October 21, 2025

Medicare Supplemental Plans: Which Coverage Is Right for You?

Image from Medicare School

Medicare supplemental insurance, also known as Medigap, helps cover the costs that traditional Medicare doesn’t pay. Two of the most popular plans today are Plan G and Plan N. Both offer excellent coverage, but there are key differences in cost, co-pays, and excess charges that can make one a better fit depending on your healthcare needs and budget.

Medicare educator Erica Smiley from MedicareSchool.com explains that supplemental plans are labeled with letters ranging from A through N. Plans C and F are no longer available to new enrollees after January 1, 2020, leaving Plans G and N as the most popular options for today’s retirees.

Plan G is often considered the most comprehensive choice. It covers five out of six major gaps in Medicare, including the Part A deductible ($1,676), hospital co-pays, skilled nursing facility co-pays, and the standard 80/20 coinsurance split. It also includes coverage for Medicare excess charges, meaning you won’t pay extra if a doctor charges above Medicare’s standard rate. The only out-of-pocket expense with Plan G is the Part B deductible of $257.

Plan N, on the other hand, offers solid coverage at a lower monthly cost but includes more out-of-pocket potential. It covers the Part A deductible and the 20% coinsurance, but enrollees must still pay the Part B deductible ($257) and may face excess charges if they see non-participating doctors. Additionally, Plan N includes co-pays up to $20 for doctor visits and $50 for emergency room visits. For healthy seniors who don’t visit the doctor frequently, these co-pays can be a worthwhile trade-off for lower monthly premiums.

When comparing the two, Plan G covers five gaps while Plan N covers four. Plan G does not have any co-pays for office visits, whereas Plan N does. Plan N may also expose members to excess charges, though these are rare. Roughly 96–97% of doctors who see Medicare patients are “participating,” meaning they accept Medicare’s payment in full. In fact, less than 1% of all Medicare claims involve excess charges, and eight states Connecticut, Massachusetts, Minnesota, New York, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, and Vermont prohibit them entirely.

One of the biggest benefits of supplemental (Medigap) plans over Medicare Advantage plans is freedom. Supplemental plans have no provider networks, so you can see any doctor who accepts Medicare nationwide. There are also no prior authorizations required, allowing you to receive care when you need it. Plans are portable, meaning they travel with you if you move to another state.

Enrollment is another key factor to consider. Everyone has a six-month Open Enrollment Period (OEP) that begins the same month their Medicare Part B becomes active. During this period, you can enroll in any supplemental plan without medical underwriting, regardless of your health. Missing this six-month window can lead to medical underwriting, where insurers can deny coverage or charge higher premiums based on health history. Only a few states New York, Connecticut, and Massachusetts allow year-round guaranteed enrollment.

Cost is often the deciding factor between Plan G and Plan N. In 2025, the average Plan G premium ranges from $150 to $200 per month, with a national average of $154. Plan N typically costs between $90 and $140, saving about $30 to $50 monthly compared to Plan G. While Plan G provides the peace of mind of fewer out-of-pocket surprises, Plan N can be the smarter financial choice for those in good health who don’t mind occasional co-pays.

Despite Plan N’s cost savings, Plan G remains the most popular option, chosen by 39% of seniors with supplemental coverage. Plan N accounts for about 10%, while older Plan F policies remain in place for those eligible before 2020. Many choose Plan G for its simplicity and comprehensive protection, even at a slightly higher cost.

In summary, Plan G offers near-total coverage with predictable costs, making it ideal for those who value convenience and peace of mind. Plan N provides excellent protection at a lower price but comes with some co-pays and minor exposure to excess charges. Whichever you choose, enrolling during your initial Part B window is crucial to lock in coverage without medical underwriting. With the right plan in place, you’ll have the confidence that your healthcare expenses are well managed throughout retirement.

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