Medicare Plan N
What is Medicare Plan N? Medicare Plan N, also known as Medigap Plan N, is a popular Medicare Supplement plan that can help cover some of the out-of-pocket costs associated with Original Medicare. This includes deductibles, coinsurance, and copayments. With Plan N, you’ll have peace of mind knowing that you won’t be left with large medical bills that can drain your savings.
However, like any Medicare Supplement plan, there are pros and cons to consider before deciding. In this article, we’ll explore everything you need to know about Medicare Plan N, including what it covers, how much it costs, how it differs from other Medicare Supplement plans, and whether it’s the right choice for you.
What Does Medicare Plan N Cover?
If you’re considering Medicare Plan N, one of the first things you’ll want to know is what it covers. Medicare Plan N is designed to help fill the gaps in Medicare coverage, which means it covers a variety of healthcare services and expenses. There is also no network with Medicare Plan N. With over one million medical facilities, doctors, and hospitals across the nation accepting Medicare, you can easily access services regardless of location.
Medicare Plan N covers the following:
- Medicare Part A deductible
- Medicare Part A coinsurance
- Medicare Part B coinsurance
- Medicare Part A hospice care coinsurance
- Skilled nursing care coinsurance
- Limited foreign travel (emergency)
However, there are some differences between Plan N and other Medigap plans. Here are a few key differences:
- You have to pay a copayment of up to $20 for some office visits.
- You have to pay $50 for emergency room visits that don’t result in admission.
- You have to pay the Medicare Part B deductible, which is $226 in 2023.
- You have to pay Medicare Part B excess charges (up to 15% only when applicable).
Excess charges are an additional cost to the consumer, above the Medicare approved amount. Medicare only allows up to 15%. Remember, these charges only apply to Medicare Part B. Part B excess charges aren’t very common. In fact, a recent study showed that less than 5% of all Part B charges include excess charges.
Some states don’t allow excess charges, but even if you don’t live in one of those states, you shouldn’t let the fear of excess charges deter you from enrolling in Plan N.
States with no excess charges:
- Connecticut
- Massachusetts
- Minnesota
- New York
- Ohio
- Pennsylvania
- Rhode Island
- Vermont
It’s also worth noting that while Medicare Plan N covers most of the out-of-pocket costs associated with Original Medicare, you’ll still be responsible for paying the monthly premiums for both Medicare Part B and Medicare Plan N. Before choosing Medicare Plan N or any other Medicare Supplement plan, it’s important to carefully consider your healthcare needs and budget. Make sure to review the plan details carefully and ask questions of your insurance provider to fully understand what the plan covers and what costs you’ll be responsible for.
How Much Does Medicare Plan N Cost?
The average cost of Medicare Plan N can vary depending on several factors such as carrier, gender, zip code, age, and more. You can compare Medigap Plan N cost without speaking to an agent, by using our online quote tool.
It’s also important to note there is no high-deductible Plan N, as there are for Plan F and Plan G. Additionally, all Medicare Plan G Supplement Plans function in the same manner since they’re standardized by the federal government.
Need help or have any questions? Give us a call at 866-MEDIGAP (866-633-4427) and speak with a down-to-earth, licensed agent that will treat you like family.
With a focus on Plan N benefits, copays, and Medicare rates specific to your location, we’ll assist you in finding the best plan for your specific needs and budget. In just a few minutes, a licensed agent will compare Medicare Plan N rates from more than 25 highly-rated carriers, confirm your eligibility, and aid in the enrollment process.
Medicare Plan N Eligibility
Eligibility is a critical factor to consider before signing up for Medicare Plan N coverage. To be eligible for Medicare Plan N, you must be enrolled in both Medicare Part A and Part B. Additionally, the Medigap Open Enrollment Period is the best time to enroll in Medicare Plan N.
