Medicare Supplement Plans Explained: How Plans G, N, and F Compare

A Medicare Supplement plan — also called Medigap — fills the coverage gaps that Original Medicare leaves behind: deductibles, copays, coinsurance, and (in some plans) excess charges. In 2026, the three most popular Medigap plans are Plan G, Plan N, and Plan F. Plan F is only available to people who became Medicare-eligible before January 1, 2020. For most people enrolling today, the real choice is between Plan G and Plan N.

What Does Medicare Supplement Insurance Cover?

Medigap plans are standardized by the federal government — meaning a Plan G from Carrier A covers exactly the same benefits as a Plan G from Carrier B. The only difference between carriers is price, financial strength, and customer service. Plans are labeled A through N (with some letters discontinued), and each plan covers a defined set of cost-sharing gaps from Original Medicare Parts A and B.

Core benefits across most Medigap plans include: Part A coinsurance and hospital costs (up to 365 additional days after Medicare benefits are exhausted), Part B coinsurance or copayments, blood transfusions (first 3 pints), and Part A hospice care coinsurance or copayment.

Plan G: The Most Comprehensive Plan Available to New Enrollees

Plan G covers virtually everything Original Medicare does not — with one exception: it does not cover the Part B deductible ($257 in 2026). After you pay that deductible once per year, Plan G covers 100% of Medicare-approved costs for the remainder of the year. This makes your healthcare costs highly predictable. Plan G also includes Part B excess charges, which protects you if a provider charges more than Medicare's approved amount.

Plan G is the most popular Medigap plan for new enrollees and typically offers the best value for people who want maximum coverage simplicity.

Plan N: Lower Premium, More Cost-Sharing

Plan N covers the same benefits as Plan G, but with two differences: copays of up to $20 for office visits and up to $50 for emergency room visits (waived if admitted), and it does not cover Part B excess charges. In exchange, Plan N premiums are typically 15–25% lower than Plan G premiums.

Plan N makes the most sense for people who are relatively healthy, do not see specialists frequently, and whose doctors accept Medicare assignment (meaning they do not charge excess fees). If you visit the doctor often, the copays can erode the premium savings.

Plan F: The Legacy Option

Plan F was the most comprehensive Medigap plan ever offered — it covers everything including the Part B deductible. But since January 1, 2020, Plan F is no longer available to people newly eligible for Medicare. If you became eligible before that date, you may still purchase or keep Plan F. Note that Plan F premiums tend to increase faster over time because the enrollee pool ages and becomes sicker, as no new healthy enrollees can join.

Plan G vs. Plan N vs. Plan F: Side-by-Side Comparison

Plan G — Best Overall Coverage

•  Covers Part B deductible gap after $257 annual deductible

•  Covers Part B excess charges (no surprises from non-assignment doctors)

•  No copays for office visits or ER

•  Predictable costs — ideal for high utilizers

•   Available to all new Medicare enrollees

Plan N — Best Value for Healthy Enrollees

•  Lower monthly premium than Plan G

•  Up to $20 copay per office visit

•  Up to $50 ER copay (waived if admitted)

•  Does NOT cover Part B excess charges

•  Best for healthy enrollees with few doctor visits

How Much Do Medigap Plans Cost?

Medigap premiums vary significantly by age, gender, tobacco use, location, and the rating method the insurance company uses. There are three rating methods: community-rated (same premium regardless of age), issue-age-rated (based on age when you buy), and attained-age-rated (premiums increase as you age). Attained-age-rated plans tend to start cheaper but become the most expensive over time.

A 65-year-old enrolling in Plan G today might pay anywhere from $100 to $200 per month depending on the state and carrier. Working with a broker who represents multiple carriers is the most efficient way to compare pricing across every option available in your area.

When Should You Buy a Medigap Plan?

The best time to purchase Medigap coverage is during your Medigap Open Enrollment Period — a 6-month window starting the month you turn 65 and are enrolled in Part B. During this period, insurers must sell you any Medigap plan at standard rates regardless of your health. After this window closes, insurers can use medical underwriting in most states, potentially denying coverage or charging higher rates based on health conditions.

Frequently Asked Questions

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Does Medigap cover prescription drugs?

No. Medicare Supplement plans do not cover prescription drugs. You must enroll in a standalone Medicare Part D drug plan separately.

Q: Can I keep my Medigap plan if I move to another state?

Yes. Medigap plans are standardized federally and travel with you anywhere Medicare is accepted in the U.S.

Q: Does Medigap cover dental and vision?

Standard Medigap plans do not cover dental, vision, or hearing. Some carriers offer riders or separate ancillary plans for these services.

Q: What is the difference between Medigap and Medicare Advantage?

Medigap supplements Original Medicare by covering gaps in cost-sharing. Medicare Advantage replaces Original Medicare with a private plan. You cannot have both simultaneously.

Key Takeaways

•  Medigap plans are standardized — compare prices across carriers, not benefits.

•  Plan G is the most comprehensive option for new enrollees; Plan N offers lower premiums with modest cost-sharing.

•  Plan F is only available to those Medicare-eligible before January 1, 2020.

•  Buy during your 6-month Open Enrollment Period to guarantee acceptance at standard rates.

•  Medigap does not include drug coverage — add a Part D plan separately.

Sources & References

• Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services. Choosing a Medigap Policy. medicare.gov

• CMS. 2026 Medicare Parts A & B Premiums and Deductibles. cms.gov

• National Association of Insurance Commissioners (NAIC). Choosing a Medigap Policy: A Guide to Health Insurance for People with Medicare. naic.org