Medicare Supplement Plan N is a popular Medigap policy that helps fill the coverage gaps in Original Medicare. If you're exploring your Medicare supplement options, understanding what Plan N covers and its associated costs is crucial for making an informed decision about your healthcare coverage.
This comprehensive guide breaks down everything you need to know about Medicare Supplement Plan N, including its benefits, limitations, and out-of-pocket expenses.
Core Coverage Benefits of Medicare Supplement Plan N
Medicare Supplement Plan N provides extensive coverage for many healthcare expenses that Original Medicare doesn't fully cover. Here are the primary benefits:
- Medicare Part A coinsurance and hospital costs
- Medicare Part B coinsurance (after copayment)
- First three pints of blood
- Part A hospice care coinsurance
- Skilled nursing facility coinsurance
- Medicare Part A deductible
Understanding Out-of-Pocket Costs
While Plan N offers comprehensive coverage, there are certain out-of-pocket expenses you should be aware of:
Copayments and Deductibles
With Plan N, you're responsible for:
- Up to $20 copayment for office visits
- Up to $50 copayment for emergency room visits (waived if admitted)
- Medicare Part B deductible
- Part B excess charges
Part B Excess Charges
Plan N doesn't cover Medicare Part B excess charges, which occur when healthcare providers don't accept Medicare assignment. These providers can charge up to 15% more than Medicare's approved amount.
Additional Coverage Details
Foreign Travel Emergency Coverage
Plan N includes foreign travel emergency coverage, paying 80% of approved emergency care costs during foreign travel after a $250 deductible. This coverage is limited to the first 60 days of your trip and has a lifetime maximum benefit of $50,000.
Prescription Drug, Vision, and Dental Coverage
Medicare Supplement Plan N does not include coverage for:
- Prescription drugs (requires separate Part D plan)
- Routine vision care
- Dental services
- Hearing aids
- Long-term care
Frequently Asked Questions
What does Medicare Supplement Plan N cover compared to Original Medicare?
Medicare Supplement Plan N covers most gaps in Original Medicare, including Part A coinsurance, hospital costs, and skilled nursing facility care. Unlike Original Medicare alone, Plan N also provides foreign travel emergency coverage and pays the Part A deductible.
What out-of-pocket costs am I responsible for with Medicare Supplement Plan N?
With Plan N, you're responsible for the Medicare Part B deductible, copayments for office visits (up to $20) and emergency room visits (up to $50), and any Part B excess charges. You must also pay the monthly premium for the plan.
Does Medicare Supplement Plan N cover prescription drugs, vision, or dental care?
No, Medicare Supplement Plan N does not cover prescription drugs, routine vision care, or dental services. For prescription drug coverage, you'll need to enroll in a separate Medicare Part D plan. Vision and dental coverage require additional separate insurance plans.
How does Medicare Supplement Plan N handle emergency room and doctor visit copayments?
Plan N requires a copayment of up to $20 for doctor visits and up to $50 for emergency room visits. The emergency room copayment is waived if you're admitted to the hospital as an inpatient.
Can Medicare Supplement Plan N help with healthcare costs when traveling outside the United States?
Yes, Plan N covers 80% of approved emergency care costs during foreign travel after a $250 deductible. This coverage applies to the first 60 days of your trip and has a lifetime maximum benefit of $50,000.
