Medicare Plan N refers to one Medicare Supplement insurance (Medigap) plan. This plan covers many out-of-pockets expenses not covered by Original Medicare. The plan was introduced in 2010, and enrollment grew by 33% between 2013 and 2014.
Covered Services and Supplies
Plan N covers any service or supply that Original Medicare covers. Original Medicare pays first. Plan N pays the remainder of expenses with some exceptions. Plan N does cover Medicare Part A deductibles ($1340 in 2018), Part A co-pays, and Part A co-insurance (20%). It also covers the Medicare Part B co-insurance (usually 20% after deductible).
Doctor's Office
Preventive health care is covered by Original Medicare. Medicare Plan N covers the following:
- Visits for injuries/illness not related to preventive care
- Durable medical equipment
- Ambulance
- Surgeries
- Home health
- Lab work
- Imaging tests
- Diabetes supplies
Hospital
Inpatient hospital services, skilled nursing, home health, hospice and blood transfusions are covered by Original Medicare. Medicare Plan N covers the following:
- One year of benefits in the hospital when Medicare will no longer cover
- Hospice care
- The first three pints of blood
Extra Bonuses
- Medigap Plan N premiums are relatively lower than other popular Medigap plans.
- Medigap Plan N covers some foreign travel emergency services.
Services and Supplies Not Covered
Medicare Plan N does not pay for the Medicare Part B deductibles ($183 in 2018), co-pays up to $20 for doctor visits, and co-pays up to $50 for emergency room visits.
In addition, some excess charges are not covered. Providers who do not accept Medicare assignment can charge up to 15% more than what Medicare charges. These are called excess charges, and Plan N does not cover them.
Eligibility
Eligibility for Medigap Plan N requires the following:
- Enrollment in Medicare Part A and Part B first
- Residency in the service area of Plan N
You can enroll in Plan N during the initial enrollment period which begins on the effective date of your Medicare Part B plan. You then have six months to enroll without pre-existing conditions influencing your eligibility or premium.
