Medigap Plan G vs Plan N in New Jersey (2026): Which Is Better?
By Anthony Orner, Licensed Medicare Insurance Broker — NJ & 34 states
Last reviewed: August 3, 2026 · Sources: CMS.gov, NJ DOBI, CSG Actuarial filed rates
What's Different for NJ Plan G vs Plan N in 2026
• Part B deductible is $283 (neither plan covers it — you pay it out of pocket)
• Part A hospital deductible is $1,736 per benefit period (both plans cover it)
• Most NJ carriers use attained-age rating — your premium typically rises as you age, so check the carrier's rating method
• Plan N copays up to $20 per doctor visit, $50 per ER visit still apply
The short answer
Plan G is the better choice for most NJ residents. The $20–$40/month premium savings from Plan N rarely offset the copays and coverage gaps once you factor in real-world doctor and ER visits over a typical year.
Side-by-Side Coverage Comparison
Coverage Item
Plan G
Plan N
Part A hospital coinsurance + 365 extra days
✅ Covered
✅ Covered
Part B coinsurance / copayment
✅ Covered
✅ Covered (with copays)
Part A hospice coinsurance
✅ Covered
✅ Covered
Part A deductible ($1,736 in 2026)
✅ Covered
✅ Covered
Part B deductible ($283 in 2026)
❌ Not covered
❌ Not covered
Part B excess charges
✅ Covered
❌ Not covered
Foreign travel emergency (80%)
✅ Covered
✅ Covered
Doctor visit copay
None
Up to $20
ER visit copay (not admitted)
None
Up to $50
The Math: When Does Plan N Actually Save You Money?
Plan N saves you $20–$40/month in premiums — about $240–$480/year. To break even, you would need to have fewer than 12–24 doctor visits per year with no excess charges and no ER visits. For most Medicare beneficiaries who see doctors regularly, Plan G wins on total cost.
The scenario where Plan N clearly wins: you are 65–70, in excellent health, see your primary care doctor twice a year, and rarely visit specialists. In that case, the premium savings accumulate without being offset by copays.
What Plan G and Plan N Actually Cost in New Jersey (2026 Filed Rates)
Based on CSG Actuarial filed-rate data (July 2026, age 65, ZIP 08002 Cherry Hill, no household discount), New Jersey Plan G premiums run from $147.88 to $260.98/month across 18 carriers — a $113/month spread for federally identical benefits. Plan N runs $106.57 to $208.53/month across 19 carriers. The carrier you pick matters more than the plan letter.
How NJ Carriers Price Medigap: Why the Rating Method Changes the Calculation
New Jersey does not mandate a single pricing method — each carrier chooses its own. Most NJ Medigap carriers use attained-age rating, meaning your premium rises as you get older on top of general rate increases. A minority (notably AARP/UnitedHealthcare) are community-rated, charging the same premium regardless of age. That means the cheapest Plan G or Plan N at 65 is not always the cheapest at 75 — compare each carrier's rating method and rate-increase history, not just today's premium gap.
However, keep in mind that switching from Plan N to Plan G after your 6-month Medigap Open Enrollment Period may require medical underwriting. If your health changes later, switching could be more difficult. Consider your long-term healthcare needs when choosing between Plan G and Plan N at 65.
Not sure which plan fits your situation?
We compare Plan G and Plan N rates from every carrier in your NJ zip code — free.
For most New Jersey residents, Plan G is the better choice because it eliminates virtually all out-of-pocket costs after the Part B deductible ($283 in 2026). Plan N makes sense if you are in excellent health, rarely visit specialists, and want to save $20–$40/month on premiums — but you must be comfortable with copays up to $20 per office visit and $50 per ER visit.
In New Jersey, Plan N typically costs $20–$40 less per month than Plan G for the same age and carrier. For a 65-year-old, Plan G averages $150–$220/month while Plan N averages $120–$185/month depending on your insurer. Note that most NJ carriers use attained-age rating, so both premiums typically rise as you get older — check each carrier's rating method and rate-increase history before choosing.
Plan N does not cover Part B excess charges (when doctors charge above Medicare rates), which Plan G does cover, and it adds copays: up to $20 per doctor visit and up to $50 per emergency room visit if you are not admitted — Plan G has no copays. Note that neither plan covers the Medicare Part B deductible ($283 in 2026); you pay that out of pocket with both.
Part B excess charges occur when a doctor does not accept Medicare assignment and charges up to 15% above the Medicare-approved rate. In New Jersey, most doctors accept Medicare assignment, so excess charges are uncommon — but not impossible. If you see out-of-state specialists frequently, Plan G's excess charge coverage has more value.
You can apply to switch from Plan N to Plan G at any time, but outside of your 6-month Medigap Open Enrollment Period, insurers may use medical underwriting. If you are in good health, switching is usually straightforward. If you have significant health conditions, it may be more difficult. That is why choosing the right plan during your initial enrollment window matters.
No — New Jersey does not mandate community rating. Most NJ Medigap carriers use attained-age rating, meaning both Plan G and Plan N premiums typically rise as you get older, on top of general rate increases. A minority of carriers (notably AARP/UnitedHealthcare) are community-rated. When comparing Plan G vs Plan N, look at each carrier's rating method and rate-increase history, not just the age-65 premium gap.
Your best window is the 6-month Medigap Open Enrollment Period that begins the month you turn 65 and are enrolled in Medicare Part B. During this period, insurers in New Jersey must sell you any Medigap plan they offer without health questions. Outside that window, applications may be subject to medical underwriting.
Yes. Both Plan G and Plan N fully cover the Medicare Part A hospital deductible, which is $1,736 per benefit period in 2026. They also both cover Part A coinsurance and an additional 365 days of hospital care after Medicare benefits are exhausted.
Yes. Both Plan G and Plan N let you see any provider nationwide who accepts Original Medicare — there are no networks or referrals required. This is one of the biggest advantages of Medigap compared to Medicare Advantage plans in New Jersey.
Yes. Both Plan G and Plan N include foreign travel emergency coverage up to plan limits after a $250 deductible, covering 80% of billed charges for emergency care during the first 60 days of a trip abroad. Lifetime maximum is $50,000 on both plans.