Medicare Supplement Plan N: The Smart Budget Choice? (2026)
Let’s talk about Medicare Supplement Plan N—the plan that doesn’t get nearly as much attention as it deserves.
Everyone’s heard about Plan G. It’s the “gold standard,” the “most comprehensive,” the plan everyone talks about. And don’t get me wrong—Plan G is fantastic. But here’s something most people don’t realize: Plan N might actually save you more money, especially if you’re relatively healthy and don’t see doctors constantly.
I’ve been selling Medicare Supplement insurance in Tampa Bay for 8 years, and I’ve watched Plan N quietly become one of the smartest choices for the right person. It offers similar coverage as Plan G but at a significantly lower premium. The catch? You’ll pay small copays when you see doctors.
So is Plan N the savvy budget choice, or are those copays going to cost you more in the long run? Let’s dive in and figure out if Plan N is right for you.
What Exactly Is Medicare Supplement Plan N? 🛡️
Like all Medigap plans, Plan N is private insurance that works alongside Original Medicare Part A and Part B to cover the out-of-pocket costs Medicare doesn’t pay. It’s standardized by the federal government, which means Plan N from Humana covers the exact same things as Plan N from UnitedHealthcare—only the price and customer service differ.
Think of Plan N as Plan G’s more budget-conscious sibling. It covers almost everything Plan G does, but trades slightly lower coverage for significantly lower monthly premiums. Instead of paying higher premiums for zero copays, you accept small, predictable copays in exchange for saving money every month.
For the right person—someone who’s healthy, doesn’t see specialists constantly, and wants to minimize guaranteed monthly costs—this trade-off can save hundreds or even thousands of dollars per year.
What Does Medicare Supplement Plan N Cover? 📋
Here’s the comprehensive coverage Plan N provides:
1. Part A Hospital Coinsurance and Hospital Costs 🏥
Original Medicare Part A only covers hospital stays for a certain number of days. After day 60, you’re responsible for daily coinsurance—$408 per day for days 61-90 in 2026, and $816 per day for lifetime reserve days.
Plan N covers 100% of this coinsurance, plus an additional 365 days of hospitalization after Medicare benefits are exhausted. If you have a serious illness requiring extended hospitalization, Plan N protects you completely.
2. Part A Deductible ($1,676 in 2026) 💰
Every time you’re admitted to the hospital, Medicare Part A has a deductible of $1,676 in 2026. Multiple hospital admissions mean multiple deductibles.
Plan N covers this deductible 100%. You won’t pay a penny for hospital admission.
3. Part A Hospice Care Coinsurance or Copayment ❤️
Medicare Part A covers hospice care but requires small copayments for outpatient drugs and respite care. Plan N covers these costs.
4. Skilled Nursing Facility Coinsurance ($204/day in 2026) 🏨
If you need skilled nursing care in a facility, Medicare covers the first 20 days at 100%. Days 21-100 require coinsurance of $204 per day in 2026.
Plan N covers all of this coinsurance. If you need 80 days of skilled nursing care for rehab after surgery, Plan N saves you from a $16,320 bill.
5. Part B Coinsurance or Copayment (with exceptions) 👨⚕️
This is where Plan N differs from Plan G. After you meet your Part B deductible, Original Medicare typically pays 80% of approved charges for doctor visits, outpatient care, and most Part B services. You’re responsible for the other 20%.
Plan N covers this 20% coinsurance except for:
- Office visits: Up to $20 copay per visit (copay is set by federal law, not by the insurance company)
- Emergency room visits: Up to $50 copay (waived if you’re admitted to the hospital)
These copays are the trade-off for Plan N’s lower premiums. We’ll do the math later to see if it’s worth it for you.
6. First Three Pints of Blood 🩸
Medicare requires you to pay for or replace the first three pints of blood each year. Plan N covers this cost.
7. Foreign Travel Emergency (Up to Plan Limits) ✈️
If you have a medical emergency while traveling outside the U.S., Original Medicare won’t cover you. Plan N provides emergency coverage after a $250 deductible, paying 80% of costs up to a lifetime maximum of $50,000.
This is great for snowbirds spending time in Canada or anyone who travels internationally.
