Medicare Supplement Plan N in Texas: Cost and Coverage

If you’re looking for a Medicare Supplement plan that balances great coverage with affordable monthly premiums, Plan N is worth serious consideration.

We’ve helped hundreds of Texans compare their Medigap options, and for many, Plan N is the right fit - especially if you’re healthy, don’t mind a few small copays, and want to save on monthly costs without sacrificing essential protection.

Plan N is one of the most popular Medigap plans in Texas and across the U.S., second only to Plan G.

It’s easy to see why: you get excellent coverage for hospital stays, doctor visits, and emergency care - but with a few cost-sharing trade-offs that help keep your premium lower.

Whether you're in Houston, El Paso, Dallas, or a small Texas town, Plan N gives you the freedom to see any doctor or specialist who accepts Medicare - with no network restrictions and no need for referrals.

That kind of flexibility is especially helpful if you split time between cities, travel often, or just want hassle-free access to care.

How Does Medigap Plan N Work?

We often describe Medicare Supplement Plan N as a “hybrid” option. It offers nearly full coverage for big medical expenses but keeps your monthly premium lower by asking you to pay a few modest out-of-pocket costs.

It’s not bare-bones (far from it) but it’s designed for people who don’t mind small copays in exchange for real savings on their premiums.

Many of our Texas clients choose Plan N because it strikes the right balance: strong protection without overpaying.

What You Pay With Plan N

Here’s how Plan N works when you're enrolled in Medicare:

• Hospital Costs (Part A): If you’re admitted to the hospital, Plan N covers your $1,676 Part A deductible, plus coinsurance for longer stays and hospice care. This means no major hospital bills - even if you stay for multiple nights or need skilled nursing afterward.
  
• Doctor Visits (Part B): You’ll pay a small copay - up to $20 - for office visits. That includes specialists, urgent care, or your primary doctor. After the copay, Plan N picks up the rest of what Medicare doesn’t cover (the remaining 20%).
  
• Emergency Room Visits: You may pay up to $50 for ER visits that don’t result in admission. If you’re admitted, you don’t pay this copay.
  
• Medicare Part B Deductible: You’ll still pay the $257 annual Part B deductible out of pocket.
  
• Part B Excess Charges: Plan N does not cover “excess charges” - these occur if a provider charges more than Medicare’s approved rate. (Most Texas doctors accept Medicare’s rates, so this rarely comes up - but we still walk our clients through how to check.)
  

What It Looks Like: Plan N vs. No Medigap at All

Let’s say you’re on Original Medicare only and you need outpatient surgery and a hospital stay.

Here’s how Plan N compares to going without any Medigap coverage:

In a nutshell: Without Plan N, you're on the hook for thousands in deductibles, copays, and coinsurance. With Plan N, your bills are predictable and limited, which makes budgeting easier and stress levels lower - especially if you need care unexpectedly.

For many healthy Texans who want dependable protection without paying top-tier premiums, Plan N is the plan we’d choose ourselves.

What Plan N Covers

Even though Plan N typically has lower monthly premiums than Plan G, it still offers comprehensive protection where it matters most - hospital stays, doctor visits, lab work, rehab facilities, and emergencies abroad.

Here’s a detailed look at the key coverage areas:

Hospital Costs (Medicare Part A)

Plan N fully covers your $1,676 hospital deductible (as of 2025), along with all coinsurance charges for stays longer than 60 days.

That means:

• You pay $0 for a multi-night hospital stay
  
• You’re covered if you need follow-up care in a hospital or skilled nursing facility
  
• Hospice care is fully covered - including medications and respite care under Part A
  

If you've ever known someone who spent days in a hospital or had a rehab stay after surgery, you know how quickly those bills can add up.

With Plan N, those costs are taken off your shoulders.

Doctor and Outpatient Medical Costs (Medicare Part B)

Plan N covers 80% of outpatient services, like:

• Doctor and specialist visits
  
• X-rays, MRIs, CT scans
  
• Surgeries done in outpatient facilities
  
• Lab work, chemotherapy, dialysis, and more
  

You’ll pay up to $20 per doctor’s visit, and up to $50 for emergency room visits (if not admitted). After that, Plan N steps in to pay the rest of your Medicare-approved charges.

And once you meet the annual Part B deductible ($257 in 2025), you’ll see even more predictability in your medical costs.

Skilled Nursing Facility Care

After a qualifying hospital stay, Medicare covers the first 20 days of care at no charge. But starting on day 21, daily coinsurance applies - and that can run over $200 per day. Plan N pays these coinsurance charges in full.

