What are the pros and cons of Medicare Supplement Plan G VS Medicare Supplement Plan N?

Question

Tony Capraro III · Accepted Answer

This answer is provided in a video format. Watch the agent's video response here: https://medicareagentshub.com/questions/what-are-the-pros-and-cons-of-medicare-supplement-plan-g-vs-medicare-supplement-plan-n#tony-capraro

Leslie Kaz · Answer

Quick Summary:

Plan G = Higher premium, fewer surprises.

Plan N = Lower premium, but you pay small copays and possible excess charges.

Greg Giordano · Answer

Plan G offers slightly more comprehensive coverage than Plan N, and you will likely pay a slightly higher premium. Plan G covers Medicare excess charges, which you may incur if a healthcare provider charges more than Medicare's approved amount for a particular service.
Plan N does not cover excess charges. 
Plan N have has a $20 copay charge when seeing a doctor. There is no copay when seeing a doctor if you have Plan G. Both Plan G and Plan N charge the annual part B deductible.

Tracy Davis · Answer

When someone is speaking of Medicare Supplement N the biggest thing I hear is the "excess charges" that may be billed. Typically, this is a very small percentage of providers that will not accept the Medicare assignment. It is also important to review how many times you go to the doctor as the "N" plan can charge up to $20 per visit. So, if you go the doctor quit a bit it might be just as cheap to go with a "G" plan with the additional premium. The "N" plan typically does not have as great of a rate increase as the "G" plan does year after year. My members enjoy the "G" plan because they can "set it and forget it" after they satisfy their $257/year deductible they sit back and let the plan pay on their behalf. Either one is very good option; it is just different for each person.

Answered by Tracy Davis on August 11, 2025

Broker Licensed in IN, CO, FL & KY, NM, OH & TN

Answered by Tracy Davis Medicare Insurance Agent

Stephanie Snakovsky · Answer

The pros of Plan G is you only have a deductible due. The con is the premiums may be a little higher. The pros of Plan N is the premium may be slightly lower than Plan G. The con is the out-of-pocket includes the deductible along with up to a $20 office visit copay and a $50 ER copay. There could also be a 15% balance billing if a doctor that does not "accept" Medicare is seen depending on your respective state. The doctors that accept Medicare can be found on Medicare.gov for the respective zip code.

Answered by Stephanie Snakovsky on August 11, 2025

Agent Licensed in OH, FL, IN & MI, NJ, NV & TN

Answered by Stephanie Snakovsky Medicare Insurance Agent

Patricia Graham · Answer

Premium savings to have a G vs a N sometimes far outweigh the cost of a G, you only have a have an annual deductible. There is no co-insurance on covered procedures and services. Plan N has an annual deductible and co-insurance as well as a 15% Part B excess charge. Rarely have I seen this with all the changes to Medicare, this could become a concern for some.

Answered by Patricia Graham on August 10, 2025

Agent Licensed in WA

Answered by Patricia Graham Medicare Insurance Agent

Ronnie Robinson · Answer

The pros of Plan N are lower premiums; cons are the annual deductible and copays for services. The Plan G pros are that you will only owe the annual deductible, and in most cases, remaining charges will be covered by the Plan G; the cons of the Plan G are the high premiums in some states.

Answered by Ronnie Robinson on August 12, 2025

Broker Licensed in FL, AL, IL & 8 other states

Answered by Ronnie Robinson Medicare Insurance Agent

Parris Brady · Answer

Both plans are very good and similar, they both will pay for deductibles, Coinsurance, and copays for both Part A and Part B. However, Plan G will pay for Part B Excess Charges, and Plan N will not. Keep in mind an individual with a Medicare Supplement will need to purchase a separate Stand Alone Drug Plan (Part D).

Answered by Parris Brady on August 12, 2025

Broker Licensed in FL, AZ, CA & 18 other states

Answered by Parris Brady Medicare Insurance Agent

What are the pros and cons of Medicare Supplement Plan G VS Medicare Supplement Plan N?

Agents: Share Your Expertise

Seniors: Ask a Question of Your Own

Agent Locator

Medicare Agents Hub
A non-government resource website

What are the pros and cons of Medicare Supplement Plan G VS Medicare Supplement Plan N?

Agents: Share Your Expertise

Seniors: Ask a Question of Your Own

Agent Locator

Medicare Agents HubA non-government resource website

Medicare Agents Hub
A non-government resource website