Which is better, Medigap Plan G or Plan N? Plan G and Plan N are the two most popular Medicare Supplement (Medigap) plans for Arkansas seniors. Plan G offers more complete coverage of Medicare-approved cost sharing — after you pay the annual Part B deductible, the plan covers Medicare-approved deductibles, copayments, and coinsurance for covered services. However, you still pay your Medigap premium, the Part B deductible, prescription drug costs (Medigap does not include Part D), and any services Original Medicare does not cover. Plan N has a lower monthly premium but asks you to pay small copays for some office and ER visits and does not cover Part B excess charges. The right choice depends on how often you see doctors and how much premium you want to trade for predictability. Information current as of July 2026. Verify current amounts at Medicare.gov.
This guide breaks down exactly what each plan covers, what they cost in 2026, and how to decide — with the local details Arkansas residents need.
What is a Medicare Supplement (Medigap) plan?
Medigap is private insurance that works alongside Original Medicare to pay the "gaps" — the deductibles, copayments, and coinsurance Medicare leaves you to pay. Medigap plans are standardized by the federal government, so a Plan G from one company covers exactly the same benefits as a Plan G from another; only the price and the company differ. Medigap lets you see any doctor or hospital nationwide that accepts Medicare, with no networks and no referrals.
Plan G: the most comprehensive coverage
With Plan G, after you pay the annual Part B deductible (set by CMS each year; see Medicare.gov), the plan covers Medicare-approved cost sharing for covered services — the Part A hospital deductible, hospital and skilled nursing coinsurance, the 20% Part B coinsurance, and Part B excess charges. However, Plan G does not cover your Medigap premium, the Part B deductible itself, prescription drugs (you need a separate Part D plan), or services Original Medicare does not cover. For most Plan G members, once the Part B deductible is met, additional out-of-pocket cost for Medicare-covered services is minimal. That predictability is why Plan G is a popular pick for many Arkansas seniors.
Plan N: lower premium, small copays
Plan N covers the same major items as Plan G with three differences that lower its premium:
- You pay the annual Part B deductible (set by CMS each year), the same as Plan G.
- You pay a copay of up to $20 for some office visits and up to $50 for emergency room visits (the ER copay is waived if you're admitted).
- Plan N does not cover Part B excess charges — extra amounts (up to 15%) a provider can bill if they don't accept Medicare assignment. Arkansas does permit excess charges, so this is worth knowing, though many providers accept assignment and never charge them. See <a href="https://www.medicare.gov/basics/medicare-supplements/whats-medicare-supplement-insurance-medigap" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Medicare.gov Medigap</a> for details.
For seniors who don't visit the doctor frequently, Plan N's lower monthly premium can more than offset the occasional copay.
Plan G vs. Plan N: side-by-side
| Feature | Plan G | Plan N |
|---|---|---|
| Part A hospital deductible & coinsurance | Covered | Covered |
| Part B coinsurance (20%) | Covered | Covered, minus small copays |
| Office visit copay | $0 | Up to $20 |
| Emergency room copay | $0 | Up to $50 (waived if admitted) |
| Part B deductible (annual, set by CMS) | You pay | You pay |
| Part B excess charges | Covered | Not covered |
| Monthly premium | Higher | Lower |
| See any doctor nationwide (accepts Medicare) | Yes | Yes |
Which plan is right for you?
Choose Plan G if you want the most predictable, near-zero out-of-pocket experience, you see doctors often, or you simply don't want to think about copays and excess charges. Choose Plan N if you're healthy, visit the doctor only occasionally, and want to save on monthly premiums — as long as you're comfortable with small copays and confirming your providers accept Medicare assignment.
Premiums for both plans vary by your age, ZIP code, gender, tobacco use, and the insurance company — the same standardized Plan G can differ by $30–$60 a month between carriers. Standardized benefits mean the coverage is identical by law, but they do not mean identical pricing, underwriting, discounts, customer service, or rate history. Comparing carrier pricing is one of the most effective ways to manage costs, and that is what a local independent agent can help you evaluate.
The most favorable time to buy Medigap in Arkansas
Your Medigap Open Enrollment Period is the six months starting when you're 65 or older and enrolled in Part B. During this window you have guaranteed issue rights — companies must sell you any plan regardless of your health history, and medical underwriting restrictions generally do not apply. Miss it, and outside of special situations you can be medically underwritten and potentially charged more or declined. If you're approaching 65 in Arkansas, this timing is critical.
Compare Arkansas Medigap Plans and Rates
We help you compare Plan G and Plan N pricing across Arkansas carriers to find you a competitive premium for the same standardized coverage — at no cost to you and with no obligation. We do not compare every carrier. If you are currently on a Medicare Advantage plan and considering switching, see our guide on switching from Medicare Advantage to Medigap. Call (501) 459-6953 or get your no-cost Medigap quote. Learn more on our Medicare Supplement plans page.
"We do not offer every plan available in your area. Please contact Medicare.gov, 1-800-MEDICARE, or your State Health Insurance Program for all available options. Not affiliated with or endorsed by any government agency."
