Your Complete Guide to Medicare Supplement Plan N
If you’re shopping for an insurance supplement for Medicare, you owe it to yourself to get to know the benefits of the Plan N Supplement.
For a relative newcomer to the world of Medicare supplements, Medicare Supplement Plan N has gained popularity over some of the older plans for its strong coverage for a low monthly premium.
Since Medicare supplement plans each have their own sets of strengths and weaknesses, it is important to break down each aspect of the plan to fully understand what Plan N can offer.
What Is Medicare Supplemental Plan N?
Supplement Plan N was introduced in 2010 to help seniors pay expenses not covered under standard Medicare Plans A and B.
When Can You Enroll in Medicare Supplement Plan N Insurance?
Like other supplement plans, Plan N is available to you if you’re turning 65, covered under Medicare Parts A and B, or about to be enrolled in Medicare Part B.
You have the three months before your 65th birthday, the month of your birthday, and three months afterward to enroll.
It is essential that you apply within the first 6 months of eligibility to avoid higher premiums or even denial of coverage.
What Does Supplemental Plan N Insurance Cover?
Plan N coverage is divided into four standard areas, each with its own coverage standards.
- Medical Expenses
- Hospitalization
- Blood
- Hospice Care
Medical Expenses
Plan N will take care of 20% of expenses and copays for outpatient hospital services, except for copayments, office and ER visits. It will pay all your Part B coinsurance after your annual deductible is met.
The copay for an office visit is $20 and an ER visit copay is $50.
You’ll also receive foreign travel emergency benefits of 80% — up to a lifetime maximum of $50,000 — in Part B coinsurance after you’ve paid the first $250.
Plan N will also pay your entire Part A deductible.
Hospitalization
As part of Part A Hospital Coinsurance, Plan N covers days 61-90 of a hospital stay in each Medicare benefit period. It will also cover days 91-150 of a hospital stay once in your lifetime.
Additionally, Plan N offers an extra 365 days of inpatient hospital care after you use your original Medicare hospital benefits.
Part N also covers a skilled nursing facility with the staff and equipment to give skilled nursing care and, in most cases, skilled rehabilitation services and other related health services.
Blood
The Plan N Supplement offers Part A and B blood coverage by paying for the first three pints of blood per calendar year.
Your regular Medicare insurance will cover any blood needed beyond three pints.
Hospice Care
As a coinsurance for Part A, Plan N pays for outpatient prescription drugs and inpatient respite care.
Known Exclusions
Plan N will not cover your Plan B deductible or Part B excess charges.
Other than that, Medicare Plan N has exclusions similar to other Medigap plans. Typically, it will not cover vision or dental care, hearing aids, long-term care, private nursing care, or prescription drugs.
Prescription drugs are generally covered by Medicare Part D
Overview Medigap Policy N Provides The Following:
- Basic Benefits
- Skilled Nursing Facilities
- Part A Deductible
- Foreign Travel Emergency
Basic Benefits
- Part A Hospital Coinsurance
- Days 61-90 of a hospital stay in each Medicare benefit period
- Days 91-150 of a hospital stay. Medicare will only pay for these 60 days once during your lifetime
- Additional Part A Hospital Benefits
- An extra 365 days of inpatient hospital care after you use your Original Medicare hospital benefits
- Part B Coinsurance
- Pays for the Part B coinsurance after you meet your annual deductible
- Part A and B Blood Coverage
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- Pays for the first three pints of blood per calendar year
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- Part A Hospice Coinsurance
- Pays for outpatient prescriptions drug and inpatient respite care coinsurance
Skilled Nursing Facility
A nursing facility with the staff and equipment to give skilled nursing care and, in most cases skilled rehabilitation services and other related health services.
Part A (Hospital Insurance)
The part of Medicare that pays for inpatient hospital stays, care in a skilled nursing facility, hospice care and some home health care.
Foreign Travel Emergency
After the first $250: 80% up to a lifetime maximum of $50,000
What Does Medicare Supplemental Insurance Plan N Cost?
Premiums can vary by your geographical location and by insurance provider. There are three ways insurers calculate costs:
- Age-Related: Your premiums increase as you age.
- Issue Date Age-Related: Your premiums are based on your age at purchase. Premiums can’t increase afterwards due to age.
- Community-Rated: All policyowners pay the same price, regardless of age. Premiums can fluctuate due to inflation but will not increase due to age.
It’s important to understand which rating system your insurer is using to calculate the cost of your Plan N supplement. That way, you can more accurately compare programs from different insurers.
Is Plan N the Right Plan for Your Medigap Needs?
The Plan N Medicare supplement provides a good amount of coverage while costing around 25% less than Plan F, the Medigap plan with the highest level of coverage.
However, savings comes at a trade-off. Plan N will not cover your Part B deductible, co-pays or your Part B excess charges.
If you feel comfortable being able to manage those excluded Part B expenses on your own, then Plan N is an excellent way to add strong, additional coverage to your Medicare insurance plan.
To learn more about Medicare Supplemental Plan N insurance or get a quote for a policy, contact Plan Medigap by calling (800) 750-2407 today.