*Medigap Plan N Has Copays

With a Medigap Plan N, you will have to pay a $20 copay for most visits to the doctor’s office. There is also a $50 copay for emergency room visits that don’t result in admittance to the hospital.

Medigap Plan N Does Not Cover Part B Excess Charges.

Don’t worry. It is very unlikely you would ever be charged above the Medicare approved amount. Today, 96% of doctors accept Medicare assignment. It’s easy to confirm your doctor’s status at Medicare.gov. For more information read The Truth About Medicare Part B Excess Charges.

Unlike Medigap Plan N, Medigap Plan G does have coverage for excess charges. However, because they’re so rarely incurred, insurance companies only charge a minimal amount for this benefit. When comparing Plans G and N, consider excess charges a non-issue.

Both Plans Have No Part B Deductible Coverage

Before any costs are covered under Part B of Original Medicare, you must pay an annual deductible of $166. This deductible is not covered under Medicare Supplement Plans G and N. That’s good, you want to pay this yourself. Most insurers will charge you more than $166 for this benefit, sometimes as much as $300. Companies call it a convenience charge.

Both Plans Cover the Remaining Seven Medicare Supplement Benefits

Medicare Part A Coinsurance
Medicare Part B Coinsurance
Blood (first 3 pints)
Part A Hospice Care Coinsurance or Copay
Skilled Nursing Facility Coinsurance
Part A Deductible
Foreign Travel Emergency

For more details on these benefits see our Medicare Supplement Benefit Guide

The Verdict

Because the plans are so similar, when choosing between the two, premium rates should be the deciding factor. Rates can vary drastically from state-to-state and even county-to-county. Be sure to compare both plans before making a final decision.

You also need to have an idea of approximately how many times you see the doctor each year. Depending on your answer, and with a little math, you will find the plan that’s right for you.

Example: Let’s say the annual rate for Plan N is $100 lower than Plan G in your area. If you buy a Plan N; you could see the doctor five times before your total expense is equal to the annual cost of a Plan G ($100 difference divided by $20 office copay = 5 office visits).

If you would like a free comparison of the lowest priced Plan G and Plan N in your area, give us a call.