Plan N is one of the fastest‑growing Medigap options because it strikes a balance between affordability and comprehensive coverage. Unlike Medicare Advantage plans that restrict provider choice, Plan N lets beneficiaries see any doctor or hospital nationwide that accepts Medicare. It covers hospital costs, skilled nursing facility coinsurance, hospice care coinsurance and the first three pints of blood. It also pays 100 % of the Part B coinsurance after the annual deductible is met.
What sets Plan N apart is its cost‑sharing structure. Members pay the Part B deductible (about $257 in 2025) out of pocket and then are responsible for small copays—up to $20 for most doctor visits and up to $50 for emergency room visits (waived if admitted to the hospital). These copays are modest compared with the high copayments and coinsurance found in many Medicare Advantage plans. Plan N does not cover Part B excess charges, meaning beneficiaries could be billed up to 15 % above the Medicare‑approved amount by non‑participating providers. However, only about 1 % of doctors in the United States charge these excess fees. The plan also does not include routine dental, vision, hearing or prescription drug coverage; these services require separate policies or out‑of‑pocket payment.
Premiums for Plan N are typically lower than those for Plan G, sometimes by 20–30 %, making it attractive for individuals who are comfortable paying occasional copays in exchange for monthly savings. Plan N shares a travel emergency benefit with Plans G and D, paying 80 % of the cost of emergency care abroad after a $250 deductible. Enrollment is straightforward during your six‑month Medigap open enrollment period (the six months after you enroll in Part B), when insurers must sell you any plan without medical underwriting. After that window, acceptance can be subject to health questions.
Plan N is often recommended for people who want predictable coverage for hospital stays and major medical events but are willing to handle small out‑of‑pocket expenses for routine doctor visits. It is especially attractive in states that prohibit doctors from billing excess charges. Before enrolling, check with your healthcare providers to ensure they accept Medicare assignment, which eliminates the risk of excess fees.
For a comprehensive overview of Plan N’s benefits, limitations and cost comparisons, see the article: Medigap Plan N: A Comprehensive Guide to Value and Coverage.
