Medicare Supplement Plan G vs. Plan N in Florida: Which Is Better?

If you're trying to choose between Medicare Supplement Plan G and Plan N in Florida, you're in good company - these are by far the two most popular Medigap plans for new enrollees today.

They both offer excellent coverage, but the differences in cost-sharing, premiums, and long-term value can really affect which one is the better fit for your situation.

Plan G and Plan N are the top two Medigap choices for new enrollees. Over 58.8% of people turning 65 in 2020 chose Plan G, while 32.8% opted for Plan N.

As of 2025, Medicare Supplement Plan G has over 5.3 million policyholders nationwide.

Both plans offer standardized core benefits under Medicare rules, including full coverage for hospital and outpatient coinsurance, skilled nursing, foreign travel emergency, and more - but there are important differences in premium costs, out-of-pocket rules, and annual increases.

Over the following sections, we’ll break down how these two popular plans compare - from monthly costs and copays to flexibility and long-term value - so you can decide which one fits your lifestyle, health needs, and budget.

What Is Medicare Plan G and How Does It Work?

Let’s talk about the plan that’s become the go-to choice for people who want to keep things simple when it comes to Medicare.

Medigap Plan G has earned its reputation as the gold standard for a reason. It offers the highest level of protection available to anyone new to Medicare, and it does so without the fuss, stress, or guesswork that can come with other coverage options.

In fact, over half of all new Medigap enrollees nationwide choose Plan G. Why?

Because it does what good insurance is supposed to do: it steps in and covers your out-of-pocket Medicare costs - so you’re not stuck wondering what kind of bill might show up in the mail.

What Does Plan G Cover?

Once you’ve met your annual Part B deductible (about $257 in 2025), Plan G takes over and pays the rest of your Medicare-approved expenses in full.

That includes:

• The Part A hospital deductible (which is over $1,600 in 2025)
• All Part B coinsurance and copays
• Skilled nursing facility care coinsurance
• Foreign travel emergency care
• Even those tricky Part B excess charges, which only apply when a provider bills above Medicare’s approved amount

So yes - you’re pretty much covered from every angle.

Nationwide Access, No Surprises

One of the biggest things people love about Plan G? There are no networks.

You can visit any doctor or hospital in the country that accepts Medicare. No referral games. No worrying if your favorite provider is “in” or “out.” It’s all on your terms.

And unlike Medicare Advantage plans, your coverage doesn’t change every year.

With Plan G, what you sign up for is what you keep - no plan reshuffling or benefit surprises come January.

Why More People Are Choosing Plan G Over Medicare Advantage

Let’s be honest - Medicare Advantage can look appealing on the surface, especially with all the advertising.

But once you dig in, many people find it full of red tape and fine print:

• Prior authorizations for care
• Limited provider networks
• Denied claims or required referrals
• Plans that change every year
• Unexpected costs during serious illness

If you’ve heard a friend or neighbor complain about their Medicare Advantage plan lately, you’re not alone.

In states like Florida, we’ve seen real issues creep up - hospital networks dropping out, insurers leaving counties, and CMS cutting payments to plans.

Plan G, on the other hand, doesn’t play by those rules. It’s private insurance that supplements Medicare, not replaces it. That means you stay in control, your coverage is stable, and you’re not dealing with corporate cost-cutting.

Bottom Line: If You Want to “Set It and Forget It,” Plan G Is It

Plan G is a favorite for a reason. You get predictable costs, freedom to see who you want, and peace of mind knowing your coverage won’t change out from under you.

It’s especially appealing for people who:

• Want fewer surprises at the doctor’s office
• Like to travel or split time between two homes
• Don’t want to worry about network rules or referrals
• Value long-term financial stability in retirement

If you’re the type who just wants your health insurance to work - and not be a full-time job to manage - Plan G is a smart, solid choice.

What Is Medicare Plan N and How Does It Work?

Let’s talk about Plan N - the underdog of the Medicare Supplement world that’s quickly building a loyal fanbase.

