Plan G or Plan N? It really comes down to one main tradeoff. With Plan G you pay a little more every month. With Plan N you pay less every month, but a little each time you go to the doctor.
What they have in common
Both are Medicare Supplements, also called Medigap — policies that pay the share Original Medicare leaves on you. Plan G and Plan N are two of the most popular, and they cover almost exactly the same things.
Neither covers the Part B deductible. That is what you pay out of pocket before coverage kicks in: $283 in 2026. You pay it once a year on either plan.
The main difference
Plan N usually costs $25 to $60 less every month than Plan G. That is money back in your pocket every month, whether you use the plan or not.
But you give something up for it. On Plan N you pay a small copay each time you get care — up to $20 for a doctor visit, and up to $50 at the emergency room if they do not admit you.
The smaller difference: excess charges
Some doctors do not accept Medicare’s rate as full payment, and they can bill you up to 15% more. That is called an excess charge.
It is rare. Almost every doctor takes the Medicare rate, and some states ban the practice outright. But if it happens, Plan G covers it and Plan N leaves it on you.
So how do you choose?
Plan G: you pay a bit more every month and almost nothing when you get care. Plan N: you save on the premium but pay small copays as you go, and you carry any excess charge yourself.
See doctors often? Plan G’s predictability can be worth it. Healthy and want the lower premium? Plan N can make good sense. Neither one is better — it is your budget and how often you actually go.
Common questions
Is Plan N worth it over Plan G?
If you rarely see a doctor, the monthly savings usually outweigh the copays. If you go often, the copays can erase the savings.
Does Plan G or Plan N cover the Part B deductible?
Neither does. You pay $283 in 2026 on either plan before coverage begins.
What is a Medicare excess charge?
A doctor who does not accept Medicare assignment can bill up to 15% above the Medicare rate. Plan G covers it; Plan N does not.
I am Rick Caso, an independent Medicare advisor with Falcon Life and Health, based in Port Charlotte, Florida and licensed in 24 states. If you want to walk through your own situation, call or text 941-412-2362.
Falcon Life and Health is not connected with or endorsed by the United States government or the federal Medicare program. We do not offer every plan available in your area. Any information we provide is limited to those plans we do offer in your area. Please contact Medicare.gov or 1-800-MEDICARE to get information on all of your options.