Medicare Supplement Plan G vs Plan N — The 2026 Honest Comparison
For most new Medicare enrollees in 2026 the choice comes down to two supplement plans: Plan G and Plan N. They are nearly identical in coverage but differ in monthly premium and a few small cost-sharing details. Here is the complete honest comparison.
The Key Difference in One Sentence
Plan G covers everything except the $283 Part B annual deductible. Plan N covers the same things except the $283 Part B deductible, Part B excess charges, and charges you up to $20 for doctor visits and $50 for ER visits.
Side-by-Side Coverage
| Coverage Item | Plan G | Plan N |
|---|---|---|
| Part A hospital deductible ($1,736) | ✓ Covered | ✓ Covered |
| Part A coinsurance (days 61-90) | ✓ Covered | ✓ Covered |
| Part B coinsurance | ✓ Covered in full | Up to $20 copay |
| Part B deductible ($283/year) | ✗ You pay $283/yr | ✗ You pay $283/yr |
| Part B excess charges | ✓ Covered | ✗ You pay |
| Emergency room visits | ✓ Covered in full | Up to $50 copay |
| Skilled nursing facility | ✓ Covered | ✓ Covered |
| Foreign travel emergency | ✓ 80% covered | ✓ 80% covered |
| Typical monthly premium (age 65) | $120–$200 | $90–$160 |
| Typical annual premium savings vs G | — | $300–$480/year |
The Real Cost Comparison
Let’s look at real numbers. Assume Plan G costs $155/month and Plan N costs $120/month — a $35 difference. Over 12 months Plan N saves $420 in premiums. But with average doctor usage Plan N adds back some of that in copays:
| Scenario | Plan G Annual Cost | Plan N Annual Cost | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rarely see doctor (2 visits/year) | $1,860 + $283 = $2,143 | $1,440 + $283 + $40 = $1,763 | Plan N saves $380 |
| Average use (6 visits/year) | $1,860 + $283 = $2,143 | $1,440 + $283 + $120 = $1,843 | Plan N saves $300 |
| Frequent visits (15 visits/year) | $1,860 + $283 = $2,143 | $1,440 + $283 + $300 = $2,023 | Plan N saves $120 |
| Frequent + 1 ER visit | $2,143 | $1,440 + $283 + $300 + $50 = $2,073 | Plan N saves $70 |
The Part B Excess Charge Question
Plan N’s most significant coverage gap is Part B excess charges — when a doctor charges more than the Medicare-approved amount (up to 15% more). This sounds alarming but is increasingly rare. Fewer than 5% of Medicare physicians opt out of Medicare assignment. If you verify that your doctors accept Medicare assignment — a simple question to ask — this gap is essentially eliminated and Plan N becomes an even clearer choice.
Who Should Choose Plan G?
- You want absolute maximum cost predictability with no surprise copays
- You have ongoing health conditions requiring frequent specialist visits
- Some of your doctors charge Part B excess charges
- You value simplicity over savings
- The premium difference in your state is less than $20/month
Who Should Choose Plan N?
- You are generally healthy with average or below-average doctor visit frequency
- All your doctors accept Medicare assignment
- You want to save $300–$500/year in premiums
- You are comfortable with predictable small copays
- The premium difference in your state is $30+/month
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