What Does Plan N NOT Cover? ❌
Plan N has three gaps compared to Plan G:
1. Part B Deductible ($257 in 2026)
You’re responsible for paying the first $257 in Part B medical expenses each year before Plan N kicks in. This is the same for Plan G—neither plan covers the Part B deductible.
2. Office Visit Copays (Up to $20)
Every time you see a doctor—primary care or specialist—you’ll pay up to $20 per visit. The actual amount can vary but is capped at $20 by federal law.
This is the biggest difference between Plan N and Plan G. If you see doctors frequently, these copays add up. If you’re healthy and only see your primary care doctor for annual checkups, it’s minimal.
3. Emergency Room Copays (Up to $50)
If you visit the emergency room, you’ll pay up to $50 (waived if you’re admitted to the hospital). Most people don’t visit the ER frequently, so this rarely impacts total costs significantly.
4. Part B Excess Charges
Some doctors who accept Medicare are allowed to charge up to 15% more than the Medicare-approved amount. Plan G covers these “excess charges”; Plan N doesn’t. However, the vast majority of providers don’t assess the excess charges to their patients.
What Else Do You Need Beyond Plan N? 🤔
Just like Plan G, Plan N only covers what Original Medicare covers. You’ll still need to address these gaps:
1. Prescription Drug Coverage (Part D) 💊
This is critical: Medicare Supplement plans do NOT include prescription drug coverage. If you choose Plan N, you must also enroll in a standalone Medicare Part D prescription drug plan.
Part D plans vary widely in cost and coverage, typically ranging from $0 to $100+ per month. It’s essential to pick a plan that covers your specific medications at the lowest cost.
If you don’t enroll in Part D when you’re first eligible and don’t have other creditable prescription coverage, you’ll pay a late enrollment penalty permanently. The penalty is calculated as 1% of the national base beneficiary premium ($37.90 in 2026) multiplied by the number of months you went without coverage, rounded to the nearest $0.10.
💊 Not sure which Part D plan is best for your medications? We can analyze it for free.
2. Dental Coverage 🦷
Original Medicare (and therefore Plan N) doesn’t cover routine dental care like cleanings, fillings, crowns, or dentures.
Options include:
- Standalone dental insurance: Typically $20-$50/month
- Dental discount plans: Membership programs offering discounted rates
- Pay out of pocket: Many people with good teeth choose this route
3. Vision Coverage 👓
Medicare covers eye exams for medical conditions but not routine vision exams, eyeglasses, or contact lenses.
Options include standalone vision insurance ($10-$25/month), vision discount plans, or paying out of pocket.
4. Hearing Coverage 👂
Medicare covers diagnostic hearing exams ordered by doctors but not routine hearing tests or hearing aids, which can cost $1,000-$6,000+ per pair.
Plan N vs. Plan G: The $300-$600 Annual Question 💵
Okay, here’s what everyone wants to know: Should I pay less in monthly premiums and accept small copays (Plan N), or pay higher premiums for zero copays (Plan G)?
Let’s do the math with real Florida numbers:
Typical Premium Comparison (Tampa Bay Area)
- Plan G: $160-$230/month ($1,920-$2,760/year)
- Plan N: $135-$190/month ($1,620-$2,280/year)
- Annual savings with Plan N: $300-$600+
Now let’s see how many doctor visits it takes to wipe out those savings.
The Copay Math 🧮
If Plan N saves you $500/year in premiums, how many doctor visits would cost you more than $500 in copays?
$500 ÷ $20 per visit = 25 doctor visits per year
That’s a LOT of doctor visits. Most healthy Medicare beneficiaries see their doctors far less frequently:
- Annual wellness visit: 1 visit = $20
- Quarterly checkups (if you have chronic conditions): 4 visits = $80
- Occasional sick visits: 2-3 visits = $40-$60
- Specialist visits: 3-4 visits = $60-$80
- Total annual copays: ~$200-$240
If Plan N saves you $500 in premiums and costs you $200 in copays, you’re still ahead by $300.
Of course, your mileage will vary. If you see specialists constantly, have multiple chronic conditions, or anticipate needing significant medical care, those copays add up and Plan G might be the better financial choice.
The Emergency Room Factor 🚑
The $50 ER copay rarely affects the math significantly because most people don’t visit the ER frequently. Even if you go twice a year, that’s only $100—still well under your premium savings.
And remember: if you’re admitted to the hospital from the ER, the copay is waived.
