Understanding Medicare Supplement Plans: Plans F, G, & N

When it comes to Medicare, Original Medicare (Parts A & B) only covers about 80% of approved medical costs. That leaves 20% as your responsibility—unless you have a Medicare Supplement (Medigap) plan. Let’s take a closer look at three of the most common supplement options: Plan F, Plan G, and Plan N.

Plan F – “F” for “Full Value”

Important: Plan F is no longer available to people who turned 65 or became eligible for Medicare after January 1, 2020.
If you were eligible before 2020, you may still have a Plan F. You can also apply to switch to a lower-cost Plan F with another insurance carrier (medical underwriting required).
Coverage: Plan F covers all of the 20% that Medicare does not cover. This means no out-of-pocket costs—no deductibles, no copays, no coinsurance.
Summary: Plan F = peace of mind and full coverage.

Plan G – “G” for “Great Value”

Now the most popular plan since Plan F is closed to new enrollees.
Coverage: Plan G covers everything that Plan F covers, except the Part B deductible.
Part B deductible for 2026: $288.
Example:
- Plan F premium = $300/month ($3,600/year).
- Plan G premium = $250/month ($3,000/year).
- Annual savings = $600. Subtract the $288 deductible = $312 net savings with Plan G.
Summary: Plan G is usually the smart financial choice—same great coverage at a lower cost.

Plan N – “N” for “Nearly Great Value”

Coverage: Plan N is similar to Plan G but with a few cost-sharing differences:
- You still pay the Part B deductible ($288 in 2026).
- You pay a $20 copay for most doctor visits.
- You pay a $50 copay for urgent care.
- Excess charges: If a doctor doesn’t accept Medicare’s approved payment amount, you could pay more. (See our article on excess charges for details.)
Best for: People who don’t go to the doctor very often and want lower premiums.
Caution: If you see the doctor frequently or your providers charge excess fees, Plan N could end up costing more than Plan G.
8 states prohibit excess charges, so your client will not have to pay those extra fees. These states are Connecticut, Massachusetts, Minnesota, New York, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, and Vermont.

Key Things to Remember

Plan F: Only for those eligible before 2020. Full coverage, no out-of-pocket costs.
Plan G: Most popular today. Same as Plan F, except you pay the Part B deductible. Usually the best value.
Plan N: Lower premiums, but comes with copays and possible excess charges. Great for healthier individuals.
Medical Qualification: Outside of your initial Medicare enrollment period, switching plans requires medical underwriting (you must qualify based on health).

Bottom Line: For most new Medicare enrollees today, Plan G offers the best balance of cost and coverage.