Written By
Greg Wohl
Licensed Medicare Specialist
Key Takeaways
- Plan G covers all costs after the Part B deductible: Plan G covers 100% of Medicare-approved costs after the annual Part B deductible ($257 in 2026). You pay no copays at doctor visits or the ER.
- Plan N requires copays at the point of care: Plan N requires copays of up to $20 per office visit and up to $50 per ER visit (waived if admitted). It does NOT cover Part B excess charges.
- Plan N premiums are $20 to $50 per month lower: The premium savings with Plan N typically range from $240 to $600 per year. Whether that outweighs the copays depends on how often you use healthcare.
- Plan N works best for healthy, infrequent users: Plan N makes financial sense if you visit the doctor fewer than 10 to 12 times per year and all your doctors accept Medicare assignment.
- Switching plans later requires underwriting: Outside of open enrollment, switching from Plan N to Plan G requires medical underwriting in Florida. If your health changes, you may not be able to switch.
- Both plans are widely available in Florida: Florida is one of the most competitive Medigap markets in the country. Both Plan G and Plan N are available from dozens of carriers at competitive rates.
What Are Plan G and Plan N?
Plan G and Plan N are standardized Medicare Supplement (Medigap) plans sold by private insurance companies. Because they are standardized by the federal government, every Plan G sold in Florida offers identical coverage regardless of which carrier you buy it from. The same is true for Plan N. The only differences between carriers are the monthly premium and the company's financial strength and customer service reputation.
Both plans work alongside Original Medicare (Parts A and B). Original Medicare pays its share first, and then your Medigap plan pays some or all of the remaining costs. Neither plan includes prescription drug coverage, so you will need a separate Medicare Part D plan for your medications.
As of 2026, Plan G and Plan N are the two most popular Medigap plans for new Medicare beneficiaries. Plan F, which was once the most popular, is no longer available to people who became eligible for Medicare on or after January 1, 2020.
| Feature | Plan G | Plan N |
|---|---|---|
| Part A hospital coinsurance | Covered | Covered |
| Part A deductible ($1,676 in 2026) | Covered | Covered |
| Part A hospice coinsurance | Covered | Covered |
| Part B coinsurance (20%) | Covered in full | Covered (with copays) |
| Part B deductible ($257 in 2026) | NOT covered | NOT covered |
| Part B excess charges | Covered | NOT covered |
| Skilled nursing facility coinsurance | Covered | Covered |
| Foreign travel emergency (80%) | Covered | Covered |
| Office visit copay | None | Up to $20 |
| ER visit copay (no admission) | None | Up to $50 |
The Key Difference: Part B Excess Charges
The single most important coverage difference between Plan G and Plan N is how each handles Part B excess charges. Understanding this one concept will help you make the right decision.
When a doctor accepts Medicare assignment, they agree to charge no more than the Medicare-approved amount for a service. When a doctor does NOT accept Medicare assignment, they can legally charge up to 15% more than the Medicare-approved amount. That extra 15% is called a Part B excess charge.
Plan G covers Part B excess charges in full. If your doctor charges 15% more than Medicare allows, Plan G pays that difference. You owe nothing beyond your Part B deductible.
Plan N does NOT cover Part B excess charges. If you see a doctor who does not accept Medicare assignment, you are responsible for paying that 15% overage out of pocket.
In Florida, the vast majority of doctors accept Medicare assignment. According to CMS data, more than 95% of Florida physicians participate in Medicare and accept assignment. However, some specialists, particularly in high-demand fields like oncology, orthopedics, and dermatology, may not. If you see specialists frequently or live in an area with fewer Medicare-participating physicians, Plan G's excess charge coverage is more valuable.
You can check whether your specific doctors accept Medicare assignment at Medicare.gov Care Compare before choosing a plan.
Not Sure Which Plan Fits Your Budget?
Our licensed Medicare specialists compare Plan G and Plan N rates from multiple carriers at no cost to you.
Call (813) 699-5559Plan N Copays: What You Actually Pay
Plan N requires two types of cost-sharing that Plan G does not:
- Office visit copay: Up to $20 per visit when you see a doctor for a covered Part B service. Not every visit triggers the copay. Preventive care visits, for example, are typically not subject to the copay.
- Emergency room copay: Up to $50 per ER visit that does NOT result in an inpatient hospital admission. If you are admitted to the hospital, the copay is waived.
These copays are maximums, not flat fees. Your actual copay may be less depending on the carrier and the specific service. However, for planning purposes, it is safest to assume the maximum.
If you visit your primary care doctor four times per year and the ER once, your annual copay exposure under Plan N would be approximately $80 to $130. Compare that to the premium savings Plan N offers, which typically range from $240 to $600 per year depending on your age, gender, and location. For many healthy beneficiaries, Plan N comes out ahead financially.