This coverage is crucial for seniors recovering from major surgeries, strokes, or illness who may need short-term rehab.

Blood Transfusions (First 3 Pints)

Medicare does not cover the first 3 pints of blood if you need a transfusion during surgery or treatment.

Plan N covers those 3, so there are no surprise blood-related costs if you ever need one.

Emergency Foreign Travel Coverage

Planning a cruise, an overseas visit, or just want a safety net if you're out of the country?

Plan N covers 80% of emergency medical care abroad, up to a $50,000 lifetime limit, after a small deductible. This is a great bonus for snowbirds, frequent travelers, or retirees who want to stay protected no matter where they are.

Quick Recap

Plan N covers the majority of expenses that cause financial stress for Medicare beneficiaries - including hospitalization, surgeries, rehab care, and more.

You’ll still have to pay:

• The Part B deductible
  
• Small copays for certain visits
  
• Any Part B excess charges (rare in Texas)
  

But in return, you get real premium savings - often $20–$40/month less than Plan G - while keeping coverage for the care that matters most.

What Plan N Does NOT Cover

While Plan N offers excellent coverage for most medical expenses, it’s important to understand where its limits are - so you’re not caught off guard.

Here’s what you’ll still be responsible for.

Medicare Part B Deductible

You'll need to pay the Part B deductible out of pocket - $257 in 2025.

This is a once-a-year cost before your outpatient coverage kicks in. It’s standard for most Medigap plans, and usually manageable.

Excess Charges

Plan N does not cover Part B excess charges - meaning if a doctor charges more than what Medicare allows, you may owe the difference.

That said, most providers in Texas accept Medicare assignment and don’t bill these extra fees. We help clients check their doctor lists before enrolling.

Prescription Drug Coverage

Like all Medigap plans, Plan N doesn’t include prescription drug coverage.

You’ll need to enroll in a standalone Part D plan if you want coverage for medications you pick up at the pharmacy.

Dental, Vision, and Hearing

Routine services like cleanings, eyeglasses, or hearing aids aren’t covered by Plan N.

If those are important to you, we typically recommend a separate dental/vision/hearing plan that pairs well with your Medigap coverage.

Long-Term or Custodial Care

Plan N doesn’t cover long-term stays in nursing homes, assisted living, or in-home care that’s not medically necessary.

For that, long-term care insurance or personal savings would need to fill the gap.

Summary

‍Plan N does a great job handling the medical essentials - hospital bills, doctor care, and outpatient costs.

But you’ll still want to plan for dental/vision, prescriptions, and long-term care needs separately.

We walk every client through those extras when helping them enroll.

Who Should Consider Plan N?

We often recommend Plan N to clients who are looking for a smart balance between cost and coverage.

It’s a strong choice - but it works best when it matches your lifestyle and health needs.

Here’s who typically benefits most from Plan N:

• Healthy Individuals: If you’re in good health and don’t visit the doctor frequently, Plan N can save you money with its lower monthly premiums. The occasional $20 copay is often a fair trade-off for the long-term savings.
• Budget-Conscious Shoppers: Plan N is usually $20–$40/month less expensive than Plan G. That adds up quickly, especially over several years. If you’re watching your retirement budget or just prefer not to overpay for rarely used coverage, Plan N is worth a close look.
• People Comfortable with Minor Cost-Sharing: Plan N does come with small copays and the possibility of excess charges, but many of our clients are okay with that - especially once they understand how rare excess charges are in Texas.
• Those Who Stick with Medicare-Assigned Doctors: If you’re willing to confirm that your doctors accept Medicare assignment (which most in Texas do), you can avoid excess charges and get the most out of Plan N without surprises.

In a nutshell

Plan N is not for everyone, but if you're relatively healthy, don’t mind occasional copays, and want to save on premiums, it could be an ideal match.

We walk clients through the trade-offs every day - and for many, Plan N ends up being the “just right” option.

Top Medicare Plan N Companies in Texas (2025)

When it comes to choosing a Medicare Supplement Plan N in Texas, not all insurance carriers are created equal.

While Plan N benefits are standardized across companies, the experience you have - from pricing and rate increases to customer support and ease of claims - can vary widely depending on the insurer you choose.

We’ve worked with Medicare beneficiaries across Texas for years, helping them compare Plan N options from every major carrier.

Based on real-world experience with our clients, these are the four companies we recommend most for Plan N coverage in 2025. They stand out not just for competitive premiums, but also for rate stability, service quality, enrollment simplicity, and overall value.

