Learn more about Medicare Supplement plans for seniors, including Plan G, Plan N, Plan K, Plan L, and Plan M. This informational guide explains how Medigap plans work, what benefits they cover, important eligibility considerations, and factors seniors can review when comparing standardized Medicare Supplement coverage options.
Medicare Supplement Insurance, also called Medigap, can help people with Original Medicare manage certain out of pocket healthcare expenses. There are several standardized Medigap plan types, and each lettered plan provides a defined set of benefits. Rather than identifying one universally best option, seniors can compare plans according to coverage, eligibility, cost, and personal healthcare needs. Plan G, Plan N, Plan K, Plan L, and Plan M are among the available standardized options in most states. This guide explains their general features, how the plans differ, and what seniors should consider when reviewing Medicare Supplement Insurance information before discussing choices with a qualified Medicare professional.
Medicare Supplement Insurance is additional coverage available from private insurance companies to help pay certain costs that Original Medicare does not fully cover. In most states, Medigap plans are standardized and identified by letters. Plans carrying the same letter generally provide the same basic benefits regardless of which company sells the policy.
Important points about Medigap include:
Plan G is one of the standardized Medigap options available in most states. It covers many Medicare approved cost sharing amounts, including Part A coinsurance and the Part A deductible, while also covering Part B coinsurance and certain Part B excess charges. It does not cover the Medicare Part B deductible.
When researching Plan G, consider:
Plan G can therefore be useful to understand when comparing broader Medigap coverage, but individual circumstances and premiums should also be reviewed.
Plan N covers many of the same basic benefits as several other comprehensive Medigap plans. It covers Part A coinsurance and the Part A deductible, as well as Part B coinsurance. However, beneficiaries may have copayments of up to $20 for certain office visits and up to $50 for certain emergency room visits that do not result in inpatient admission.
Factors to review include:
Plans K, L, and M provide different combinations of cost sharing. Plans K and L pay a percentage of certain covered expenses rather than covering all of those expenses immediately. In 2026, Plan K has an $8,000 out of pocket limit and Plan L has a $4,000 limit. After applicable requirements are met, these plans cover 100% of covered services for the remainder of the calendar year.
Plan M has a different cost sharing structure and covers 100% of Part B coinsurance, while covering 50% of the Part A deductible. It also provides 80% foreign travel emergency coverage within applicable limits.
When comparing these plans, review:
There is no single Medigap plan that is automatically suitable for every senior. Plan availability, eligibility, premiums, healthcare needs, and enrollment circumstances can all affect the comparison. Medicare recommends comparing standardized benefits and available policies in your state.
Before reviewing plans, consider: