Plan G and Plan N are the two most commonly recommended Medicare Supplement plans for new enrollees today. Plan G covers nearly everything after the 2026 Part B deductible ($283/year) with no copays. Plan N covers the same core benefits but includes small copays of up to $20 for office visits and up to $50 for emergency room visits. The trade-off: Plan N typically costs $30-$100 less per month than Plan G. For healthy enrollees with low medical usage, Plan N often provides better overall value.

Original Medicare (Parts A and B) plus a Supplement plan gives you predictable costs, the widest provider access nationwide, and no network restrictions. Medicare Advantage (Part C) replaces Original Medicare and often has lower or no monthly premiums but typically uses provider networks, requires referrals for specialists, and can have higher out-of-pocket costs if you need significant care. Neither is universally better — the right choice depends on your health, budget, doctors, and medications.

When you turn 65 and enroll in Medicare Part B, you have a 6-month Medigap Open Enrollment window. During this window, insurance companies cannot deny you a Supplement plan or charge you more based on your health history. After this window closes, health underwriting applies in most states and you may be declined or charged higher premiums based on pre-existing conditions. This is why timing your Medigap enrollment correctly is so important.