Medicare Supplement Plan G vs. Plan N in Texas: Which Is Better?

When it comes to Medicare Supplement insurance in Texas, Plan G and Plan N are by far the most popular choices.

They both offer great coverage, nationwide doctor access, and the freedom to skip networks and referrals.

But how do you know which one is the better fit for you?

Across the country, more than half of all new Medigap enrollees choose Plan G, making it the most widely adopted supplement plan.

At the same time, Plan N has been growing in popularity, especially among Texans who want strong protection without paying top-dollar premiums.

If you’re weighing your options between these two plans, you’re in the right place.

This guide will walk you through the key differences, the cost comparisons, and real-world considerations that matter - so you can confidently choose the plan that best matches your health needs and budget here in Texas.

What Is Plan G and How Does It Work?

If you’re looking for peace of mind and full coverage, Plan G is the go-to Medicare Supplement plan for Texans.

It’s popular for one big reason: it pays for nearly all the out-of-pocket costs that Original Medicare doesn’t - with no networks, no referrals, and no surprises.

Once you meet your small annual Part B deductible (which is $257 in 2025), Plan G picks up the rest of your Medicare-approved expenses.

What Does Plan G Cover?

Here’s what you’re protected from with Plan G:

• Medicare Part A hospital deductible
  
• Medicare Part B coinsurance (doctor visits, specialists, outpatient care)
  
• Skilled nursing facility care coinsurance
  
• Foreign travel emergency care (up to plan limits)
  
• Medicare Part B excess charges (if your doctor bills more than Medicare allows)
  

That means you won’t pay 20% coinsurance or hundreds in hospital deductibles - Plan G covers it all after the Part B deductible.

See the Difference: Medicare Alone vs. Medicare + Plan G

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One of the best things about Plan G is that it doesn’t use networks.

You can go to any doctor, specialist, or hospital in the U.S. that accepts Medicare - no referrals, no prior authorizations, no red tape.

And yes, that includes anywhere in Texas. Whether you live in Dallas, Austin, San Antonio, or out in the Hill Country, you have the same freedom to see the doctors you trust.

Why Choose Plan G Over a Medicare Advantage Plan?

While Medicare Advantage plans often advertise $0 monthly premiums, there’s a lot more to the story - and many Texans find out too late that they’ve traded low premiums for limited access and unpredictable costs.

Here’s why more people in Texas are choosing Plan G over Medicare Advantage:

1. No Networks. No Referrals. No Red Tape.

With Plan G, you can see any doctor or hospital in the U.S. that accepts Medicare - no matter where you live in Texas or how often you travel.

Medicare Advantage, on the other hand, limits you to a specific network of providers and often requires referrals and prior authorizations for specialists, tests, or even basic treatments.

2. Predictable, Transparent Costs

Medicare Advantage plans may seem affordable at first, but you’ll typically face copays and coinsurance for every visit or service, which adds up fast - especially if your health needs change.

With Plan G, you’ll know exactly what to expect after you meet your annual deductible. No surprise bills. No guessing.

3. No Annual Plan Changes or Re-Shopping

Medicare Advantage plans can change their networks, drug formularies, and coverage rules every year - meaning you might have to switch doctors or re-evaluate your plan annually.

Plan G coverage stays the same year after year, and you don’t need to worry about your plan changing out from under you.

4. Stronger Coverage When You Need It Most

Plan G shines in situations where you need care - whether that’s outpatient surgery, cancer treatment, or hospital care.

You’re covered without having to worry about approval delays or exhausting your wallet through layer after layer of copays and coinsurance.

Medigap Plan G: Pros

Plan G is the most comprehensive Medicare Supplement plan available to new enrollees - and for many Texans, it’s the easy, long-term choice.

Here's why:

• Predictable costs – After you meet the small annual Part B deductible ($257 in 2025), Plan G covers the rest of your Medicare-approved expenses.
  
• Full coverage – No coinsurance, no copays, no gaps for hospital or outpatient care.
  
• No networks or referrals – See any provider nationwide that accepts Medicare, with no hoops to jump through.
  
• Covers Part B excess charges – A key advantage over Plan N for those who want total protection, especially from higher-billing specialists.
  

Who Is Plan G Best For?

Plan G is ideal for Texans who:

• Have ongoing or chronic health conditions and want to minimize medical expenses.
  
