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 the most complete coverage — you pay only the annual Part B deductible and nothing else for Medicare-covered services. Plan N has a lower monthly premium but asks you to pay small copays for some office and ER visits and doesn't cover Part B excess charges. The best choice depends on how often you see doctors and how much premium you want to trade for predictability.
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 ($283 in 2026), the plan covers virtually everything else Original Medicare doesn't — the Part A hospital deductible ($1,736 per benefit period in 2026), all the hospital and skilled nursing coinsurance, the 20% Part B coinsurance, and Part B excess charges. In practice, once your deductible is met, most Plan G members have close to zero additional out-of-pocket cost for Medicare-covered services. That predictability is why Plan G is the top 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 ($283 in 2026), 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.
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 ($283 in 2026) | 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. Because the benefits are identical by law, comparing carrier pricing is the single best way to save money, and that's exactly what a local independent agent does for you.
The best 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 at the best rate regardless of your health history. 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 compare Plan G and Plan N pricing across Arkansas carriers to find you the same coverage for the lowest premium — free and no obligation. Call (501) 459-6953 or get your free Medigap quote.
"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."
