Key Takeaways for 2026
- Plan G provides comprehensive 100% gap coverage after you pay the annual Medicare Part B deductible ($257 baseline in 2025/2026). No doctor copays.
- Plan N offers lower monthly premiums (typically saving $300 to $600 per year) in exchange for small copays (up to $20 for office visits, $50 for ER) and no coverage for Part B excess charges.
- Doctor Freedom: Both Plan G and Plan N allow you to see any physician or hospital in the United States that accepts Medicare, with zero network restrictions and no referrals required.
Plan G vs. Plan N: At-a-Glance Comparison
Both Plan G and Plan N are standardized by the federal government, meaning the medical benefits are identical regardless of which insurance company issues the policy.
The Truth About Part B Excess Charges
A frequent scare tactic in Medicare marketing is warning seniors that Plan N does not cover Part B Excess Charges. But what does the data actually say?
A Part B excess charge occurs when a physician does not accept "Medicare assignment" (the Medicare-approved payment rate). Under federal law, these doctors may bill up to an additional 15% above the approved rate.
Facts on Excess Charges: Over 96% of physicians across the United States accept Medicare assignment, meaning they cannot legally bill excess charges. Furthermore, eight states prohibit excess charges entirely by law: Connecticut, Massachusetts, Minnesota, New York, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, and Vermont.
Before any new medical appointment, asking a doctor's office, "Do you accept Medicare assignment?" completely eliminates unexpected excess charge surprises.
The Breakeven Math: Which Plan Saves You More?
Because Plan G and Plan N share the exact same Part B deductible, deciding between them comes down to a simple mathematical comparison: Annual Premium Savings vs. Expected Doctor Visits.
Example Breakeven Calculation:
Assume Plan G costs $150 per month ($1,800/year) and Plan N costs $115 per month ($1,380/year).
Annual Premium Savings on Plan N: $420 per year
If you visit your specialist or primary care doctor 6 times a year with a $20 copay, your total copays equal $120.
Net In-Pocket Savings on Plan N: $420 - $120 = $300 in your pocket.
You would have to visit the doctor more than 21 times in a single year before Plan G becomes more cost-effective than Plan N.
Which Plan Is Right for You?
Choose Plan G If:
- You want 100% predictable medical costs with zero office copays.
- You visit specialists or physical therapists frequently throughout the year.
- You want complete peace of mind without checking assignment or excess charge rules.
Choose Plan N If:
- You are relatively healthy and visit doctors only a few times per year.
- You want to save $300 to $600 annually in fixed monthly premiums.
- You don't mind paying up to $20 at doctor visits when you actually need care.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do Plan G and Plan N use the same network of doctors?
Yes. Both Plan G and Plan N are Medicare Supplement (Medigap) plans, meaning they have no private networks. You can see any physician, specialist, or hospital in all 50 states that accepts Original Medicare, with zero referrals required.
What is the only benefit difference between Plan G and Plan N?
The only medical coverage differences are that Plan N requires copayments of up to $20 for doctor office visits and up to $50 for emergency room visits (waived if admitted), and Plan N does not cover Medicare Part B excess charges. Plan G covers 100% of these costs after you meet the annual Part B deductible.
How common are Medicare Part B excess charges in reality?
Part B excess charges are very rare. Nationwide, over 96% of doctors accept Medicare assignment (the Medicare-approved rate). Furthermore, eight states prohibit excess charges by law: CT, MA, MN, NY, OH, PA, RI, and VT.
How many doctor visits make Plan G cheaper than Plan N?
Because Plan N typically saves $300 to $600 per year in monthly premiums, you would generally need to visit doctors more than 15 to 25 times in a single calendar year before Plan G becomes more financially advantageous than Plan N.
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