I'm on a supplemental Plan N, and I'm curious if my recent MRI is covered or if I'll get stuck with a big bill.

Question

Brian Moore · Accepted Answer

With your Medicare Supplement Plan N, your recent MRI is covered under Medicare Part B as long as it’s deemed medically necessary, but you’ll need to meet the 2025 Part B deductible of $257 first, and then Plan N picks up the 20% coinsurance—though you might face a small copay, up to $20, if it’s done in a doctor’s office. Unlike Plan G, which also covers the Part B coinsurance but skips those copays and fully handles excess charges if a provider bills above Medicare’s rate, Plan N leaves you responsible for any excess, though that’s rare with MRIs since most imaging centers stick to Medicare-approved amounts. I’ve seen beneficiaries caught off guard by these details, so double-check your provider’s billing with your Explanation of Benefits to avoid surprises—either way, your bill should stay manageable compared to having no supplement at all.

Answered by Brian Moore on March 27, 2025

Broker Licensed in OH

Answered by Brian Moore Medicare Insurance Agent

David Bell · Answer

Plan N makes you Part B deductible ($254 per year in 2025) your responsibility. It depends if you have had other outpatient services that would have required the deductible already. So the most it would cost is $254 in 2025 but it may cost nothing.

Answered by David Bell on April 16, 2025

Agent Licensed in ID, AZ, CA & 8 other states

Answered by David Bell Medicare Insurance Agent

Shawn Brown · Answer

There will be some charges because with a plan N you are subject to a $257 plan b deductible, potential co-pays and potential excess doctor fees. The best thing to do is contact the facility, let them know what plan you have and have their billing/claims person give you an estimate.

Answered by Shawn Brown on March 26, 2025

Broker Licensed in FL, AL, CO & 7 other states

Answered by Shawn Brown Medicare Insurance Agent

Leslie Helene Sussman · Answer

Yes generally your MRI will be covered after your Medical Deductible in 2025 of $257.00.

John L Herman Jr · Answer

Your PLAN N should cover the 20% of the cost of the MRI if your Doctor says it is necessary. Remember 80% of the cost of the MRI is covered by your ORIGINAL MEDICARE and your supplemental Plan helps with the other 20%. As always consult an Independent Broker for your best answers.

Answered by John L Herman Jr on March 25, 2025

Broker Licensed in MD, DE & PA

Answered by John L Herman Jr Medicare Insurance Agent

Julie Joyce · Answer

Once your Part B deductible is met, there should be no charge for the MRI.  On  a Plan N you should only see a bill for your PCP and at the emergency room.

Mike Henry · Answer

As long as there isn’t any excess charges Medicare doesn’t pay. That’s a drawback of Plan N.   May be cheaper but doesn’t cover that. That’s determined by Medicare

Edward Cavelli · Answer

Medicare members on a Plan N supplement only have copays for doctors visits ($20) and ER visits ($50 (if not admitted). All plan N clients also have the Part B deductible if $257 (2025) they are responsible for. 

Thus they will not receive a bill for the MRI

Tracy Brown · Answer

MRIs are typically covered under Part B if medically necessary and when ordered by a doctor.
So what do you owe? First, you pay the annual deductible. ($257 in 2025) A medically necessary MRI, with Plan N, has a $20 copay.  The total would be $20 or $277.  Legally I need to explain the possibility of paying Part B excess charges. Some providers charge up to 15% more than Medicare’s rate if they don’t accept Medicare.  Always ask your provider if they “accept Medicare”, first.  Personal note: since 2015 I haven't had a client pay part B excess charges.  These are very rare.