If you’ve been researching Medigap options, you’ve probably heard a lot about Plan G (and rightfully so). But Plan N deserves a serious look, especially if you’re trying to strike a balance between monthly cost and dependable coverage.

It’s like Plan G’s younger, thriftier sibling - same values, just a little more cost-sharing.

What Exactly Does Plan N Cover?

Plan N is almost identical to Plan G in terms of what it covers - hospital stays, surgeries, skilled nursing, and nearly everything else Medicare approves.

The key difference? Plan N introduces a few manageable out-of-pocket costs to help bring down your monthly premium.

Here’s how it works:

• You still pay the Part B deductible ($257 in 2025), just like with Plan G.
• You’ll have a copay of up to $20 when you visit the doctor.
• You might pay up to $50 if you go to the emergency room - but that’s waived if you’re admitted.
• You don’t get coverage for Part B excess charges (we’ll explain this below - spoiler: they’re pretty rare).

And that’s it. Everything else works the same as Plan G. Once you meet that small deductible and budget for the occasional copay, you’re looking at one of the most cost-effective ways to lock in reliable coverage that works nationwide.

What About the Copays? Are They a Big Deal?

Honestly? Not really. Most people on Plan N rarely even hit the $20 copay threshold for doctor visits, and ER trips are generally few and far between.

Plus, that $50 ER copay disappears entirely if you end up being admitted to the hospital.

So unless you’re going to the doctor every week, those copays likely won’t outweigh the money you save on your monthly premium.

Let’s put it this way: if you save $30/month by choosing Plan N over Plan G, that’s $360/year in your pocket. That easily offsets a handful of copays - and for many people, it’s real savings.

What’s the Deal with “Excess Charges”?

Plan N doesn’t cover what’s called “Part B excess charges.” These happen if your doctor doesn’t accept Medicare’s standard payment rate and charges up to 15% more.

But here’s the thing: very few doctors actually do this.

In fact, most providers in Florida and across the country accept Medicare assignment (meaning they agree to Medicare’s payment terms).

So unless you’re seeing niche specialists who don’t participate - and even then, it’s rare - excess charges probably won’t affect you.

Still unsure? Just ask your provider ahead of time. A quick question now saves you any surprises later.

Why So Many People Are Choosing Plan N

Plan N is becoming more popular year after year - especially among those turning 65 and healthy retirees looking to avoid the limitations of Medicare Advantage without paying top dollar for Plan G.

Here’s why folks like it:

• Lower premiums (sometimes $20–$40/month less than Plan G)
• Rate stability (shared cost structure = fewer premium hikes)
• No networks (see any doctor or hospital in the U.S. that takes Medicare)
• No prior authorizations, no referrals
• No annual plan changes like you see with Advantage plans

It’s a “set it and forget it” approach that makes retirement healthcare a little less stressful.

Who Does Best with Plan N?

We usually recommend Plan N to people who:

• Want to save money on premiums, but still have great coverage
• Don’t go to the doctor a ton
• Are comfortable paying a few small copays
• Prefer to avoid the headaches of Medicare Advantage (networks, authorizations, etc.)
• Like the idea of lower long-term rate increases

It’s especially popular with younger retirees (65–70) who are generally healthy and want to plan ahead.

Plan N is also a great fit for those coming off employer coverage and want to stick with something familiar and nationwide.

Which Is More Popular: Plan G or Plan N?

If you’ve spent any time comparing Medigap plans, you’ve probably noticed that Plan G gets the most attention.

It’s the most comprehensive option available to people new to Medicare, and it offers the kind of peace-of-mind coverage that appeals to a lot of retirees.

In fact, Plan G is currently the most popular Medigap plan in the country, especially among people who became eligible for Medicare after 2020 (when Plan F stopped being available to new enrollees).

Recent reports suggest that more than 50% of all new Medigap enrollees choose Plan G, making it the go-to plan for folks who want simplicity, stability, and full coverage (minus the Part B deductible).

