Medicare Supplement Plan N: Lower Premiums, Small Copays

Medicare Supplement Plan N is one of the most popular Medigap plans for a simple reason: it strikes a balance. It covers the catastrophic hospital bills and the 20% coinsurance that Traditional Medicare leaves behind, but it asks you to chip in small copays for routine visits. By taking on a little bit of the risk yourself, you get a lower monthly premium.

Remember, the real choice you're making is Traditional Medicare (A+B) versus Medicare Advantage. The supplement decision comes AFTER you choose the Traditional path. If you choose Traditional Medicare, a supplement like Plan N fills the gaps by law. Benefits are standardized by federal law, meaning a Plan N from one carrier is exactly the same as a Plan N from another. The only difference is the price and the company's reputation.

Here is exactly what Plan N covers:

• Medicare Part A hospital coinsurance and hospital costs up to an additional 365 days after Medicare benefits are used up.
• Medicare Part B coinsurance or copayment (except for a copay of up to $20 for some office visits and up to $50 for emergency room visits that don't result in an inpatient admission).
• Blood (first 3 pints).
• Part A hospice care coinsurance or copayment.
• Skilled nursing facility care coinsurance.
• Medicare Part A deductible.
• 80% of foreign travel emergency costs (up to plan limits).

What Plan N does NOT cover:

• Medicare Part B deductible.
• Medicare Part B excess charges.

The Part B excess charges are the main difference between Plan N and Plan G. If a doctor does not accept Medicare "assignment" (meaning they don't accept the Medicare-approved amount as full payment), they can charge up to 15% more. With Plan N, you would be responsible for that 15%. However, the vast majority of doctors do accept assignment, making this a rare issue for most people.

You've worked hard to build your life. Protect what you've earned. We are on your side of the table, ready to walk you through every option. We'll show you the numbers, explain the trade-offs, and let you make the call. Your dollars are votes, and we want to make sure you're spending them wisely.