Overview of Medicare Supplement (Medigap) Coverage
(Focusing on Medicare Supplement Plan G vs Plan N)
- Medicare Supplement (Medigap) plans help cover out-of-pocket costs not paid by Medicare (Parts A and B).
- These policies are sold by private insurance companies
- Plan G and Plan N are two of the most popular options for beneficiaries enrolling today.
Coverage Similarities
Both Plan G and Plan N cover:
- Part A hospital coinsurance and up to 365 additional hospital days.
- Part A deductible.
- Skilled nursing facility coinsurance.
- Hospice coinsurance/copayments.
Both plans will allow you to see any facility in the USA that accepts Medicare (not limited to networks).
Plan G and Plan N both require you to pay the annual Part B deductible ($283 for 2026)
Key Coverage Differences of Plan G and N:
Part B Excess Charges
- Plan G: Covers 100% of Part B excess charges.
- Plan N: Does not cover excess charges. Beneficiaries may pay up to 15% more IF a provider does not accept Medicare assignment.
Copayments
- Plan G: No copays for doctor or emergency room visits after the Part B deductible.
- Plan N:
- Up to $20 copay for office visits.
- Up to $50 copay for emergency room visits (waived if admitted).
Premium Differences
- Medicare Supplement Plan G: Higher monthly premiums but more predictable out-of-pocket costs.
- Medicare Supplement Plan N: Lower monthly premiums with some cost-sharing through copays and rare, but potential, excess charges.
Deciding Between Medicare Supplement Plan G vs Plan N
- Plan G may work better for individuals that want to pay more per month but have more predictable coverage.
- Plan N may appeal to healthier people who want lower premiums and do not anticipate frequent medical visits.
Understanding the Basics of Medicare: Parts A, B, D, and More
By Daniel Leonard – Carolina Advantage (336) 705-3294
Navigating Medicare for the first time, or even revisiting it during the annual enrollment period, can feel overwhelming. As someone who helps people through this process every day, I want to give you a clear, straightforward overview of the basics: Medicare Parts A, B, and D, along with a quick look at Medicare Advantage (Part C) and Medicare Supplement plans and why they are important.
Medicare Part A – Hospital Insurance
Medicare Part A covers inpatient hospital care, skilled nursing facility care, hospice, and some home health services. Most people qualify for premium-free Part A if they or their spouse paid Medicare taxes while working for at least 10 years.
While Part A helps cover many hospital-related costs, it doesn’t cover everything. For example, there are big deductibles and other costs associated with Part A.
Medicare Part B – Medical Insurance
Part B covers outpatient services like doctor visits, preventive care, lab work, X-rays, durable medical equipment, and some home health services. Unlike Part A, Part B requires a monthly premium, which is based on your income. (Standard 2026 Part B Premium: $202.90/mo)
It’s important to enroll in Part B when you’re first eligible, or you could face late enrollment penalties. Also, just like Part A, there are deductibles and a 20% coinsurance for most services, with no cap.
Medicare Part D – Prescription Drug Coverage
Part D is your prescription drug coverage, offered through private insurance companies approved by Medicare. These plans vary by cost and formulary (the list of covered drugs), so it’s essential to choose one that fits your specific medication needs.
Even if you don’t take medications now, enrolling when you’re first eligible helps avoid a lifetime late enrollment penalty later.