Medigap: most complete vs. lower monthly cost

If you choose the any-doctor plan (Original Medicare + Medigap + drug plan), two popular options are Most complete (Plan G) and Lower monthly cost (Plan N). Both help pay most of the bills left after the amount you pay first each year for Part B (doctor coverage). That yearly amount is called the Part B deductible. The choice is whether to pay more each month or a little more as you get care.

You pay the yearly amount for Part B (doctor coverage) yourself. After that, this plan pays nearly all the remaining costs for services Medicare covers. These include hospital care, doctor visits and lab work. For the rest of the year, most people pay almost nothing extra for Medicare-covered care.

This option usually costs less each month than Most complete (Plan G). In exchange, you pay a small fee per visit at some doctor and emergency room visits. It does not cover extra fees some doctors charge (Part B excess charges). These can apply when a doctor does not accept Medicare's standard payment as full payment.

Most complete (Plan G) may suit you if you want predictable bills and accept a higher monthly cost. Lower monthly cost (Plan N) may suit you if you accept small visit fees in exchange for paying less each month. Federal rules set the standard coverage for each plan letter. The coverage is the same across insurance companies; prices differ. Some states use different standard plans.