How Much Does Plan N Cost in Texas?

When comparing Medicare Supplement Plan N in Texas, pricing can vary significantly based on location, age, gender, and even the company you choose.

Understanding how these variables affect your premium can help you find the best value without sacrificing coverage.

Location: Where You Live Impacts Your Rate

Texas is a big state - and Plan N premiums vary not just from region to region, but even between ZIP codes in the same city.

Here’s what we typically see when quoting clients:

• Dallas vs. Fort Worth: Rates can differ by $10–$15/month
  
• Houston vs. San Antonio: Price swings of $20/month or more are common
  
• Austin vs. smaller towns like Lubbock or McAllen: Urban areas tend to offer more competitive rates due to higher carrier competition
  

Even inside one ZIP code, factors like underwriting class and gender can shift pricing, so it’s worth running a customized quote.

Typical Monthly Premiums (Plan N in Texas)

For a 65-year-old female, non-smoker, Plan N premiums in 2025 generally range $90–$150/month, depending on ZIP code and provider.

Most top carriers cluster between $125–$140/month.

Humana and Cigna typically offer the most affordable rates; Blue Cross Blue Shield of Texas and UnitedHealthcare may cost more, but offer stronger brand trust, broader networks, and added extras like fitness perks.

Carrier Pricing Differences

Every insurance company uses its own pricing models and discount programs.

Here’s what to look out for:

• Household Discounts: 5%–12% off if you live with another Medicare enrollee
  
• New-to-Medicare Rates: Many carriers offer their lowest premiums to people enrolling within the 6-month Medigap Open Enrollment Period (starts when you enroll in Part B)
  
• Extra Perks: Companies like UnitedHealthcare include wellness extras, while others like Humana offer fitness and telehealth programs - which are sometimes reflected in the premium
  

Age and Rate Increases Over Time

Most Plan N providers in Texas use attained-age pricing, meaning your premium increases as you age.

Here's how that plays out:

Age 65: Best available rates, especially during open enrollment
After 70: Rates rise and may be subject to medical underwriting if applying outside of your guaranteed issue window

Note: Smokers and individuals with health conditions may see even steeper increases.

Why Plan N Often Saves More Than Plan G

Plan N is designed to help you save on monthly premiums - even though it comes with minor copays and doesn’t cover Medicare Part B excess charges.

For healthy individuals, the difference in cost can be substantial:

What Else Affects Plan N Premiums?

These are the key factors that influence your quote:

• ZIP Code: Urban areas tend to have more competitive pricing
  
• Age and Gender: Rates go up with age; women typically pay slightly less than men
  
• Tobacco Use: Expect a 10–20% increase if you use tobacco
  
• Enrollment Timing: Rates are often lowest during your Medigap Open Enrollment window (first 6 months after enrolling in Part B)
  

Summary

If you’re a healthy, budget-conscious Texan looking for solid Medicare coverage with lower premiums, Plan N is worth a serious look.

You’ll get nearly the same protection as Plan G - with just a few minor copays - and could save hundreds of dollars per year.

But because pricing varies so much by location and company, it’s smart to compare quotes from multiple carriers. That’s where we come in - we’ll help you find the plan that fits your needs, ZIP code, and budget best.

Medigap Plan N vs. Medicare Advantage: Key Differences

When deciding between Medigap Plan N and a Medicare Advantage plan (Part C), it’s important to go beyond the surface-level numbers.

We regularly help Texans weigh the trade-offs, so here are some of the major differences that we've seen.

Monthly Premiums

Medicare Advantage often advertises $0 premiums, and in some Texas counties, that’s true. But those plans shift the cost to copays, coinsurance, and network restrictions.

Plan N typically costs between $90–$150/month depending on your age, ZIP code, and company - but it comes with predictable costs and far fewer billing surprises.

What this means in real life: With Plan N, you pay more up front each month, but you’ll avoid the constant “nickel and diming” of doctor visit copays, referral charges, and prior authorizations that often show up in Advantage plans.

Doctor and Hospital Access

With Plan N, you can see any doctor or specialist who accepts Medicare - no referrals, no networks, and no prior authorization delays.

Medicare Advantage plans typically use HMO or PPO networks, meaning you’re restricted to local doctors. You may need referrals to see specialists and pre-approvals for many procedures.

For travelers or snowbirds: Plan N offers nationwide freedom - great if you split time between Texas and another state, or just want flexibility without red tape.

