Plan G vs Plan N: choosing with your real doctor visits

If you are new to Medicare and leaning toward a Supplement, you will almost certainly end up comparing Plan G and Plan N. They share most of the same benefits, and the difference in monthly premium can look tempting. The better question is not which plan is cheaper, but which plan is cheaper for the way you actually use care.

What the two plans share

Both Plan G and Plan N are standardized by the federal government, so the benefits are identical from one carrier to the next. Both pay the Part A hospital deductible, Part A coinsurance, skilled nursing coinsurance for days 21 through 100, hospice coinsurance, the first three pints of blood and 80 percent of foreign travel emergency care up to plan limits.

Neither plan pays the Part B deductible, which is $283 in 2026 (sample figure). Neither plan includes prescription drugs, dental, vision or hearing coverage. You will still want a stand-alone Part D plan alongside either one.

Where they differ

Plan G pays 100 percent of Part B coinsurance after the deductible and also covers Part B excess charges. Plan N pays Part B coinsurance too, but with two exceptions and one gap:

• A copay of up to $20 for some office visits, including specialist visits.
• A copay of up to $50 for emergency room visits that do not result in an inpatient admission.
• No coverage for Part B excess charges, which some providers who do not accept Medicare assignment can bill, up to 15 percent above the Medicare-approved amount.

Excess charges in Indiana

Indiana does not prohibit Part B excess charges the way a handful of states do. In practice, the large majority of physicians in Central Indiana accept Medicare assignment, so excess charges are uncommon. They are most likely to show up with certain independent specialists or out-of-state providers. If you travel for care or see a practice that does not accept assignment, Plan G removes that risk entirely.

Run the math with last year's appointments

Pull your explanation of benefits or patient portal history from the last 12 months and count office visits and ER visits. Then compare the yearly premium difference with the copays you would have paid on Plan N.

Here is a sample from a 65-year-old non-smoker in a 46220 ZIP code. The lowest Plan G quote was $1,524 per year and the lowest Plan N quote was $1,116 per year, a difference of $408. That client had eight office visits and no ER visits. Even if every visit carried the full $20 copay, Plan N would cost $160 in copays, leaving about $248 in savings for the year.

Change the picture to 18 specialist visits and two ER trips and Plan N adds $460 in copays. Now Plan G is the better value, before counting any excess charges.

Think about the next ten years, not just the next one

Premiums on both plans rise over time with age and medical inflation. Because Plan N starts lower, its increases are often smaller in dollar terms. On the other hand, if your health changes after your Medigap Open Enrollment Period ends, moving from N to G may require answering health questions, and a carrier can decline you.

That is why we ask clients about family history and any conditions that are likely to need more specialist care. If you already expect frequent visits, starting on Plan G can save a difficult switch later.

Carrier choice matters as much as the letter

Since the benefits are identical, compare carriers on three things: the starting premium, the history of rate increases in Indiana over the past five years, and household discounts if your spouse also enrolls. The lowest premium today is not always the lowest premium in year five.

If you would like us to run your own numbers, bring your visit count and prescription list to a no-cost appointment and we will show both plans side by side.

This guide is general education, not individual advice. Figures are samples; confirm current amounts at Medicare.gov. Not affiliated with or endorsed by the U.S. government or the federal Medicare program.