Even if you’re eligible for Medicare Plan N, it doesn’t guarantee that you’ll be approved for coverage. Insurance companies can still deny your application based on certain factors, such as a pre-existing medical condition or a history of tobacco use. However, during the Medigap Open Enrollment Period, there is no medical underwriting and you have guaranteed issue rights. This can help to ensure that you’re approved for coverage.
It’s worth noting that unlike Medicare Advantage Plans, which replace Original Medicare and offer additional benefits, Medigap Plans are designed to work with Original Medicare to fill the gaps in coverage. Therefore, you can’t enroll in a Medigap Plan if you’re already enrolled in a Medicare Advantage Plan.
Our team will help determine your Plan N eligibility. Call us today, 866-633-4427 and talk with one of our licensed agents now about qualifying for Medicare Plan N.
Medicare Plan N Enrollment Deadline
As someone considering Medicare Plan N, it’s essential for you to understand the enrollment deadline so you can make an informed decision and avoid any penalties. The best time for you to enroll in a Medicare Plan N is during your Medigap Open Enrollment Period (OEP). This period starts on the first day of the month in which you turn 65 or older and are enrolled in Medicare Part A and Part B. Your OEP lasts for six months.
During your OEP, insurance companies are not allowed to use medical underwriting. This means they cannot deny you coverage or charge you higher premiums based on your health status or pre-existing conditions. Additionally, they cannot impose any waiting periods on you for coverage of pre-existing conditions.
If you miss your OEP, you may still be able to enroll in Medicare Plan N, but there are some risks. Insurance companies may require medical underwriting, which could lead to higher premiums or coverage denial. They could also impose waiting periods for coverage of pre-existing conditions. If you apply during a Special Enrollment Period (SEP), however, you might have similar protections to those during the OEP.
How To Sign Up For Medicare Plan N
To sign up for Medicare Plan N, simply call us at 866-MEDIGAP (633-4427) to get started. Our licensed insurance agents can help you compare plans from different insurance companies and provide you with personalized recommendations based on your unique healthcare needs and budget. With our help, you can sign up for Medicare Plan N with confidence, knowing that you have made an informed decision that will help protect your health and financial future.
How To Get Help With Medicare Plan N
If you’re considering enrolling in Medicare Plan N, our team of licensed agents is available to help you every step of the way. To get started, all you need to do is call us at 866-MEDIGAP (633-4427), and one of our agents will be ready to assist you with the enrollment process.
Our agents are trained to explain the benefits of Plan N in a way that’s easy to understand, so you can make an informed decision about your healthcare coverage. They’ll take the time to understand your unique healthcare needs and help determine whether Plan N is the right plan for you. If it is, they’ll guide you through the enrollment process and assist you in completing the necessary paperwork.
We understand that enrolling in a new healthcare plan can be stressful and overwhelming, but our agents are here to make the process as smooth and stress-free as possible. They’ll work diligently to ensure that your enrollment is processed accurately and efficiently, so you can begin taking advantage of the benefits of Plan N as soon as possible.
So, if you’re interested in enrolling in Medicare Plan N, don’t hesitate to reach out to us. Our team of licensed agents is here to provide you with all the guidance and support you need. We take pride in offering our clients exceptional customer service, not just during the enrollment process but for the entirety of their time working with us.
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Frequently Asked Questions
When can I enroll in Medicare Plan N?
The best time to enroll in a Medicare Plan N is during your Medigap Open Enrollment Period, which lasts for 6 months and begins the month you turn 65 and are enrolled in Medicare Part B. During this time, you have guaranteed issue rights, which means that you can enroll in any Medigap plan without medical underwriting or the risk of being denied coverage. Call us today at 866-633-4427 and one of our licensed agents will help determine your eligibility and secure your Medigap enrollment.
Are all Medicare Plan N policies the same?
All Medicare Plan N policies offer the same standard set of benefits mandated by the federal government, but the cost and availability of these policies can vary by insurance company and location. While all Plan N policies must offer the same basic benefits, such as Part A coinsurance and hospice care coinsurance, some insurance companies may offer additional benefits or different pricing structures. For example, some insurers may offer household discounts or lower premiums for nonsmokers.
