What Is Medigap Plan N? Unpacking the Coverage, Benefits, Providers & Premiums
Are you a senior or retiree with Medicare Part A & B insurance? If so, you qualify for a Medigap policy. Medigap helps you cope with the additional out-of-pocket healthcare expenses not covered by Medicare Parts A & B.
With a Medigap policy, you get better control and predictability of your annual healthcare expenses. That’s something anyone living on a fixed income can appreciate.
What is Medigap Plan N, and how does it work?
Medigap Plan N is one of the most popular choices for a Medigap policy. You get an affordable monthly premium and the best coverage for a medical emergency. If you’re a healthy senior, read on to discover more about Plan N and how it can benefit your situation.
Get All the Information You Need on Medigap Plan N from Us
If you need assistance understanding the benefits of Plan N, call us at 1-888-891-0229. We offer you a free consultation on Medigap policies.
Our fully licensed agents can help you determine if Plan N is right for you or whether you need to consider another policy.
We work with all the leading healthcare insurers offering Medigap policies. You can use the automated quoting tool on our site to get a free quote on the best premium rate from a provider in your state.
Alternatively, you can complete the contact form, and we’ll get a Medigap expert to call you back.
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What Is Medigap Plan N & How Does It Work?
Medigap Plan N provides you with good medical coverage for paying the out-of-pocket costs associated with Medicare Parts A & B.
The difference between Plan B and other policies like Plan G is that Plan N requires you to make “copayments” on your Part B medical expenses.
There’s a $20 copayment for visiting the doctor and a $50 copayment for a trip to the emergency room where you aren’t admitted to the hospital. You get unlimited coverage for all out-of-pocket costs, and there isn’t any charge for using urgent care services if you experience a medical emergency.
You won’t have to make the copayment up front when visiting the doctor or emergency room; you’ll receive a bill later.
Medigap Plan N – Coverage & Benefits
Medigap Plan N benefits are Federally controlled and regulated across all insurers. So, the core Part A & B benefits don’t change between insurers.
You get the following coverage with Plan N.
- Part A coinsurance and hospital costs up to 365 days after Medicare benefits expire.
- Part A deductible
- Part B copayment or coinsurance.
- Blood – first 3 pints.
- Part A hospice care copayment or coinsurance.
- Skilled nursing facility care coinsurance.
- 80% foreign travel emergency medical expenses ($250 deductible, $50,000 Lifetime maximum).
- Out-of-pocket limit – Unlimited coverage.
Plan N pays 100% of covered services costs for the calendar year after meeting the annual out-of-pocket limit and paying the Part B deductible. Plan N has coinsurance for Part B with 100% coverage.
However, Plan N doesn’t include the Part B deductible of $226 for 2023 and doesn’t cover the cost of prescription medications.
You also don’t have any coverage for preventive medical services, such as dental, vision, and hearing.
Nor does it cover physiotherapy, foot care, or other non-essential medical expenses. However, some providers have additional perks and benefits covering these costs for Plan N policyholders.
Plan N also doesn’t cover Part B excess charges incurred by consulting with medical professionals outside Medicare-approved rates. However, you can mitigate these costs using doctors who charge “Medicare assignment.”
Plan N also allows you to consult with any medical professional in any state operating in the Medicare network.
Who Suits Medigap Plan N?
Medigap Plan N is a good choice for healthy seniors that want lower premiums because they don’t visit the doctor or emergency room much during the year.
You still retain all the Plan benefits if you experience a medical emergency, ensuring you get the best care and treatment.
Medigap Plan N – Premiums & Providers
Medigap policy premiums vary from insurer to insurer and from state to state. You might pay a lower-than-average premium for a Plan N policy in one state but a higher-than-average premium in another.
Likewise, one insurer might charge you more for Plan N than another. That’s why it pays to use our services. We can get you the best rate on your Plan N premium in your state.
On average, Medigap Plan N policies can range from $120 to as much as $400, depending on:
- your state,
- the insurer you use,
- and the personal data involving your age,
- gender,
- and smoking status when enrolling.
What You Need to Know Before Enrolling in Medigap Plan N
- You must be enrolled in Medicare Parts A & B to qualify for a Medigap policy.
- You can’t have a Medigap and Medicare Advantage policy simultaneously.
- Your Medigap policy only covers you, not other family members, your spouse, or household members. These individuals will need separate policies.
- Medigap policies have a guaranteed renewable. Even if you develop a chronic health condition or had a pre-existing condition when you signed up, the insurer must continue to cover you as long as you pay your premiums.
How to Enroll in Medigap Plan N
You can enroll in Medigap Plan N as soon as you turn 65. The “Open Enrollment” window stays open for six months from that date.
During this timeframe, you can enroll in any Medigap plan with any provider, and they must accept your application, regardless of your health status.
So, if you have a pre-existing medical condition, it’s the best time to enroll, as leaving it to enroll outside of this period subjects you to medical underwriting.
Underwriting is where the insurer assesses your health status; they may choose to deny your application, charge you a higher premium, or institute a waiting period before activating your benefits.
Most providers offer you the best rate on your premiums if you take a policy during the open enrollment window. Even if you’re healthy, they might decide to charge you more for waiting to enroll after the window closes.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Medigap Plan N?
Medigap Plan N is a Medicare Supplement insurance plan that covers out-of-pocket expenses not covered by Original Medicare.
How does it differ from other Medicare Supplement plans?
Plan N offers comprehensive coverage but requires cost-sharing for copayments and Part B excess charges, resulting in lower premiums.
What does Medigap Plan N cover?
It covers Part A coinsurance, Part B coinsurance, hospice care, and more, providing financial protection against medical costs.
Are there any out-of-pocket costs?
Yes, you’ll have copayments for doctor visits, emergency room visits, and Part B excess charges.
Can I use any doctor or hospital?
Yes, you can choose any healthcare provider that accepts Medicare patients.
Is Medigap Plan N renewable?
Yes, it’s guaranteed renewable, as long as you pay your premiums on time.
Does it include prescription drug coverage?
No, you’ll need a separate Medicare Part D plan for prescription drugs.
When can I enroll in Medigap Plan N?
Enroll during your Medigap Open Enrollment Period, starting when you turn 65 and enroll in Medicare Part B.
Can I switch from another Medigap plan to Plan N?
Yes, but you may face medical underwriting and premium changes.
How do I find the best Plan N?
Compare offerings from different insurers, considering premiums, coverage, and customer reviews. Seek help from a licensed insurance agent if needed.
Find the Best Medigap Plan N Rates
At Compare Medicare Supplement Plans, we’re committed to helping you find the best rates on Medigap Plan N supplement insurance.
For a free quote, simply fill out the form to the right, or give us a call directly at 1-888-891-0229 and one of our knowledgeable agents will be more than happy to answer your questions.
Updated December 4th, 2022