Medicare Supplement Plan N Reviews

Medicare Supplement Plan N is an excellent option for individuals who want extensive coverage and the freedom to choose any network provider.

Introduced in 2010, Medicare Supplement Plan N has received positive feedback for its comprehensive coverage. According to a review study by AHIP, Plan N is the second most popular Medicare Supplement plan, with over 1,484,704 enrolled nationwide after Plan G.

Plan N is standardized, which means the benefits are consistent across all Medigap insurance companies. Because the benefits are standardized, focus on the insurance provider premiums rather than the benefits provided.

Key Features of Plan N:

• Consistent benefits year after year.
• No network limitations.
• Lower premiums compared to Plan G and F.
• Offered by 64% of Medigap providers.
• As long as you pay your premiums on time, your Plan N policy is guaranteed for life.

Given its extensive coverage and budget-friendly premiums, many people are opting for Plan N as their go-to Medicare Supplement. This plan may be better for those seeking a balance between cost and coverage.

Comparing Plan N With Other Medigap Plans

Comparing Plan N with other popular Medigap plans like Plan G and Plan F can help you better appreciate its value. Each Medigap plan offers different levels of coverage and cost, which can influence your decision-making process.

By understanding the unique features of each plan, you can determine which best meets your healthcare needs and budget.

Plan N vs. Plan G

Medigap Plan G offers comprehensive coverage for Part B excess charges, while Medigap Plan N does not. Plan N requires you to pay copayments or coinsurance for certain services, such as doctor and emergency room visits, while Plan G covers 100% of these areas.

Plan N vs. Plan F

Both Plan N and Plan F are popular Medicare Supplement insurance (Medigap) plans, but they differ in the coverage they provide. Plan F is known for its comprehensive coverage, encompassing all Medicare Part A and Part B deductibles, coinsurance, and excess charges. Plan F is only available to those eligible before January 1, 2020.

Again, Plan N does not cover Part B excess charges and requires a small copayment for certain office and emergency room visits.

How Much Does Medicare Plan N Cost?

In 2024, the average monthly cost of Plan N will fall between $110 and $180. It’s important to note that the monthly premium for Plan N can range from under $75 to $150-$180, depending on the state.

The cost of Plan N can vary based on location, age, gender, and tobacco use. Considering these factors and comparing rates among insurance companies, you can find the most affordable and suitable Plan N coverage for your needs.

Benefits of Medicare Supplement Plan N

Medicare Supplement Plan N provides coverage for a variety of medical expenses, including:

• Medicare Part A coinsurance and hospital costs up to an additional 365 days after Medicare benefits are exhausted
• Medicare Part B coinsurance or copayment (except for certain preventive services)
• Blood (first 3 pints)
• Part A hospice care coinsurance or copayment
• Skilled nursing facility care coinsurance
• Part A deductible
• Foreign travel emergency coverage (up to 80%)

Emergency Room Visits: Under Plan N, beneficiaries must pay a copayment of up to $50 for each emergency room visit unless the visit results in an inpatient admission.

Doctor’s Office Visits: Each doctor’s office visit under Plan N may require a copayment, typically $20.

Hospitalization and Skilled Nursing Facility Care: Plan N pays for the entire Medicare Part A coinsurance expense. Additionally, it provides an extra 365 days of hospital costs after the lifetime reserve days have been used.

Additionally, Plan N provides complete coverage for skilled nursing facility coinsurance, allowing beneficiaries to remain in a skilled nursing facility for up to 100 days without incurring any costs for medical bills. This comprehensive coverage ensures that beneficiaries can access the necessary care and support during their hospitalization or stay in a skilled nursing facility.

Foreign Travel Emergency Care: Under Plan N, beneficiaries receive 80% coverage for emergency care outside the United States or its territories. Plan N has a lifetime maximum of $50,000 for foreign travel emergency care and a deductible of $250.

What Plan N Does Not Cover

• The Medicare Part B deductible
• Part B excess charges

Additionally:

• Emergency room visits are not covered at 100%
• Doctor’s visits are not covered at 100%

By understanding these exclusions, you can better assess whether Plan N provides the coverage you need to meet your healthcare needs and budget.

