If you’ve just turned 65 or are coming up on your Medicare start date, you’ve probably heard the terms Plan G and Plan N thrown around. Both are Medicare Supplement — or Medigap — plans, and both are popular choices for people who want more predictable healthcare costs than Original Medicare provides on its own. But they work a little differently, and which one makes sense depends on how much healthcare you use and how you prefer to manage out-of-pocket costs.
This guide breaks down exactly how Plan G and Plan N compare, what each one covers, and how to figure out which fits your situation — whether you’re in Dayton, Beavercreek, Kettering, or anywhere else in the Miami Valley.
What Are Medicare Supplement Plans?
Original Medicare — Parts A and B — covers a lot, but it leaves some significant gaps. You’re responsible for deductibles, coinsurance, and copays that can add up fast, especially if you’re hospitalized or seeing specialists regularly. Medicare Supplement plans, sold by private insurance companies, are designed to cover many of those gaps.
There are several standardized Medigap plan types (A, B, D, G, K, L, M, N), but Plan G and Plan N have become the two most widely chosen options since Plan F was phased out for new Medicare enrollees in 2020. The benefits are standardized by the federal government — meaning a Plan G from one company covers exactly the same things as a Plan G from another. The only difference between carriers is price and customer service.
Plan G at a Glance
Plan G is often called the most comprehensive Medigap option available to new Medicare enrollees today. Here’s what it covers on top of Original Medicare:
- Medicare Part A hospital coinsurance and hospital costs up to an additional 365 days after Medicare benefits are used
- Medicare Part B coinsurance or copayment (that 20% you’d otherwise owe after Medicare pays its 80%)
- Part A hospice care coinsurance or copayment
- Part A deductible ($1,736 for 2026)
- Skilled nursing facility care coinsurance
- Foreign travel emergency coverage (up to plan limits)
- Blood (first 3 pints)
The one thing Plan G does not cover is the Medicare Part B deductible, which is $283 for 2026. You pay that once per year, and after that, Plan G covers the rest. For most people, this is a minor trade-off — you pay the Part B deductible once — $283 for 2026 (CMS) — and then have virtually no other out-of-pocket costs for the rest of the year (outside of prescription drugs, which require a separate Part D plan).
Plan N at a Glance
Plan N covers most of the same things as Plan G, with a few key differences:
- You still pay the Part B deductible ($283 for 2026)
- You pay a copay of up to $20 for office visits to doctors who accept Medicare assignment
- You pay a copay of up to $50 for emergency room visits that don’t result in hospital admission
- You are not covered for Part B excess charges — the amount some doctors charge above what Medicare approves
In exchange for taking on those costs, Plan N premiums are typically $20–$40 per month lower than Plan G premiums in Ohio. For someone who’s generally healthy and doesn’t see the doctor frequently, that premium savings can more than offset the occasional copay.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Benefit | Plan G | Plan N |
|---|---|---|
| Part A deductible | ✓ Covered | ✓ Covered |
| Part B deductible ($283/yr for 2026) | ✗ Not covered | ✗ Not covered |
| Part B coinsurance (20%) | ✓ Covered | Covered (with copays) |
| Office visit copay | None | Up to $20 |
| ER copay (no admission) | None | Up to $50 |
| Part B excess charges | ✓ Covered | ✗ Not covered |
| Skilled nursing coinsurance | ✓ Covered | ✓ Covered |
| Foreign travel emergency | ✓ Covered | ✓ Covered |
Doing the Math
The question most people ask is: “Will I save money with Plan N, or will the copays eat up whatever I save on premiums?”
Here’s a simple way to think about it. Suppose Plan G costs $145/month in your area and Plan N costs $115/month. That’s $30/month in premium savings, or $360/year. Now ask yourself: How many doctor visits do you average per year?
If you see your primary care doctor four times a year and a specialist twice, that’s six visits — at up to $20 per visit, you’d pay up to $120 in copays. Add the $283 Part B deductible for 2026 and you’re at about $403 in extra out-of-pocket. In this scenario, Plan N and Plan G come out roughly even.
But if you’re healthy and only see a doctor a couple of times a year, Plan N likely saves you money. If you’re managing multiple chronic conditions and visiting doctors frequently, Plan G’s no-copay structure may give you better value and more peace of mind.
Copays in Real Life
One thing to know about Plan N copays: not every doctor visit triggers one. Specifically, the $20 copay applies to office visits where you’re seeing a doctor for evaluation and management. Visits that are primarily for a preventive service — like your annual wellness visit — generally don’t trigger the copay.
The Part B excess charge issue is also worth understanding. Some doctors in Ohio don’t accept Medicare assignment — meaning they’re allowed to charge up to 15% more than the Medicare-approved amount. Plan G covers those excess charges; Plan N does not. In practice, the majority of doctors in the Dayton area do accept Medicare assignment, so this gap affects fewer people than you might think. But if you have a specific specialist you want to keep seeing and they don’t accept assignment, Plan G offers better protection.
What Dayton Retirees Tend to Choose
In our experience working with retirees in Beavercreek, Kettering, Centerville, and the broader Miami Valley, Plan G tends to be the go-to choice for people who want simplicity and maximum coverage — especially those managing ongoing health conditions or who place high value on knowing their costs are capped. There’s something to be said for being able to go to any doctor who accepts Medicare and never receiving a surprise bill.
Plan N appeals most to people who are relatively healthy at enrollment, want to lower their monthly premium outlay, and are comfortable with the occasional copay. It’s also a reasonable choice for people who have a strong preference for keeping fixed monthly expenses low and are disciplined about setting aside a small reserve for potential copays.
How to Compare Ohio Rates
Because Medigap benefits are standardized, the only variable when comparing Plan G or Plan N across carriers is the premium and the company’s track record on rate increases. Some insurers in Ohio have historically raised premiums more aggressively than others — so a plan that’s cheap today might not be the best deal in five years.
It also matters when you enroll. During your six-month Medigap Open Enrollment Period — which begins the month you’re both 65 and enrolled in Part B — insurers cannot charge you more or deny coverage based on pre-existing conditions. Once that window closes, underwriting rules apply and your health history can affect your ability to switch plans.
If you’re approaching 65 or trying to decide between Plan G and Plan N, the team at Medicare & Retirement Solutions Group in Beavercreek can walk you through current rates from multiple carriers in the Dayton area and help you figure out which plan fits your health situation and budget. There’s no cost for a consultation and no obligation. Give us a call or visit medretiregroup.com to get started.
Sources
- CMS — 2026 Medicare Parts A & B Premiums and Deductibles
- Medicare.gov — Medigap plan benefits and open enrollment rules
This article is general educational information, not individualized financial, tax, or insurance advice. Medicare and tax figures are adjusted annually — confirm current-year amounts with the agency or your plan documents before acting on them.