Why Medicare Supplement Plan N Is Gaining Popularity in 2025
Medicare Supplement Plan N has quietly become one of the most sought-after Medigap options in recent years—and for good reason. Offering a smart balance between cost and coverage, Plan N is a popular choice among budget-conscious Medicare beneficiaries who still want solid protection.
In this post, we’ll explore why Plan N is rising in popularity, who it’s best for, and how it stacks up against similar plans like Plan G.
Plan N’s Rise in Popularity: What the Numbers Show
- Plan N is now the third most popular Medigap plan, covering about 10% of all Medigap enrollees—roughly 1.4 million people.
- Among newly eligible 65-year-olds, Plan N ranked as the second most chosen plan in 2020, trailing only Plan G.
- Plan N is especially attractive to younger Medicare beneficiaries seeking affordability without sacrificing essential benefits.
Why Plan N Is Gaining Ground
1. Lower Monthly Premiums
Compared to Plan G, Plan N typically costs 25–30% less. For example:
- Average monthly premium for Plan G (2024): ~$148
Average monthly premium for Plan N (2024): ~$111
This translates to annual savings of around $444, making it a compelling option for those with low to moderate health care usage.
2. Minimal Out-of-Pocket Costs
Plan N requires a few predictable copays:
- Up to $20 for doctor’s office visits (Official Medicare Explanation Here)
- Up to $50 for emergency room visits (if not admitted)
Unlike coinsurance (a percentage of the bill), these fixed copays offer more cost predictability and transparency.
3. Nearly Identical Coverage to Plan G
Plan N covers:
- 100% of Medicare Part A coinsurance and hospital costs
- Skilled nursing facility coinsurance
- Blood (first 3 pints)
- Foreign travel emergency care (80%, up to $50,000)
The only gaps compared to Plan G:
- Part B excess charges (not covered). Check your provider here
- The aforementioned copays
But excess charges are banned in several states (like New York, Connecticut, and Ohio), meaning this isn’t a concern for many enrollees.
4. Healthier Risk Pool = More Stable Premiums
Because Plan N is not guaranteed issue in many cases (outside your initial Medigap enrollment period), it attracts a generally healthier pool of enrollees. This has led to:
- More stable premiums over time
- Less risk of large year-over-year price increases
Who Should Consider Plan N?
Plan N is ideal for:
- Medicare beneficiaries in good overall health
- Those who want lower monthly premiums without sacrificing key benefits
- People who rarely visit the doctor or the emergency room
Residents in states that ban excess charges
Final Thoughts: Is Plan N Worth It in 2025?
For many Medicare beneficiaries, yes—Plan N is absolutely worth it in 2025.
If you:
- Visit the doctor occasionally
- Want premium savings over bells and whistles
- Live in a state that limits excess charges
…then Plan N could be the best value for your money.
However, if you prefer peace of mind knowing you won’t pay copays at all, Plan G may still be the better option—especially for high-frequency users.