• Prefer a "set-it-and-forget-it" approach to coverage - no need to track copays or bills.
  
• Value simplicity and peace of mind, knowing their plan will cover them across Texas and anywhere Medicare is accepted.
  
• Want to avoid the red tape of Medicare Advantage, including prior authorizations or provider networks.
  

If you don’t want to worry about surprise bills or changes to your care access, Plan G is the most complete and dependable Medigap option available in Texas.

What Is Plan N and How Does It Work?

If you’re comparing Medicare Supplement options in Texas and looking for a balance between strong coverage and a lower monthly premium, Plan N is also worth a close look.

Plan N is often seen as a more affordable version of Plan G. It includes most of the same core benefits but adds a few small out-of-pocket costs.

Here’s what you need to know:

• You may pay up to $20 for doctor visits
  
• You may pay up to $50 for ER visits (waived if admitted)
  
• No coverage for Medicare Part B excess charges - these are rare and only apply if you see a provider who doesn’t accept Medicare’s standard rates (less common in most Texas counties)

Otherwise, Plan N works just like Plan G - you can see any provider nationwide that accepts Medicare, with no network restrictions or referrals required.

Plan N Benefit Comparison

Plan N Is Growing in Popularity Across Texas

We’re seeing more and more healthy, budget-conscious retirees in Texas choose Plan N.

It’s a good middle ground: lower monthly premiums than Plan G, but without the limitations and uncertainties that come with Medicare Advantage.

If you’re okay with the occasional copay and want a Medigap plan that still delivers strong coverage, Plan N is a solid option.

Medigap Plan N: Pros

Plan N offers great value for the right person - especially if you’re not managing ongoing health issues.

Here's how:

• Lower monthly premiums than Plan G
  
• Strong core coverage for hospital stays, outpatient care, and skilled nursing
  
• Freedom to see any Medicare provider nationwide - just like Plan G
  
• Predictable costs, with just a few small copays
  

Who Is Plan N Best For?

Plan N is a great fit for Texans who:

• Are generally healthy and don’t visit the doctor frequently
  
• Want to save on monthly premiums without giving up core benefits
  
• Are okay with occasional copays for office visits or the ER
  
• Prefer rate stability and long-term affordability over full coverage

Texas-Specific Cost Comparison

One of the biggest deciding factors when choosing between Plan G and Plan N is monthly premium cost - and in Texas, the range can vary quite a bit based on ZIP code, gender, and tobacco use.

We’ve gathered data from Medigap carriers serving Texas, so you can get a sense of what to expect as a 65-year-old nonsmoker shopping for coverage.

Plan G vs. Plan N Average Premiums in Texas

What This Means for You

Plan G tends to range from $160 to $245/month, depending on the carrier. The highest-end rates (above $250) are often avoidable if you shop around.

Plan N offers lower premiums, generally from $130 to $190/month, and can be a smart choice if you’re okay with small copays.

We’ve found that Cigna, Mutual of Omaha, Blue Cross Blue Shield of Texas, and Humana often offer the most stable pricing and reliable service for both plans - especially in cities like Dallas, Austin, Houston, and across the Hill Country.

Our Top Picks for Texas

Not all Medigap companies are created equal - even when they’re offering the same Plan G or Plan N benefits.

Over the years, we’ve helped thousands of Texans enroll in Medicare Supplement plans, and we’ve consistently seen a few companies rise to the top when it comes to long-term value, rate stability, and reliable claims service.

#1. Blue Cross Blue Shield of Texas

As one of the most recognized names in healthcare, Blue Cross Blue Shield of Texas consistently delivers when it comes to reputation, renewal stability, and claims support.

Their Plan G tends to be slightly higher in premium than some competitors, but clients often say it’s worth it for the peace of mind and household discounts.

#2. Humana

Humana strikes a strong balance between affordable pricing and steady rate increases.

Their archived rate data shows no dramatic spikes, and their claims process is known for being smooth.

Humana is also a great pick for anyone who values digital tools, bundled coverage options, and national provider access.

#3. Cigna

Cigna offers competitive rates and strong underwriting flexibility, especially for Texans applying outside of their Medigap open enrollment window.

Their Plan G is widely available across the state and often priced below Blue Cross, making them a solid choice for budget-conscious retirees who still want premium protection.

