Plan G, Plan N, or
High Deductible G?
Understand how standardized Medicare Supplement benefits work, then compare premiums and the costs you may pay when you get care.
2026 comparison · Information checked October 23, 2026
Same letter. Same standardized benefits.
Medicare Supplement Insurance, also called Medigap, helps pay your share of covered costs under Original Medicare. You generally need Parts A and B, keep paying your Part B premium, and pay a separate premium for the Supplement.
In Arizona and most states, policies are standardized by letter. For example, a regular Plan G from one insurer has the same standardized medical benefits as a regular Plan G from another insurer. Premiums, discounts, service, and rate increases can differ. Massachusetts, Minnesota, and Wisconsin standardize policies differently.
Medigap works with Original Medicare; it cannot be used to pay Medicare Advantage copays. Modern Medigap policies do not include Part D prescription coverage. Routine dental and vision are generally separate.
Sources: CMS: standardized Medigap policies ↗ · Medicare Supplement basics ↗ · How Medigap works ↗
Compare the everyday trade-offs
For Medicare-covered care, the main differences among these options are the deductible you must meet, certain copays, and coverage for Part B excess charges.
| Feature | Plan G | Plan N | High Deductible G |
|---|---|---|---|
| Monthly premium | Varies by insurer and applicant | Often lower than regular G; compare quotes | Usually lower than regular G; compare quotes |
| 2026 Part B deductible | You pay $283 | You pay $283 | You pay it; it counts toward the $2,950 high deductible |
| Part B coinsurance | Covered after the Part B deductible | Covered after the deductible, except specified visit copays | Plan G benefits apply after the high deductible |
| Office / emergency room copays | No additional standard Plan G copay for covered Part B services after the deductible | Up to $20 for some office visits; up to $50 for an ER visit without inpatient admission | You pay qualifying cost sharing until the high deductible is met |
| Part B excess charges | Covered | Not covered | Covered after the high deductible |
| Part A deductible and covered coinsurance | Covered under Plan G benefits | Covered under Plan N benefits | Covered under Plan G benefits after the high deductible |
This is a focused comparison, not a complete benefits chart. Medicare coverage rules, policy terms, and benefit limits apply. Premiums do not count toward deductibles.
Sources: Official Medigap comparison ↗ · 2026 Part B deductible ↗ · Medigap costs ↗
Plan G: fewer covered medical bills to manage
With regular Plan G, you pay the annual Part B deductible—$283 in 2026. The policy then covers the Part B coinsurance Medicare assigns to you, along with its other standardized benefits, including the Part A deductible and Part B excess charges.
This does not mean every health expense is covered. You still pay your Medicare and Supplement premiums, and expenses excluded by Medicare and the policy remain your responsibility.
Plan N: balance premium and visit costs
Plan N can appeal to people willing to pay certain visit copays in exchange for a potentially lower premium. You pay the Part B deductible, plus up to $20 for some office visits and up to $50 for an emergency room visit if you are not admitted as an inpatient.
Plan N does not cover Part B excess charges—amounts some providers may legally bill above Medicare’s approved amount. Ask whether your provider accepts Medicare assignment.
High Deductible Plan G: a lower premium, more cost sharing first
This is a separate high-deductible version of Plan G, available where offered. In 2026, you pay $2,950 in qualifying Medicare-covered deductibles, copayments, and coinsurance before the Supplement begins paying. The high deductible resets each calendar year and can change annually.
You do not pay every medical bill in full until you reach $2,950. Medicare pays its normal share first; your qualifying share of covered costs builds toward the high deductible. The $283 Part B deductible counts toward it. Premiums and noncovered expenses do not.
After you meet the high deductible, the policy pays according to Plan G’s benefits. Compare the premium savings with the amount you could comfortably pay during a year with more medical care.
Sources: 2026 Choosing a Medigap Policy guide ↗ · Medigap costs ↗
When you buy matters
Your federal Medigap Open Enrollment Period lasts six months, beginning the first month you are at least 65 and enrolled in Part B. During that window, insurers cannot use medical underwriting to deny a policy or charge more because of your health.
If you delay Part B because of qualifying current job-based coverage, this six-month window generally starts when you enroll in Part B at 65 or older. Outside it, underwriting may apply unless you have a guaranteed issue right or another applicable protection. The fall Medicare enrollment period does not create a general right to switch Supplements without underwriting.
Source: When to buy a Medigap policy ↗
Let’s talk through your next step.
Bring your current coverage information, doctors, medications, and questions. Luz Rios can help you understand available options in Yuma and the Foothills.