That said, Plan N is definitely catching up.

Why? Because it’s a smart, lower-cost alternative - especially appealing to younger retirees, healthy individuals, and anyone looking for a balance between solid coverage and lower monthly premiums.

The trade-off is minor: a few small copays and no coverage for excess charges (which are rare). But the monthly savings can really add up.

We’re seeing more people in their 60s and early 70s go with Plan N because:

• It offers nationwide coverage just like Plan G
• It typically has lower rate increases year over year
• It provides most of the same benefits at a more affordable price point

So while Plan G is still the heavyweight champ in terms of total enrollment, Plan N is quietly growing its fanbase - and for many, it’s the smarter financial choice without giving up the core perks that make Medigap so attractive.

What Do Plan G and Plan N Cost Each Month?

Let’s talk numbers. When it comes to Medigap, the big question everyone wants answered is: How much will it cost me each month?

Below is a snapshot of typical monthly premiums for a Florida-based, 65+ non-smoking female. These are based on current 2025 rates from Florida Blue, one of the state’s most established and trusted Medigap providers.

Monthly Premium Estimates (Florida Female, Non-Smoker)

Why these numbers matter:

• Plan G gives you full coverage (except the Part B deductible) and the comfort of knowing you won’t be surprised by unexpected bills. But that security comes with a higher monthly premium.
• Plan N trims that premium down a bit - saving you $20–$40 a month on average. In return, you’ll pay modest copays for doctor visits and ER trips, and there’s no coverage for Part B excess charges (though many people never encounter them).

Also worth noting:

• Men usually pay slightly more than women.
• Tobacco users pay more than non-smokers.
• Rates vary by ZIP code, so these figures are ballpark estimates.

Florida Blue is a standout carrier here. With more than 50 years in the Medicare space, they offer dependable pricing, stable rate increases, and local customer service that understands the Florida healthcare landscape.

The bottom line: Get quotes based on your personal situation. What looks best on paper may not be the most cost-effective choice in your ZIP code - and that’s exactly where we can help.

Our Top Picks for Plan G and Plan N in Florida

Now that you’ve got a sense of what these plans cost, let’s talk about who we trust most to actually deliver them.

Because while Plan G is Plan G no matter where you buy it - the quality of your experience, customer support, and rate stability can vary a lot depending on the company you choose.

Florida Blue: The Florida Favorite

When it comes to Medigap in Florida, Florida Blue stands out as the gold standard. Why? They’ve been serving Floridians for over 50 years, and they know this market better than anyone else. You’ll find that Florida Blue consistently ranks high for:

• Customer service: Local support, with agents who understand Florida-specific issues.
• Rate stability: Their annual premium increases are moderate and predictable.
• Plan availability: Strong offerings on both Plan G and Plan N, with excellent provider access statewide.
• Reputation: They’re a trusted household name—and they’re not going anywhere.

For those who want confidence that their plan is built to last, Florida Blue is tough to beat.

Honorable Mentions

While Florida Blue is our go-to recommendation, there are a couple of other carriers worth mentioning:

• Mutual of Omaha – Strong contender, especially for High Deductible Plan G. Their Plan N also competes well in certain parts of the state. They’re known for great underwriting and solid member satisfaction.
• Aetna – Often competitively priced, with generous household discounts. Good for budget-conscious shoppers looking for a reputable national name.
• UnitedHealthcare – Backed by brand recognition and broad provider access, but may not always offer the lowest premium in Florida.

The takeaway? You’ve got options—but Florida Blue continues to lead the way when it comes to value, trust, and member satisfaction.

If you’re wondering which plan works best for your budget and lifestyle, the next step is easy: Let us help you compare quotes and benefits side by side. We'll take the guesswork out of it.

What About Rate Increases for Plan G vs. Plan N?

Let’s be honest: one of the most frustrating things about health insurance is watching your premium creep up year after year.