Why We Recommend These Carriers

These companies have proven themselves in three key areas:

• Rate Stability – Fewer surprises at renewal time
  
• Claims Experience – Easy to work with when you actually need to use your plan
  
• Customer Satisfaction – Clients tell us they feel supported, not frustrated

We work with over a dozen Medigap carriers, but in Texas, these are the ones we consistently recommend because they perform well year after year - not just in the first year when rates look appealing.

Rate Increase Trends

One thing many people overlook when choosing a Medigap plan is how the monthly premium might increase over time - and that can make a big difference in your long-term budget.

Plan G Tends to Rise a Bit Faster

Because Plan G offers nearly full coverage, it also attracts members with higher ongoing health costs.

That can lead to slightly higher annual rate increases, especially if you’re with a carrier that isn’t managing its risk pool well.

In many parts of Texas, we’ve seen Plan G premiums increase by 6–9% per year, depending on the company.

Plan N Often Has Slower, More Predictable Increases

Since Plan N includes cost-sharing (like doctor copays) and doesn’t cover excess charges, it tends to attract a slightly healthier population.

That generally means lower claims volume for the insurer - and slower premium increases.

Typical Plan N rate increases in Texas range from 3–6% annually, though again, this depends heavily on the carrier.

Why the Carrier Matters as Much as the Plan

Two people with the exact same Medigap plan - same ZIP code, same age - can experience very different rate histories just based on the carrier they chose.

We’ve worked with companies in Texas that have kept increases to a minimum year after year, and others that surprise their members with double-digit hikes after year one.

That’s why we always recommend comparing both plan and company history before enrolling.

A slightly lower premium upfront doesn’t mean much if the plan becomes unaffordable two years later.

Plan G vs. Plan N – Side-by-Side Comparison

Real-Life Texas Scenario

Sometimes the best way to understand the difference between Plan G and Plan N is to hear how they’ve worked for actual Texans.

Meet Barbara from San Antonio – Plan G

Barbara is 72 and lives just outside San Antonio.

She has a few chronic conditions and sees multiple specialists throughout the year. When she first turned 65, she chose Plan G because she didn’t want to worry about what was covered or what she might owe after appointments.

This past spring, she was hospitalized unexpectedly for a heart issue. Between the ambulance ride, inpatient stay, follow-ups, and rehab, her total bill would’ve been well over $25,000.

Her out-of-pocket cost? Just the $257 Part B deductible. That’s it.

Barbara tells us, “Plan G let me focus on getting better, not worrying about how to pay for everything.”

Meet James from Lubbock – Plan N

James is 67, healthy, and still walks five miles a day around his neighborhood in Lubbock.

He chose Plan N to keep his monthly premium lower and didn’t mind the small copays.

In the last year, he’s had two routine checkups and one trip to the ER for a fall (he was fine). He paid $20 for each doctor visit and $50 for the ER - all manageable and expected.

James tells us, “I saved over $600 compared to Plan G, and all I paid were two copays and an ER visit. That’s a win in my book.”

Final Thoughts

Choosing the right Medicare Supplement plan in Texas is about more than just comparing prices - it's about knowing what each plan actually covers and how that coverage fits your personal situation.

Plan G is the most popular Medigap plan for a reason: it covers nearly every out-of-pocket cost except the small annual Part B deductible.

After that, you can expect zero bills - no copays, no coinsurance, and no surprise charges, even if you visit the doctor frequently or have a hospital stay.

It also covers Part B excess charges and foreign travel emergencies, making it ideal for Texans who want the most comprehensive protection.

Plan N offers the same core coverage as Plan G but with a few cost-sharing tradeoffs.

You’ll pay small copays when you visit the doctor or emergency room, and it doesn’t cover excess charges - though these are rare in most Texas ZIP codes.

In return, you get a lower monthly premium and, historically, a more stable rate over time. It’s a great fit for retirees who are healthy and looking to save on monthly costs without giving up provider freedom.

Both plans let you see any doctor who accepts Medicare, anywhere in the U.S. - no referrals, no networks, no prior authorizations.

If you're still not sure which to pick, think about:

• How often you visit the doctor
• Whether you want predictable monthly costs
• If you travel or split time in multiple states
• And how much peace of mind is worth to you

And remember - the company you choose matters too. Benefits may be standardized, but customer service, rate increases, and claims handling vary widely.

We’ve helped thousands of Texans make this decision with confidence. When you’re ready, we’ll help you too.