Plan N vs. Medicare Advantage: The Bigger Comparison 🥊
We’ve compared Plan N to Plan G, but what about Medicare Advantage? That’s the comparison that really matters for a lot of people.
The Case FOR Plan N (Why People Choose It) ✅
1. Complete Provider Freedom 🌍
With Plan N + Original Medicare, you can see any doctor or specialist in the country who accepts Medicare—no networks, no referrals, no restrictions. Want to see a top specialist at Mayo Clinic or Cleveland Clinic? Go ahead. No permission needed.
Medicare Advantage plans have network restrictions. Even with a PPO, you’ll pay more for out-of-network care and providers don’t necessarily have to accept your Advantage PPO plan just because they accept Medicare.
2. Lower Premiums Than Plan G 💵
Plan N gives you nearly the same comprehensive coverage as Plan G but saves you $300-$600+ per year in premiums. For healthy people who don’t see doctors frequently, this is a no-brainer.
3. Predictable, Manageable Costs 📊
Your worst-case scenario is easy to calculate. If you see doctors 25+ times per year, you’ll pay about $500 in copays maximum. That’s predictable and manageable.
With Medicare Advantage, you might have a $0 premium but could face thousands in copays, coinsurance, and deductibles if you need significant care. Plan N protects you from catastrophic costs.
4. No Prior Authorization Hassles 📋
With Plan N, if a doctor orders a test or procedure and Medicare approves it, you’re covered. No insurance company red tape. No waiting for approval. No denials.
Medicare Advantage plans often require prior authorization, which can delay care and create administrative nightmares.
5. Guaranteed Renewable 🔒
Once you’re enrolled in Plan N, the insurance company can’t drop you as long as you pay your premium—even if you develop serious health conditions. Your coverage is guaranteed for life.
Medicare Advantage plans can change benefits, networks, or even discontinue plans each year.
6. Great for Travelers and Snowbirds ✈️
Plan N covers you anywhere in the U.S. and provides emergency coverage during foreign travel. Perfect if you split time between Florida and other states, or if you travel frequently.
The Case AGAINST Plan N (Why It’s Not Always the Answer) ❌
1. Still Higher Costs Than Medicare Advantage 💸
Let’s be honest about total annual costs:
Plan N + Part D:
- Part B premium: $2,220/year
- Plan N premium: $1,620-$2,280/year
- Part D premium: $240-$1,200/year
- Part B deductible: $257/year
- Office copays: $100-$500/year (depending on visits)
- Total: ~$4,400-$6,500/year
Many Medicare Advantage plans have $0 premiums, so your guaranteed annual cost is just $2,220 (Part B premium). That’s $2,000-$4,000+ less per year.
2. Premiums Increase Over Time 📈
Plan N premiums typically increase 4-8% annually due to medical inflation and increasing age. A premium that’s $140/month at age 65 could be $220+/month by age 75.
3. No Extra Benefits 🚫
Plan N covers Medicare costs. That’s it. You won’t get dental, vision, hearing, gym memberships, OTC allowances, transportation, or any other extras that many Medicare Advantage plans include.
4. Copays Can Add Up If You’re Sick 🤒
If you develop serious health conditions requiring frequent specialist visits, those $20 copays accumulate. If you see doctors 30 times a year, that’s $600 in copays—potentially wiping out your premium savings compared to Plan G.
5. May Not Be Cost-Effective If You’re Very Healthy 🏃
If you’re exceptionally healthy and rarely see doctors, you might pay $4,000-$6,000+ per year in Plan N + Part D premiums for coverage you barely use. A Medicare Advantage plan might be more cost-effective.
Plan N vs. Plan G: Which Should You Choose? 🤔
After many years in this business, here’s my honest advice on choosing between Plan N and Plan G:
Choose Plan N if you:
- Are relatively healthy and don’t see doctors frequently
- Want to minimize guaranteed monthly costs
- Don’t mind small, predictable copays when you do see doctors
- See specialists 0-10 times per year
- Want provider freedom but at a lower cost than Plan G
Choose Plan G if you:
- Have chronic conditions requiring frequent doctor visits
- See multiple specialists regularly
- Hate the idea of paying copays every time you see a doctor
- Want absolutely zero out-of-pocket costs after paying premiums and the Part B Deductible
- Can comfortably afford the higher premiums
Real Talk: Common Plan N Questions I Hear All the Time 💬
“Is Plan N worth it, or should I just stick with Plan G?”