Do people prefer Medicare Plan N over Plan G?
Both plans have their own unique advantages and disadvantages, and the best plan for you depends on your specific healthcare needs and budget. Plan N, has a lower monthly premium but requires small copayments for certain services and does not cover Part B excess charges. Plan G, on the other hand, typically has a higher monthly premium but offers more comprehensive coverage, including Medicare Part B excess charges. It’s important to compare the benefits and costs of different Medigap plans and consult with a licensed insurance agent before choosing a plan.
Can I switch from Medicare Plan G to Plan N?
Yes, but it’s important to understand the implications of doing so. If you currently have Plan G and want to switch to Plan N, you’ll need to apply for a new Medigap policy with an insurance company that offers Plan N in your state. You may be subject to medical underwriting, which means the insurance company may review your health history and could potentially deny you coverage or charge you a higher premium based on your health status. In addition, you’ll need to pay the cost-sharing amounts required by Medicare Plan N, such as the copayment for some office visits and emergency room visits. You’ll also need to pay the Medicare Part B deductible, which is not covered by Plan N.
Does Medicare Part N cover prescriptions?
No, Medicare Plan N does not cover prescription drugs. Medigap plans, including Plan N, only provide supplemental coverage to Original Medicare (Parts A and B) and do not include prescription drug coverage. Plan N does not cover dental, vision or hearing either. To get help with the cost of prescriptions, we recommend that you enroll in a Medicare Part D plan. Contact us and we’ll assist you with securing coverage for dental, vision, hearing and more.
Does Medicare Plan N cover physical therapy?
Yes, Medicare Plan N covers physical therapy that is covered by Original Medicare (Parts A and B). Under Original Medicare, physical therapy is covered if it’s deemed medically necessary to improve your ability to function, and if it’s provided by a healthcare professional who accepts Medicare. Medicare Plan N covers the coinsurance for Part B services, which includes physical therapy.
How much are the copays for Medicare Plan N?
Medicare Plan N includes cost-sharing requirements in the form of copayments for certain services. You’ll be responsible for a copayment of up to $20 for some office visits. You’ll also be responsible for a copayment of up to $50 for emergency room visits that do not result in an inpatient admission. Additionally, it’s important to remember that Medicare Plan N doesn’t cover the Medicare Part B deductible, which is $226 in 2023. You’ll be responsible for paying this amount before Plan N begins covering your Medicare Part B coinsurance.
What are Medicare Plan N excess charges?
Medicare Plan N excess charges are the additional fees that some healthcare providers may charge you for services that are covered by Medicare but are not fully paid for by Medicare. Under Original Medicare, healthcare providers are allowed to charge up to 15% more than the Medicare-approved amount for certain services. These additional charges are known as excess charges. Not all healthcare providers charge excess charges, but if you see a healthcare provider who charges excess fees, you’ll be responsible for paying these fees out of pocket.
How can you avoid Medicare Part B excess charges?
You can avoid Medicare Part B excess charges by choosing healthcare providers who accept Medicare assignment. Healthcare providers who accept Medicare assignment agree to accept the Medicare-approved amount as full payment for covered services, so you won’t be responsible for any excess charges. If you receive a bill for excess charges, you should contact the healthcare provider and ask for an explanation of the charges. If you believe the charges are in error or unreasonable, you can file a complaint with Medicare or your state’s department of insurance.
Can I use Medicare Plan N outside of the United States?
Yes, Medicare Plan N provides coverage for emergency medical care when you’re traveling outside of the United States. However, there are some limitations and restrictions on this coverage. It’s important to review the specific details of your policy or contact a licensed agent to understand your coverage for foreign travel. If you’re planning to travel outside of the United States and want to ensure that you have adequate medical coverage, it may be worth considering purchasing additional travel medical insurance.