Out-of-Pocket Costs

Plan N: You’ll pay a few small copays (up to $20 for doctor visits and $50 for ER visits if not admitted), plus the Part B deductible ($257 in 2025). That’s it - no hidden fees.

Advantage: You may pay $40–$50 for primary care, $100–$300+ for specialists or hospital stays, and up to $9,350/year in total out-of-pocket costs (2025 limit for in-network services).

What clients tell us: With Advantage plans, it’s often hard to predict what a procedure will cost until after the bill shows up. With Plan N, you know what you’re responsible for ahead of time.

Stability and Future-Proofing

Plan N benefits are standardized by law - they won’t change year to year, and any doctor who accepts Medicare must take your plan.

Advantage plans can change each year - your premiums, provider network, drug formulary, or copays could shift every January.

If you like to “set it and forget it”: Plan N wins here.

Extras and Add-Ons

Advantage plans often include dental, vision, hearing, and sometimes even food or OTC benefits - but services are usually limited in scope and vary by plan.

Plan N doesn’t include these perks by default, but you can add standalone dental/vision plans - often with better provider access and fewer restrictions.

Important: Extras sound great - but in Advantage plans, they’re not always as useful as they look. Clients often realize their “free dental” is just one cleaning per year at a single in-network provider.

Plan N vs. Advantage - Which Is Right for You?

Our Agent Take:

“We’ve seen plenty of clients regret starting with a Medicare Advantage plan - especially after getting hit with unexpected bills or finding out their specialist isn’t in-network anymore.

Plan N might not be ‘free,’ but it’s far more transparent and dependable.

If you want long-term peace of mind and freedom to see any provider who takes Medicare, it’s hard to beat.”

Enrolling in Plan N in Texas

If you’re just turning 65 or retiring, this is your golden window - you can enroll in Plan N with no health questions.

Whether you're aging into Medicare or making a switch, enrolling in Medigap Plan N in Texas can be straightforward - especially if you know when and how to apply. Here's what you need to know:

Your Medigap Open Enrollment Period (OEP) is the best time to apply. This is a 6-month window that starts the month you’re both:

• Enrolled in Medicare Part B
  
• At least 65 years old
  

During this window:

• No medical underwriting is required
  
• Pre-existing conditions won’t affect your eligibility
  
• You can choose any Plan N carrier in your area, no questions asked
  

This is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for most people. After it ends, you may still apply - but you’ll have to go through underwriting.

Outside of Open Enrollment? Here’s What to Expect

If you’re applying after your Open Enrollment Period, you’ll be required to complete medical underwriting with most carriers in Texas.

This means:

• The insurance company will review your health history and current medications
• You may be declined if you have certain chronic or recent conditions
• Premiums may vary depending on your answers

Some companies have more flexible underwriting rules, so working with an agent can make a big difference.

Typical Underwriting Questions You May Be Asked

If you’re applying late, expect questions like:

• Have you been hospitalized in the last 2 years?
  
• Do you have conditions like COPD, cancer, or heart failure?
  
• Are you using a walker or oxygen?
  
• Have you been diagnosed with Alzheimer’s or dementia?
  
• Are you currently awaiting surgery or treatment for a major issue?
  

Each company’s rules vary. Some will accept applicants with stable conditions (like high blood pressure or Type 2 diabetes), while others are stricter.

How to Enroll in Medigap Plan N

You have two primary ways to enroll in Plan N - let's go over both.

#1. Work with a Licensed Independent Agent

This is what we recommend for most people. Why?

• We compare rates across multiple companies in your ZIP code
  
• We guide you through discounts (like household savings)
  
• We know which companies have easier underwriting if you’re applying late
  
• We handle the paperwork so you don’t miss anything
  

#2. Apply Directly Through an Insurance Carrier

This option works if you already know which company you want and are comfortable navigating the process alone.

You’ll apply via the company’s website or call center. Just make sure you’re applying within your OEP to avoid health questions.

Final Thoughts

Plan N is one of our top recommendations for Texans who want excellent Medicare Supplement coverage without overpaying.

It covers nearly all the major gaps that Original Medicare leaves behind - including hospital bills, skilled nursing care, and most outpatient costs - while keeping monthly premiums lower than Plan G.

You’ll pay a few small copays, and it doesn’t cover excess charges, but for the right person - especially those in good health - it’s a smart, budget-conscious alternative that still provides dependable protection.

Whether you're in Dallas, Houston, Austin, or a smaller Texas town, Plan N gives you the peace of mind of nationwide access to Medicare providers without the network hassles of Medicare Advantage, all while keeping costs predictable.