It depends on your health and how often you see doctors. If you’re generally healthy and visit doctors fewer than 15 times per year, Plan N will probably save you money. If you have multiple chronic conditions and see specialists constantly, Plan G’s higher premium might be worth it to avoid copays.
Run the numbers for your specific situation. I’m happy to help you do that.
“What if my health gets worse after I enroll in Plan N?”
Great question. If your health deteriorates and you start seeing doctors more frequently, those $20 copays will add up. At that point, you might wish you’d chosen Plan G.
This is why some people choose Plan G from the start: it’s easier to switch from Plan G to Plan N than vice versa due to underwriting considerations. But if you’re healthy now and want to save money, Plan N is a smart choice.
“Do I pay the $20 copay for every doctor visit, or just office visits?”
The $20 copay applies to office visits with doctors—both primary care and specialists. It does NOT apply to:
- Hospital stays (covered 100% after deductible)
- Outpatient surgeries or procedures (covered 100%)
- Lab tests, X-rays, or diagnostic procedures (covered 100%)
- Physical therapy or other outpatient services (covered 100%)
The copay is specifically for face-to-face doctor visits.
“Which insurance company has the best Plan N?”
Plan N benefits are standardized—they’re identical regardless of which company you choose. What differs is:
- Price: Premiums can vary by hundreds of dollars per year for identical coverage
- Customer service: Quality varies significantly
- Financial strength: You want a company that’ll be around for decades
As an independent broker, I can compare rates from all major carriers and help you find the best value.
“What if I can’t afford Plan N?”
If Plan N premiums are outside your budget, you have options:
- High-deductible Plan G: Much lower premiums ($50-70/month) but you pay the first $2,870 in costs in 2026
- Medicare Advantage: Often $0 premium with extra benefits, though with network restrictions
- Medicare Savings Programs: If you qualify based on income, you may get help paying premiums and cost-sharing
The Bottom Line: Is Plan N the Smart Budget Choice? 💡
Here’s what I honestly believe after helping hundreds of people make this decision:
For the right person, Plan N is absolutely the smart budget choice. If you’re relatively healthy, don’t see specialists constantly, and want comprehensive Medigap coverage at a lower cost, Plan N can save you $300-$600+ per year compared to Plan G with minimal impact on your actual out-of-pocket costs.
But—and this is important—Plan N isn’t automatically “better” than Plan G just because it’s cheaper. If you have chronic conditions, see multiple specialists, or anticipate needing significant medical care, Plan G’s zero copays and comprehensive coverage might be worth the higher premium.
The key is making an informed decision based on your specific health, budget, and preferences—not just choosing the lowest-cost option without understanding the trade-offs.
Ready to Figure Out Your Best Option? 📞
Look, Medicare decisions aren’t one-size-fits-all. Your health status, your doctors, your budget, your risk tolerance—all these factors matter.
That’s why I always recommend having a conversation before making a decision. I can run the actual numbers for your situation—how many doctor visits you typically have, what your total costs would be with Plan N vs. Plan G vs. Medicare Advantage, and which option truly saves you the most money.
I’ve been doing this in Hillsborough, Pinellas, Pasco, and Polk Counties for over 8 years, and I represent all the major carriers. I don’t work for any insurance company—I work for you.
Here’s what we’ll do together:
- Review your health needs and typical doctor visits
- Compare actual costs for Plan N vs. Plan G from multiple carriers
- Calculate your break-even point for copays vs. premium savings
- Show you how Medigap plans compare to Medicare Advantage options in your area
- Find the best Part D plan for your specific medications
- Answer all your questions (even the ones you don’t know to ask)
My consultations are free, and there’s no pressure. Let’s figure out what makes sense for you.
📞 Call: 813-501-5011
📧 Email: tim@healthplan4u.com
🌐 Website: www.healthplan4u.com/contact
🗓️ Schedule your free Medicare plan review today—let’s run the numbers together.
You deserve a Medicare plan that fits your life and your budget. Let me help you find it.
— Tim Gibson, Independent Medicare Broker
HealthPlan4U | Licensed in Florida #W811869