How to Choose the Right Medigap Plan

There are 10 plan letters, but you only need to consider 3 or 4. Four questions will get you to the right answer.

Person thoughtfully reviewing paperwork with a pen, making an informed decision

Quick Decision Guide

Answer each question to find your plan

Do you see a doctor more than 6 times per year?

Yes

Plan G

Copay-free visits save you more than the premium difference

Do your doctors accept Medicare assignment?

Not sure

Plan G

Covers excess charges

Yes, all

Plan N

Save $30-60/mo

Either plan protects you from catastrophic costs. The choice is about optimizing the premium vs. copay tradeoff for your situation.

The good news: this is simpler than it looks

Ten plan letters sounds overwhelming. But here's the reality: Plan G and Plan N account for over 80% of all new Medigap enrollments. Add Plan F (for those eligible) and Plan D (a less common alternative), and you've covered virtually everyone.

The other plans (A, B, K, L, M) exist for niche situations and have very low enrollment. You can safely ignore them unless you have a specific reason not to.

Four questions to find your plan

Do you want maximum coverage or lower premiums?

This is the fundamental tradeoff. Plan G covers nearly everything — you pay only the $283 Part B deductible per year. Plan N costs $30-60/month less but has small copays ($20 for office visits, $50 for ER visits that don't result in admission).

Maximum coverage → Plan G

Lower premiums with small copays → Plan N

How often do you see doctors?

Each Plan N office visit has a $20 copay. If you see a doctor 12 times a year, that's $240 in copays. Compare that to the $360-720/year you'd save in premiums with Plan N. For frequent doctor visitors, Plan G often costs less overall.

6+ visits/year → Plan G is likely cheaper overall

2-3 visits/year → Plan N saves you money

Do your doctors accept Medicare assignment?

Doctors who don't accept Medicare assignment can charge up to 15% above Medicare's approved amount. These are called "excess charges." Plan G covers them; Plan N does not. In practice, 97% of doctors accept assignment, but if your specialists don't, Plan G protects you.

Not sure or some don't → Plan G for safety

Yes, all accept assignment → Plan N is fine

Are you eligible for Plan F?

Plan F was closed to new Medicare enrollees after January 1, 2020. If you became eligible for Medicare before that date, you can still buy Plan F. But consider: Plan F costs more than Plan G, and the only difference is Plan F covers the $283 Part B deductible. The math usually favors Plan G.

Eligible and want it → Plan F (but check the math)

Not eligible or prefer value → Plan G

Plan G vs. Plan N: the real decision

Plan G

Covers everything except Part B deductible ($283/yr)
No copays at the doctor or ER
Covers Part B excess charges
Higher monthly premium ($100-250/month typical)
Most predictable total costs

Best for: People who want maximum coverage and minimal surprises.

Plan G details and rates

Plan N

Covers most gaps with small copays
$20 copay per office visit
$50 copay for ER visits (waived if admitted)
Does NOT cover Part B excess charges
$30-60/month less than Plan G (typical)

Best for: Healthy people who don't visit the doctor often.

Plan N details and rates

See a full G vs. N comparison with rate data

Plans you can probably skip

Plan A— Basic coverage only — doesn't cover the Part A deductible, skilled nursing, or foreign travel. Very low enrollment.

Plan B— Slightly more than A but still missing key benefits. No meaningful premium savings over G or N.

Plans K & L— Cover only 50% (K) or 75% (L) of benefits with an out-of-pocket cap. Unusual structure; very low enrollment.

Plan M— Covers only 50% of the Part A deductible. Rarely offered, rarely chosen.

Know your plan letter? The next step is matching it to your health.

Your health conditions can shift the G vs. N math. Or jump straight to carrier comparisons in your state.

Match Your Health to a Plan Get Carrier Recommendations