Annual Cost Scenarios: Plan G vs. Plan N
The right plan depends on how often you use healthcare. Here are five scenarios comparing total annual costs (premium plus out-of-pocket) for a 65-year-old woman in Florida in 2026. Assumes Plan G premium of $145/month and Plan N premium of $115/month (illustrative averages; actual rates vary by carrier and ZIP code).
| Usage Scenario | Plan G Total Cost | Plan N Total Cost | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Healthy: 2 doctor visits, no ER | $1,740 + $257 deductible = $1,997 | $1,380 + $257 + $40 copays = $1,677 | Plan N saves ~$320 |
| Moderate: 6 doctor visits, no ER | $1,740 + $257 = $1,997 | $1,380 + $257 + $120 copays = $1,757 | Plan N saves ~$240 |
| Active: 10 visits, 1 ER (no admit) | $1,740 + $257 = $1,997 | $1,380 + $257 + $200 + $50 = $1,887 | Plan N saves ~$110 |
| Heavy user: 20 visits, 2 ER | $1,740 + $257 = $1,997 | $1,380 + $257 + $400 + $100 = $2,137 | Plan G saves ~$140 |
| Specialist with excess charges: 1 excess charge event ($300) | $1,997 (excess covered) | $1,677 + $300 excess = $1,977 | Roughly equal |
The breakeven point is typically around 12 to 15 doctor visits per year, assuming no excess charges. Below that threshold, Plan N is usually the better financial choice. Above it, Plan G wins.
Underwriting and the Risk of Switching Later
One of the most overlooked factors in the Plan G vs. Plan N decision is what happens if you want to switch plans later.
During your Medigap open enrollment period (the six months starting the month you turn 65 and are enrolled in Part B), you have guaranteed issue rights. This means no carrier can deny you coverage or charge you more based on your health history. You can choose any plan, including Plan G, without medical underwriting.
Outside of open enrollment, switching from Plan N to Plan G requires medical underwriting in most states, including Florida. If you have developed health conditions since you first enrolled, you may be denied coverage or charged a higher premium. This is a significant risk that many people underestimate when they choose Plan N to save money at age 65.
The practical implication: if you are in good health at 65 and want maximum flexibility, starting with Plan G during open enrollment locks in your coverage permanently at standard rates. If your health changes and you want to switch to Plan N later, you can generally do so more easily because Plan N is a less comprehensive plan.
For a full explanation of your guaranteed issue rights and when they apply, see our guide to Medigap open enrollment.
How to Get the Best Rate on Either Plan
Because Plan G and Plan N benefits are identical across all carriers, the only reason to prefer one carrier over another is price, financial strength, and customer service. Here are five ways to get the best rate:
- Shop multiple carriers: Premiums for the same plan can vary by 30% to 50% between carriers for the same person. Always compare at least five to ten carriers before enrolling.
- Work with an independent agent: Independent agents represent multiple carriers and can run quotes from all of them at once. Captive agents only sell one company's products.
- Apply during open enrollment: You get the best rates and guaranteed acceptance during your six-month open enrollment window. Rates are based on your age at enrollment, not your health.
- Check the carrier's rate increase history: A low initial premium means little if the carrier has a history of large annual increases. Ask your agent for the carrier's rate increase history over the past five years.
- Consider household discounts: Many carriers offer discounts of 5% to 12% when two members of the same household enroll in Medigap plans with the same carrier.
For a personalized comparison of Plan G and Plan N rates from multiple carriers in your ZIP code, schedule a free consultation with one of our licensed specialists.
Plan G vs. Plan N vs. Medicare Advantage: A Quick Comparison
Some people considering Plan G or Plan N also wonder whether Medicare Advantage might be a better fit. Here is a high-level comparison to help frame the decision.
| Factor | Plan G | Plan N | Medicare Advantage |
|---|---|---|---|
| Monthly premium | $120 to $200+ | $90 to $160+ | $0 to $50 (many plans) |
| Doctor network | Any Medicare doctor | Any Medicare doctor | Restricted network (HMO/PPO) |
| Referrals required | No | No | Often yes (HMO) |
| Out-of-pocket maximum | Very low (only Part B deductible) | Low (deductible + copays) | Up to $9,350 in-network (2026) |
| Drug coverage included | No (need Part D) | No (need Part D) | Usually yes |
| Dental/vision/hearing | No | No | Often included |
| Predictability of costs | Very high | High | Moderate to low |
Medigap plans like Plan G and Plan N are generally better suited for people who travel frequently, see specialists often, or want the most predictable out-of-pocket costs. Medicare Advantage can be a good fit for people who are healthy, stay in one geographic area, and want extra benefits like dental and vision at a lower monthly premium.
Plan G vs. Plan N: Which Should You Choose?
Here is a quick decision guide based on your situation:
- Choose Plan G if: You see specialists frequently, your doctors may not all accept Medicare assignment, you want zero copays at every visit, or you want the simplest and most comprehensive coverage available
- Choose Plan N if: You are generally healthy, you visit the doctor fewer than 10 to 12 times per year, all your doctors accept Medicare assignment, and you want to reduce your monthly premium
- Consider the long term: If you are in good health at 65, starting with Plan G during open enrollment locks in guaranteed coverage. Switching from Plan N to Plan G later requires underwriting and may not be possible if your health changes
Both plans offer strong protection compared to Original Medicare alone or Medicare Advantage. The difference comes down to how much you want to pay upfront in premiums versus how much you are willing to pay at the point of care. Schedule a free consultation with one of our licensed specialists to get personalized quotes for both plans from multiple carriers in your area.
Frequently Asked Questions
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