3: High-Use Year (14 doctor visits, 2 ER visits, excess charges)
| Cost Category | Plan G | Plan N |
|---|---|---|
| Annual Premiums | $1,920 | $1,380 |
| Part B Deductible | $257 | $257 |
| Office Visit Copays (14 × $20) | $0 | $280 |
| ER Copays (2 × $50) | $0 | $100 |
| Excess Charges (estimated) | $0 | $150 |
| Total Annual Cost | $2,177 | $2,167 |
| Plan N Savings | — | $10 |
⚖️ Virtual tie — at very high utilization, Plan G and Plan N cost nearly the same.
The Takeaway: Plan N wins financially in most scenarios — but Plan G provides a hard ceiling on your exposure that many people find worth paying for.
What About Plan F?
You may have heard about Medicare Supplement Plan F — the plan that covered everything, including the Part B deductible. Plan F was the gold standard for years, and millions of people still have it.
However, Plan F is no longer available to new Medicare enrollees who became eligible for Medicare on or after January 1, 2020. If you turned 65 in 2020 or later, Plan F is simply not an option for you.
If you were eligible for Medicare before January 1, 2020, you may still be able to enroll in Plan F — but be aware that as the Plan F risk pool ages (with no new younger enrollees entering), premiums tend to rise faster than Plan G or Plan N over time.
For anyone newly eligible for Medicare in 2026, Plan G is the closest equivalent to Plan F — and in many cases, it’s actually the better long-term value.
How to Choose the Right Plan: Work with an Independent Broker
Here’s something the insurance companies don’t advertise: the plan letter is standardized, but the price is not. Two carriers can offer identical Plan G coverage with a $70/month difference in premium — and both are technically “the right plan.”
This is where working with an independent Medicare broker — someone who represents dozens of carriers rather than just one — makes a significant financial difference.
An independent broker like Rodney Cummings, RSSA® at Legacy Wealth Services can:
- Shop your ZIP code across multiple carriers to find the lowest available premium for the plan you want
- Explain the pricing methodology (attained-age, issue-age, or community-rated) so you understand how your premiums may change over time
- Factor in your health history and help you apply strategically during your Open Enrollment Period
- Coordinate your complete Medicare picture — Supplement plan, Part D prescription drug coverage, and any dental/vision/hearing ancillary plans
- Review your plan annually to ensure it’s still competitively priced as you age
- Connect your Medicare strategy to your broader retirement plan — including Social Security timing (Rodney is a credentialed RSSA® — Registered Social Security Analyst)
There’s no additional cost to work with an independent broker. Insurance companies pay broker commissions — your premium is the same whether you work with a broker or apply directly. The difference is that a broker works for you, not for a single carrier.
Conclusion: The Right Plan Is the One That Fits Your Life
Plan G and Plan N are both excellent Medigap options in 2026 — and either one will give you dramatically more protection than Original Medicare alone. The “right” choice depends on your health, your budget, your location, and your personal tolerance for cost-sharing.
Here’s a simple rule of thumb:
- If you value certainty and comprehensive coverage, choose Plan G.
- If you’re healthy, budget-conscious, and comfortable with small copays, consider Plan N.
But you don’t have to figure this out alone.
📞 Schedule Your Free Medicare Consultation with Rodney Cummings, RSSA®
Rodney Cummings is an independent Medicare advisor and credentialed Registered Social Security Analyst (RSSA®) serving clients across the country. He works with a wide portfolio of top-rated carriers to find you the best coverage at the best price — with no pressure and no sales gimmicks.
Whether you’re turning 65, already on Medicare and wondering if you’re in the right plan, or simply trying to understand how Medicare fits into your retirement picture, Rodney can help.
📞 Call or Text: 503-832-8555 📅 Book a Free 30-Minute Consultation: calendly.com/rod-legacywealthservices/30min
No obligation. No pressure. Just clear, honest guidance from someone who’s on your side.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can I switch from Plan N to Plan G later if my health changes?
Yes, but it’s not guaranteed. Outside of your initial Open Enrollment Period, switching Medigap plans typically requires medical underwriting — meaning the insurance company can review your health history and potentially deny coverage or charge higher premiums based on pre-existing conditions. Some states have additional consumer protections. This is why it’s critical to choose your plan thoughtfully from the start, and why working with an experienced broker during your initial enrollment window is so valuable.
2. Does Plan N or Plan G cover prescription drugs?
Neither Plan G nor Plan N covers prescription drugs. For medication coverage, you’ll need to enroll in a separate Medicare Part D prescription drug plan. Your Medicare broker can help you compare Part D options alongside your Medigap plan to ensure complete coverage.
3. Are Plan G and Plan N premiums tax-deductible?
Potentially, yes. Medicare Supplement premiums may be deductible as medical expenses if your total medical costs exceed 7.5% of your adjusted gross income (AGI) and you itemize deductions. If you’re self-employed, you may be able to deduct 100% of your health insurance premiums. Consult a tax professional for guidance specific to your situation.
4. What’s the difference between Medigap and Medicare Advantage?
These are two very different approaches to Medicare coverage. Medigap supplements Original Medicare — you keep Medicare as your primary insurance and the Medigap plan pays costs Medicare doesn’t. Medicare Advantage (Part C) replaces Original Medicare with a private insurance plan, often with lower premiums but network restrictions, prior authorization requirements, and higher out-of-pocket maximums. Most people who prioritize freedom of choice and predictable costs prefer a Medigap plan like Plan G or Plan N.
5. If Plan G and Plan N benefits are standardized, why do premiums vary so much between carriers?
Great question. Insurance companies price Medigap plans using different rating methodologies (attained-age, issue-age, or community-rated), have different administrative cost structures, and may price aggressively in certain markets to gain market share. Additionally, the health profile of a carrier’s existing risk pool affects pricing over time. This is exactly why shopping multiple carriers — rather than accepting the first quote you receive — can save you hundreds of dollars per year for identical coverage.
Legacy Wealth Services is an independent insurance agency serving Medicare-eligible adults nationwide. Rodney Cummings, RSSA®, is licensed to sell Medicare Supplement Insurance and represents multiple top-rated carriers. This content is for educational purposes only and does not constitute personalized financial or insurance advice.
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