If you’re turning 65 or newly enrolled in Medicare, you’ve probably already discovered that choosing the right Medicare Supplement plan isn’t as simple as picking the cheapest option. Two plans — Plan G and Plan N — dominate the Medigap market in 2026, and for good reason. Both offer solid protection against Medicare’s out-of-pocket costs. But they’re not the same, and the right choice depends on how you use your healthcare.
At The Benefit Link, we’ve helped Texas seniors navigate this exact decision for nearly two decades. This guide breaks down both plans clearly so you can make a confident choice.
What Plan G and Plan N Have in Common
Before diving into the differences, it helps to understand what these plans share. Both Plan G and Plan N are standardized Medigap plans, meaning the benefits are identical regardless of which insurance company sells them. Every insurance carrier offering Plan G must cover the same benefits as every other carrier offering Plan G — only the premium changes.
Both plans cover the following:
- Medicare Part A hospital coinsurance and hospital costs (up to an additional 365 days after Medicare benefits are exhausted)
- Medicare Part A deductible — $1,736 in 2026
- Skilled nursing facility care coinsurance
- Foreign travel emergency care (80%, after a $250 deductible)
- Hospice care coinsurance or copayment
Neither plan covers the Medicare Part B deductible, which is $283 in 2026. You’ll pay that out of pocket with either plan. (Plan F, the only Medigap plan that covers the Part B deductible, is no longer available to people who became eligible for Medicare on or after January 1, 2020.)
Where Plan G and Plan N Differ: A Side-by-Side Comparison
The key differences between Plan G and Plan N come down to three things: Part B coinsurance, Part B excess charges, and your monthly premium.
| Feature | Plan G | Plan N |
|---|---|---|
| Part A hospital coinsurance | Covered 100% | Covered 100% |
| Part B coinsurance/copay | Covered 100% | Copay up to $20 (office), $50 (ER) |
| Part A deductible ($1,736 in 2026) | Covered | Covered |
| Part B deductible ($283 in 2026) | NOT covered | NOT covered |
| Part B excess charges | Covered | NOT covered |
| Skilled nursing facility | Covered | Covered |
| Foreign travel emergency | 80% (after deductible) | 80% (after deductible) |
| Monthly premium (est.) | Higher | Lower (typically $10–$30/mo less) |
With Plan G, once you’ve paid your Part B deductible for the year, Medicare and your supplement plan handle essentially everything else. You have no copays when you visit a doctor or go to the emergency room.
Plan N works differently. You’ll pay a copay of up to $20 for most office visits and up to $50 for emergency room visits (waived if you’re admitted). Plan N also does not cover Part B excess charges — a fee that some doctors are allowed to charge above Medicare’s approved amount.
The Case for Plan G: Comprehensive Coverage, Predictable Costs
Plan G is often called the gold standard of Medicare Supplement insurance, and it earns that reputation. For people who see doctors frequently, manage chronic conditions, or simply want to know exactly what their healthcare will cost each year, Plan G offers maximum peace of mind.
Here’s what makes Plan G attractive:
- After the $283 Part B deductible, your out-of-pocket costs for covered services are effectively zero
- You’re protected from Part B excess charges, which can add up if you see specialists who don’t accept Medicare assignment
- No surprise copays — every covered visit is handled the same way
The tradeoff is a higher monthly premium. In 2026, Plan G premiums in Texas vary by carrier and your age at enrollment, but the predictability often justifies the cost — especially for people with regular medical needs.
The Case for Plan N: Lower Premiums for Healthier Beneficiaries
Plan N is an excellent option for Medicare beneficiaries who are generally healthy, don’t visit the doctor more than a handful of times per year, and are comfortable with modest, predictable copays. It typically costs $10 to $30 less per month than Plan G, which adds up to real savings over time.
Plan N makes the most sense when:
- You’re in good health and your doctor visits are infrequent
- Your doctors accept Medicare assignment (which means no Part B excess charges apply)
- You’re comfortable paying a small copay at each visit in exchange for a lower monthly premium
One thing to check before choosing Plan N: confirm that your doctors accept Medicare on assignment. Doctors who don’t accept assignment can charge up to 15% more than Medicare’s approved amount — and with Plan N, that difference comes out of your pocket.
How to Choose Between Plan G and Plan N in Texas
Texas is an issue-age state, which is an important detail when comparing Medigap plans. This means your premium is based on your age when you first enroll — not your current age — and it generally stays stable over time rather than increasing sharply as you get older. That makes locking in a good rate at 65 especially valuable here.
When deciding between Plan G and Plan N, consider these questions:
- How often do you currently visit doctors, specialists, or the hospital?
- Do your current providers accept Medicare on assignment?
- How much would you realistically save per year with Plan N’s lower premium?
- Would you rather have a slightly higher monthly bill and zero office visit copays (Plan G), or a lower monthly bill with small copays each visit (Plan N)?
For many Texans turning 65 who are in reasonably good health, Plan N offers a smart middle ground. For those managing multiple conditions or who simply value knowing their costs upfront, Plan G is worth every penny.
The best way to decide is to compare actual premium quotes from multiple carriers side by side — something a licensed Medicare Supplement agent can do for you at no cost.
Get Help from The Benefit Link
Choosing between Plan G and Plan N doesn’t have to be complicated. The Benefit Link has been helping Texas seniors find the right Medicare Supplement coverage since 2007. We’re an independent agency, which means we represent multiple carriers and can show you real quotes — not just one company’s offer.
Our help is always free to you. We’re paid by the insurance company when you enroll, so there’s never a cost or obligation to speak with one of our agents.
Call us at 817-539-0626 or visit our contact page to get started. We’d love to help you find the plan that gives you the right protection at the right price.
