Which Medicare Supplement Plan Is The Best?
One of the most common questions we receive at Medicare Hero is which supplement plan is better, Medicare Plan N vs. G? If you’re wondering the same thing, then follow along as we explain the difference between Plan G and Plan N so you can make a well-informed decision when choosing your Medicare coverage. Let’s get started by talking about the basics of how Medicare Supplement plans work.
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How Do Medicare Supplement Plans Work?
First, you need to know two very important things about Medicare Supplement plans before we discuss what difference is between Plan N and Plan G.
#1 | There are no networks for Medicare Supplement Plans
The first and most important thing you need to know is that there are no networks for Medicare Supplement plans. Original Medicare is your primary coverage when using a Medicare supplement plan and it sets all the rules. This means that you can see any doctor or hospital anywhere in the US as long as they accept Original Medicare.
The important takeaway here is that there is no difference in the doctors you can see, regardless of whether you choose Plan G from one insurance company or Plan N from another.
#2 | All Medicare Supplement Plans are standardized
The benefits of Medicare Supplement (Medigap) plans are standardized by the federal government. This means that Medicare Plan G from one insurance company offers the exact same coverage as Plan G from another—no matter which company you choose, the benefits are identical.
So, you might be wondering: If the coverage is the same, what’s the difference between insurance companies?
The answer is simple: price.
While the coverage is standardized, each insurance company sets its own premium rates. That means you could pay significantly more—or less—for the same Plan G benefits depending on the company you choose. This is why it’s so important to compare rates before enrolling in a Medicare Supplement plan.
What Is The Difference Between Medicare Plan G and Plan N?
First let’s discuss what is Medicare G Plan and what does it cover? Originally, Plan F offered the highest level of coverage available from a Medicare Supplement plan until it began being phased out starting back in 2020. Now that Plan F is no longer available for new Medicare beneficiaries, the highest level of Medicare Supplement coverage available is offered by Plan G followed closely by Plan N. So let’s take a look at the key differences in these two popular plans to answer common questions such as, what does Medicare Plan N cover? What Medicare Plan G covers? And finally, is Medicare Plan G better than Plan N?
#1 | Does Plan N Cover the Medicare Part B Deductible?
A common question for people comparing Medicare Supplement plans often ask is: Does Medicare Plan N cover the $257 Part B deductible?
The simple answer is no. As of 2025, neither Plan G nor Plan N covers the Medicare Part B deductible. That means you’ll pay the first $257 in outpatient services (such as doctor visits, lab work, or outpatient surgery) out-of-pocket at the start of each year.
Once you have met your deductible for the year, the differences between these two plans become more noticeable.
#2 | Doctor Visit Copays
With Plan G, all Medicare-approved doctor visits are covered at 100%—so you will never have to worry about copays.
With Plan N, you’ll pay a $20 copay each time you see a doctor. While that may not seem like much, these copays can add up if you visit the doctor frequently.
#3 | Emergency Room Visit Copay
Plan G covers 100% of ER visits, so no copays are required. However, with Part N, there will again be a $50 copay for each visit to the emergency room.
#4 | Medicare Part B Excess Charges
Medicare Part B excess charges occur when a doctor or healthcare provider does not accept Medicare assignment and chooses to charge more than the Medicare-approved amount for a service. In these cases, providers can bill you up to 15% above the Medicare rate, and this additional cost is called an “excess charge.”
When choosing between Medicare Plan G and Plan N, it’s crucial to understand how each handles these charges. Plan G covers all excess charges, offering full protection against these additional fees. However, Plan N does not cover Medicare excess charges, which means you could be responsible for paying that extra 15% out of pocket if your provider doesn’t accept Medicare assignment.
For individuals who frequently see specialists or want to avoid surprise medical bills, Plan G offers more comprehensive coverage and peace of mind. If you’re considering Plan N, make sure to confirm that your healthcare providers accept Medicare assignment to help avoid these potential costs.
Excess Charges Explained
So here’s how excess charges work… Doctors and other healthcare providers who haven’t signed an agreement to accept something called “Medicare Assignment” can charge you up to 15% over the Medicare-approved amount. This additional amount is considered a Medicare Part B excess charge.
Medicare Assignment is basically a “fee schedule” or “agreement” between Medicare and a doctor. Accepting assignment by a doctor means that your doctor agrees to the payment terms set forth by Medicare. If your doctor has not accepted Medicare Assignment, then Medicare allows them to bill you up to 15% more than the Medicare Allowable amount. As mentioned above, Plan G covers those excess charges while Plan N does not.
If you have Plan N then you will want to be sure to always ask your doctor, especially if it’s a specialist… “Do you accept Medicare Assignment?”.
This is the only way to avoid being hit with those excess charges. But remember, this is only applicable if you choose Plan N. If you have Plan G, you won’t have to worry about excess charges since they are covered.
What Are My Rates Based On?
The rates for Medicare Supplement don’t just vary from company to company; plan rates also vary tremendously across the United States, and more importantly, from person to person. Medigap Rates are typically based on your age, gender, zip code, and tobacco use.
The Cost of Medicare Plan G vs Plan N
Medicare Supplement Quote You might be wondering what the cost of Medicare Plan N vs. the cost of Medicare Plan G; as that can be a great factor for which plan you choose. Since Medicare Part N does not provide the same amount of coverage as Plan G, clearly, you will have a lower Medicare Plan N cost. However, the difference in cost is minor. In most cases, the cost of Medicare Plan N will be an average of $15 – $30 per month less than Plan G. To see a real-life example and get a behind-the-scenes look at the quoting software we use, click on this video HERE.
Which Medicare Supplement Plan is Best?
In our opinion, Plan G is the most valuable Medicare Supplement Plan available.
It gives you the most coverage and doesn’t save you a substantial amount compared to Plan N. However, if you’re someone who doesn’t visit the doctor often or plan to in the future. Overall you’re a really healthy person; this might be a good choice for you if you’re on a really tight budget.
However, if you only went to the doctor once a month, with that $20 co-pay, that’s going to pretty much discount the savings in premiums than you would have with Plan N, and it still leaves you exposed with the ER copay and the excess charges that you might incur.
Even if you go to the doctor a few times a year, we typically see Plan G providing the best value. Because, for even for $15 – $30 more, you don’t have to worry about any unexpected out-of-pocket expenses for any Medicare services, other than that $257 deductible.
Request Your Free Rate Comparison
Once you decide which Medicare supplement plan is right for you then the next step is to compare insurance companies to find the lowest rate. Our team at Medicare hero makes shopping for Supplemental coverage easy!
Simply click the button below and we will send you a personalized rate comparison so you can see the prices different companies are charging. Our help is completely free so feel free to reach out to us for help today!
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