Medicare Plan N is a supplemental policy that typically has lower premiums. In return, you pay the Part B deductible, excess charges, and some copays for doctor and emergency visits. Plan N has been popular since it was first introduced in 2010. Also called Medigap Plan N, this option was created for consumers who like paying a lower premium in exchange for taking on a small annual deductible and some copayments.

All Medicare Supplement Plan N policies are the same, no matter which insurance company you choose. Plan N is available in many states from various well-known insurance companies.

In a survey, AHIP reported that Plan N enrollment grew by 20% between 2014 – 2017. Since Plan F will no longer be available for most people, Plan N has quickly become the runner-up for the most popular Medigap plan (after Plan G.)

(You will find that sometimes people refer to Plan N as Part N, but the proper term is Plan N. Medicare has parts, but when referring to supplemental insurance, use the word Plans.) Here’s a visual picture that demonstrates what Medicare Supplement Plan N covers and what is left for you to cover:

Plan N Coverage

What Does Medicare Plan N Cover?

This standardized Medicare Supplement covers the 20% that Medicare Part B doesn’t. It also pays for your hospital deductible and all your hospital costs. You will be responsible for Part B excess charges, the Part B deductible, and some small copays at the doctor’s office and the emergency room.

You can request a Medicare Plan N Outline of Coverage from your agent before you enroll, which will give further details.

What Does Plan N Cover at the Doctor’s Office?

First and foremost, your standard preventive care is covered entirely by Medicare, so you will not pay anything for these services. Plan N covers preventive services like screenings for cancer, diabetes, and cardiovascular conditions. Preventive services also include annual physicals, colonoscopies, vaccines, and various other tests.

Your Medicare Supplement Plan N coverage will also include visits to the doctor for injury and illnesses, durable medical equipment, ambulance, surgeries, home health, lab work and other imaging tests, diabetes supplies, and many more services. The main thing to remember is that if Medicare Part A or B covers it, your Supplement will also cover it. Medicare pays 80% and then sends the bill to your Medigap plan.

If your doctor does not accept Medicare assignment, you will pay a 15% excess charge. Read more about how this would work in our Medigap Plan N Example below.

What Does Plan N Cover in the Hospital?

Your Medicare Part A hospital benefits provide coverage for inpatient hospital services, including inpatient admission, skilled nursing facility care, home health, hospice care, and blood transfusions. While you would typically owe a deductible for your hospital stay, your Medigap Plan will pay that for you. Additionally, it is important to know the Part A deductible is per benefit period. If you are admitted several times within the year, your Plan N will cover all Part A deductibles you experience.

Here’s a quick list of items covered in the hospital by Medicare Supplemental Plan N:

The Part A Hospital deductible (in 2024, this is $1,632) and your coinsurance (20%)

An extra one year (365 days) of hospital benefits after Medicare’s coverage runs out

Hospice care coinsurance at any certified hospice center

Coverage for the first 3 pints of blood

Plan N also provides foreign travel emergency benefits up to the plan’s limit

Your Medigap Plan N Costs

Medicare Supplement Plan N offers identical basic benefits similar to the more popular Plan G, but you agree to pay a share of a few things that you wouldn’t pay on Plan G. First, you agree to pay the small annual Part B deductible ($240 in 2024). You will also pay co-payments up to $20 for doctor appointments. Emergency room visits have a $50 copay.

Finally, people with Medigap N also pay excess charges to some medical providers. Providers can charge 15% more than what Medicare allows. This is called an excess charge. Plan N does not cover this for you like Plan F or G would. This can result in small bills from time to time.