What Is Medicare Supplement Plan N?

Plan N is a standardized Medicare Supplement insurance plan sold by private insurance companies.
It helps pay many of the “gaps” left by Original Medicare, including:

• Hospital costs under Medicare Part A
• Medicare Part B coinsurance
• Skilled nursing facility coinsurance
• Hospice care coinsurance
• Blood (first 3 pints per year)
• Foreign travel emergency care (up to plan limits)

Unlike Medicare Advantage plans, Plan N allows you to see any doctor or specialist nationwide who accepts Medicare—no network restrictions.

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2026 Medicare Plan N Costs

Plan N costs vary by age, location, gender, tobacco status, and insurance company. However, here are the 2026 national averages and realistic ranges:

Monthly Premium (2026)

• Average: $125 – $165 per month
• Common range: $135 – $320 per month depending on state and carrier
• Example: around $165/month for age 65 applicants in some states

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Annual Medical Costs You Still Pay in 2026

Even with Plan N, you are responsible for:

1. Medicare Part B Deductible (2026)

• $283 per year

2. Office Visit Copay

• Up to $20 per doctor visit

3. Emergency Room Copay

• Up to $50 per ER visit (waived if admitted)

4. Part B Excess Charges (rare but possible)

• Up to 15% above Medicare-approved amount if provider does not accept assignment

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What Plan N Covers

• Medicare Part A hospital coinsurance
• Hospital costs for up to 365 additional days after Medicare benefits are used
• Medicare Part B coinsurance (after deductible, minus small copays)
• Skilled nursing facility coinsurance
• Hospice care coinsurance
• First 3 pints of blood each year
• 80% foreign travel emergency coverage (lifetime limits apply)

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What Plan N Does NOT Cover

• Medicare Part B deductible ($283 in 2026)
• Part B excess charges (rare but possible)
• Routine dental, vision, or hearing care
• Prescription drugs (requires Part D plan)

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How Does Plan N Work?

Let’s say you visit your doctor:

1. Medicare approves the visit
2. Medicare pays 80% after deductible
3. Plan N pays the remaining 20%
4. You may pay a $20 copay

For most beneficiaries, this keeps total costs predictable while keeping monthly premiums lower than Plan G.

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Plan N vs Plan G

• Plan G: Higher premium, almost no copays
• Plan N: Lower premium, small copays per visit

Plan N is often best for people who:

• See the doctor occasionally
• Want lower monthly cost
• Don’t mind small copays

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Who Should Consider Plan N?

• Want lower monthly premiums
• Are relatively healthy or have moderate doctor visits
• Prefer predictable out-of-pocket limits
• Don’t need full “no copay” coverage like Plan G

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Final Thoughts

Medicare Supplement Plan N in 2026 continues to be one of the most cost-effective Medigap options available.
With moderate monthly premiums and small, predictable copays, it offers strong protection without the higher cost of richer plans like Plan G.