Medicare provides essential healthcare coverage, but it doesn't cover everything. Many beneficiaries face unexpected out-of-pocket costs, and that's where Medigap plans, like Medicare Supplement Plan N, help. With over 14 million Americans enrolled in Medigap plans, Plan N is a popular choice for its balance of affordability and coverage. Find plans! Understanding Medicare Supplement Plan N Medicare Supplement Plan N is a Medigap policy that helps cover out-of-pocket costs that Original Medicare doesn’t pay. It offers more coverage while keeping premiums lower, but it requires small copays for some services. Key Features of Plan N: Medicare Part A coinsurance and hospital costs: 100% coverage after Original Medicare benefits are exhausted. Part A hospice care: Covers coinsurance or copayments. Part B coinsurance: Covers costs except for a small copay (up to $20) for some doctor visits. Emergency room visits: Covered with up to a $50 copay, waived if admitted. Not covered: Medicare Part B deductible and excess charges (when providers charge more than Medicare-approved rates). π‘ Tip: If your doctors charge more than Medicare allows, consider a plan that covers excess charges, as Plan N does not. Who Is Eligible for Medigap Plan N? To enroll in Medigap Plan N, you must be eligible for Medicare and enrolled in Medicare Parts A and B. Best Time to Enroll: Medigap Open Enrollment Period (OEP): Starts when you turn 65 and are enrolled in Medicare Part B. During OEP: No medical underwriting, meaning pre-existing conditions won’t raise premiums or cause denial of coverage. π‘ Tip: Outside of OEP, insurers may review your health, potentially increasing costs or denying coverage. Learn about Medicare! What Does Medicare Supplement Plan N Cover? Medicare Supplement Plan N helps reduce out-of-pocket expenses under Original Medicare, offering more coverage for hospital stays, doctor visits, and skilled nursing care. Core Benefits Included in Plan N: Medicare Part A coinsurance and hospital costs : Covers all Medicare-approved expenses during hospital stays, plus an additional 365 days of coverage after Original Medicare benefits are exhausted. Part A hospice care coinsurance/copayments: Part B coinsurance: Covered except for small copays. First three pints of blood: Covered for medical procedures. Medicare Part A deductible: Helps cover hospital stays. π‘ Tip: Plan N does not cover Medicare Part B excess charges, so always check if your provider accepts Medicare-approved rates. Comparing Medigap Plan N to Other Supplement Plans When choosing a Medicare Supplement plan, compare Plan N with Plan G and Plan F to find the right fit. Medigap Plan N vs. Plan G: Key Differences Coverage similarities: Both cover Medicare Part A hospital costs, skilled nursing care, and hospice care. Key difference: Plan N may require copays (up to $20 for doctor visits, $50 for ER visits), while Plan G covers these fully. Excess charges: Plan G covers them, but Plan N does not. π‘ Tip: If you prefer lower monthly premiums and don’t mind small copays, Plan N may be a better choice. Medigap Plan N vs. Plan F: Which Offers More Coverage? Plan F was the most comprehensive Medigap plan before 2020 but is no longer available to new enrollees. Coverage differences: Plan F covers everything Plan N does, plus the Medicare Part B deductible and excess charges. Cost considerations: Plan F has higher premiums than Plan N. π‘ Tip: Only those eligible for Medicare before 2020 can enroll in Plan F. Out-of-Pocket Costs with Medigap Plan N While Plan N offers more coverage, you should expect some out-of-pocket costs, including: Doctor visit copays: Up to $20 per visit. Emergency room visit copays: Up to $50, unless admitted. Medicare Part B deductible: Not covered. Excess charges: Not covered, meaning you may pay more if your provider charges above Medicare-approved rates. π‘ Tip: If you see providers who don’t accept Medicare assignment, Plan N may not be the best option. How Much Does Medigap Plan N Cost? The monthly premium for Medigap Plan N depends on age, location, and insurer. Typical Costs: Doctor visit copays: Up to $20 per visit. Emergency room copays: Up to $50, waived if admitted. Part B deductible: $257 per year is not covered. Part B excess charges: Not covered when providers charge more than Medicare-approved rates (up to 15%). π‘ Tip: Compare multiple insurers as premiums vary for the same coverage. When and How to Enroll in Medigap Plan N The best time to enroll is during your Medigap Open Enrollment Period (OEP). Why Enroll During OEP? Guaranteed issue rights: No medical underwriting, meaning no denial or higher premiums for pre-existing conditions. More plan options: Avoid health screenings and higher costs outside of OEP. Find the Right Medigap Plan for you with Healthpilot Healthpilot makes it easy to find the right Medigap plan for your healthcare needs and budget. Healthpilot Helps You: β Compare plans side by side: See how Plan N compares to Plans G and F. β Check provider networks: Avoid unexpected costs by ensuring your doctors accept Medicare-approved rates. β Understand costs and coverage: Know what you’ll pay before enrolling. β Get personalized recommendations: Tailored suggestions based on your healthcare needs. π’ Choosing a Medigap plan doesn’t have to be complicated — let Healthpilot guide you toward the best option. Find plans! Final Tips: Review your budget: Make sure Plan N aligns with your financial situation. Evaluate healthcare needs: If you see doctors who charge excess fees, consider a plan that covers these charges. Apply during OEP: Avoid medical underwriting and potentially higher costs.