Part B Deductible: One notable exclusion in Plan N’s coverage is the Medicare Part B deductible. For the year 2024, the Part B deductible is $240.

While the Part B deductible is an additional out-of-pocket cost for Plan N beneficiaries, it is traded for a lower monthly Plan N premium and comprehensive coverage. For some, the trade-off may be worth it, while others may prefer a plan that covers the Part B deductible.

Part B Excess Charges: Medicare Supplement Plan N does not cover Part B excess charges, which can be up to 15% more than the Medicare-approved amount. These charges may be billed by some doctors who do not accept Medicare assignment, resulting in additional out-of-pocket expenses for beneficiaries. Beneficiaries can visit doctors or providers accepting Medicare assignment to avoid these excess charges.

Insurance Companies Offering Plan N

Various insurance companies offer Medicare Supplement Plan N, with 64% of companies that sell Medicare Supplement insurance offering it. Following are a few popular providers of Plan N:

• AARP/UnitedHealthcare
• Aetna
• Cigna
• Humana
• Mutual of Omaha

These carriers have a reputation for providing quality coverage and excellent customer service. By selecting a top-rated carrier for your Medicare Supplement Plan N, you can receive the best coverage and support for your healthcare needs.

Plan N vs. Medicare Advantage

Plan N can be a better option than a Medicare Advantage plan for many reasons, such as:

• Medigap Plan N DOES NOT require prior authorizations; Medicare Advantage plans do.
• With Plan N, Original Medicare is still the primary payer, but with Advantage, your Original Medicare benefits are replaced and administered by an insurance company.
• The benefits for Plan N remain the same year-over-year, while Advantage benefits can change every year.
• Plan N has no network limits, while Advantage plans use provider networks you must work within.
• As long as you pay your Plan N premium, you have your plan for life. However, with Advantage, the insurance company can terminate your plan if the plan is losing money, forcing you back to the marketplace to find another plan.

Comparing Rates and Choosing the Best Plan N

As previously mentioned, the standardization of Plan N benefits ensures that all plans are equal in coverage. However, it is the rates offered by different companies that vary.

One practical approach is to request Medicare Supplement quotes from several different private insurance companies. This allows you to make an informed decision and secure the best coverage. Additionally, one of our licensed Medicare agents can help you compare your options and find the appropriate plan that fits your budget.

Summary

In conclusion, Medicare Supplement Plan N offers comprehensive coverage and affordable premiums, making it an attractive option for many beneficiaries. With its growing popularity and comprehensive coverage, Medicare Supplement Plan N could fill the gaps in your healthcare needs. Explore your options, compare rates, and choose the best plan for your unique situation to ensure you have the coverage you need without breaking the bank.

FAQs

• What are the disadvantages of Plan N?

  Plan N has the disadvantage of not covering Part B excess charges, and it also requires copays of up to $20 for office visits and up to $50 for emergency room visits that don’t result in an inpatient admission.

• Is Medicare Supplement Plan N good?

  Overall, Medigap Plan N is an excellent option for those looking for comprehensive coverage at an affordable price. You’ll be protected from many everyday out-of-pocket expenses and pay less in premiums than other Medigap plans, though you may have some out-of-pocket costs related to your medical care. These costs may include copayments for doctor visits, coinsurance for hospital stays, and a deductible for Part B services. However, you’ll still be able to save money overall with Plan N.

• What does Supplemental Plan N cover?

  Supplemental Plan N covers days 61-90 of a hospital stay in each Medicare benefit period, as well as the $1,600 Medicare Part A deductible, coinsurance for Medicare Parts A and B, three pints of blood, and 80% of any medical costs you have during foreign travel. However, it does not cover your Medicare Part B deductible.

• What is the difference between Medicare Plan N and G?

  The main difference between Medicare Supplement Plan N and Plan G is that Plan G covers Medicare Part B copayments and excess charges, while Plan N does not. As such, with Plan N, you are responsible for covering these expenses out-of-pocket.

• How much does Medicare Supplement Plan N cost on average?

  The average cost of Medicare Supplement Plan N in 2024 is estimated to be between $120 and $180 monthly.