And while Medigap is generally more stable than Medicare Advantage in terms of pricing, you’ll still want to keep an eye on how your plan’s rates change over time.

Historically, Plan G has had slightly higher annual rate increases than other Medigap plans. Why? Simply put, it covers more - and people who choose Plan G often use more healthcare services.

That adds to the insurer's claims risk, which can nudge the premiums up a bit faster year over year.

But here's the good news: these increases are usually still moderate - especially if you’re with a carrier known for rate stability (like Florida Blue or Mutual of Omaha). Most Plan G policyholders find the predictability and comprehensive coverage well worth the cost.

Plan N tends to attract a slightly younger and healthier crowd - people willing to trade a few copays for a lower monthly premium. Because of this, many carriers see fewer large claims on Plan N, which helps keep rate increases a little more subdued.

While this isn’t a hard-and-fast rule across every carrier and state, we’ve generally seen Plan N hold its pricing slightly better over time - especially in Florida, Texas, and the Midwest.

Bottom Line: In the past, Plan N had a clear edge in rate stability. But today, that gap is closing. Many carriers now treat both plans similarly in their pricing strategy. Still, if you're planning for the long haul and want to avoid big rate hikes in your 70s and 80s, Plan N might be the safer bet.

Which Medicare Plan Is the Best Option?

Let’s break it down side by side to make the decision easier:

Decision-Making Tips:

• Want no surprises and full coverage? Go with Plan G.
• Want to save more each month and don’t mind occasional copays? Plan N is a great pick.
• Trying to escape the chaos of Advantage plan changes? Either plan will give you the stability you're looking for.

Real-Life Example: How Plan G vs. Plan N Might Feel in Action

Let’s say we’ve got two retirees in Florida - Tom and Linda.

Tom chooses Plan G. He wants zero headaches and is okay paying a little more per month for that peace of mind. A few months into retirement, he ends up needing a knee replacement.

With Plan G, he doesn’t think twice - no network issues, no prior authorization games. He schedules surgery, recovers at a skilled nursing facility, and doesn’t see a single surprise bill.

For Tom, the extra monthly premium was worth the total ease and predictability.

Linda, on the other hand, goes with Plan N. She’s in great health, loves staying active, and figures she can handle a few copays in exchange for a lower monthly premium.

She sees her primary doctor once or twice a year and maybe pops into urgent care when traveling.

Those $20 visits? Totally manageable - and the premium savings add up. Plan N fits her lifestyle perfectly and gives her the flexibility to see specialists without referrals when needed.

In a nutshell: Both Tom and Linda made the right choice - because they picked based on their needs, health, and budget. And that’s really what it’s about: matching the plan to the person.

Final Thoughts

At the end of the day, you really can’t go wrong with either Plan G or Plan N. Both offer the kind of freedom, consistency, and peace of mind that Medicare Advantage plans just don’t match - especially in Florida.

Here’s the reality: Florida has one of the highest Medicare Advantage enrollment rates in the country, but with that comes more volatility. Between shifting provider networks, new prior authorization rules, and shrinking plan options due to lower government reimbursements, many people are finding out the hard way that “free” Advantage plans aren’t always free of frustration.

That’s why Medigap continues to shine. Plans like G and N don’t change year to year. You don’t need to worry about networks. And there are no hidden hoops to jump through to get care.

You keep your freedom - and you can travel, split time between states, or see top specialists without asking permission first.

If you want total coverage and no guesswork, go with Plan G. If you’re okay with a few minor copays and want to save on premiums, Plan N is a smart way to keep costs down while still avoiding the headaches of Advantage.

And when it comes to carriers, Florida Blue might not always be the cheapest - but they’ve been here for decades. While others have come and gone (looking at you, Allstate and ACE), Florida Blue has remained a reliable name for Florida retirees who value consistency over chaos.

Whatever you choose, the most important thing is that it fits your lifestyle - and that you feel confident and cared for.

And if you're not sure what works best in your ZIP code, that’s where we come in. Let’s figure it out together.

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