Since the introduction of Medigap Plan N, enrollment for this plan has increased each year. In fact, 32.8% of consumers turning 65 choose Plan N*, making it the most popular plan choice today, aside from Plan G.
This popularity is not surprising. Here's why:
- Plan N offers comprehensive coverage at a reasonable price
- Willingness to cost-share, by paying small copays for doctor and emergency room visits, help keep the monthly premium low
- Great option for those who are already used to a cost-sharing plan (i.e. employer coverage or Medicare Advantage)
- More predictability in costs compared to Medicare Advantage plans
- Rate increases are historically lower than Plans F & G
*American Association for Medicare Supplement Insurance (AAMSI), 2021 report
How does Plan N work?
Plan N covers 100% of your Medicare Part B coinsurance costs, with the exception of a $20 copay for office visits and a $50 copay for emergency room (ER) visits.
Plan N covers basic Medicare benefits including:
- Hospitalization: pays Part A coinsurance plus coverage for 365 additional days after Medicare benefits end
- Medical Expenses: pays Part B coinsurance excluding $20 copay for office visits and $50 copay for ER—generally 20% of Medicare-approved expenses—or copayments for hospital outpatient services
- Blood: pays for the first 3 pints of blood each year
- Hospice care: pays Part A coinsurance
In addition to the basic benefits, Plan N also provides coverage for:
- Skilled nursing facility care
- Medicare Part A deductible for hospitalization
- Travel-abroad medical emergency help
Plan N policies are required by law to be standardized. That means that no matter which company you purchase a Medicare supplement Plan N from, it must offers the same basic coverage.
Not every Medicare Supplement plan is available in every location. Plan N doesn’t have to be sold in every state, and insurance companies that sell Medicare supplement policies can choose where to sell their Plan N policies.
If you live in Massachusetts, Minnesota, or Wisconsin, the standardization of Medicare Supplement plans may differ.