Plan G and Plan N side by side
| Benefit | Plan G | Plan N |
|---|---|---|
| Part A deductible and hospital coinsurance | Yes | Yes |
| Part B coinsurance | Yes | Yes, except copays |
| Office visit copay | None | Up to $20 for some visits |
| ER copay (no admission) | None | Up to $50 |
| Part B deductible | No | No |
| Part B excess charges | Yes | No |
| Skilled nursing coinsurance | Yes | Yes |
| Foreign travel emergency | 80% | 80% |
With either plan, you pay the Part B deductible yourself ($283 in 2026) before the plan picks up the Part B coinsurance. Benefits for each letter are set by federal law and are the same at every company.
Why excess charges matter less in Ohio
Doctors who don't accept Medicare's approved amount as full payment can, under federal rules, bill up to 15% more. Those are Part B excess charges. Ohio's balance-billing law, ORC 4769.02, says no Ohio health care practitioner, or person employing one, may balance bill a Medicare beneficiary for any supplies or service. The law defines balance billing as charging more than the Medicare reimbursement rate for Medicare-covered services. Complaints go to the Ohio Department of Health (ORC 4769.03).
That makes Plan G's excess-charge coverage less important for care you get in Ohio. It still matters if you get care in states that allow excess charges, for example while wintering elsewhere.
How to choose
- Count your visits. Frequent office or ER visits add up under Plan N's copays.
- Think about where you get care. Mostly in Ohio, excess charges should be rare. Spending months in another state? Check that state's rules.
- Compare the yearly cost. Add the premium difference to the copays you expect.
- Decide at 65 if you can. Ohio has no birthday rule, so switching later may mean health questions.
Also consider high-deductible Plan G, with the same benefits as Plan G after a yearly deductible; see Medigap in Ohio. To compare Plan G and Plan N quotes from the companies they work with, you can request a call from a licensed insurance agent.
Related questions
Is Plan F still available in Ohio?
Who can still buy it.
Are Medigap rates based on age in Ohio?
How companies set prices.
Can I switch Medigap plans in Ohio?
Changing letters later.
Sources
- Medicare.gov — Compare Medigap plan benefits
- CMS — Choosing a Medigap Policy
- Ohio Revised Code 4769.01, Balance billing definitions
- Ohio Revised Code 4769.02, Balance billing for supplies and services
- Ohio Revised Code 4769.03, Disciplinary actions
More questions in this guide
- Are Medigap rates in Ohio based on age?
- Can I get Medigap under 65 in Ohio?
- Can I get Medigap with pre-existing conditions in Ohio?
- Can I switch Medigap plans in Ohio?
- Does Ohio have a Medigap birthday rule?
- Is Medigap Plan F still available in Ohio?
- What happens to my Medigap if I move out of Ohio?
- When can I buy Medigap in Ohio?
Part of the guide: Medigap (Medicare Supplement) in Ohio · All questions
Frequently asked questions
Do Ohio doctors charge Part B excess charges?
Ohio law (ORC 4769.02) bars Ohio-licensed health care practitioners from billing people with Medicare more than the Medicare-approved amount for covered services and supplies. So excess charges, which Plan G pays and Plan N doesn't, generally shouldn't come up with Ohio providers. They can apply in states without a similar law.
Is Plan N always cheaper than Plan G?
Plan N premiums are often lower because you share more costs, but prices vary by company, age, area and rating method. Compare actual quotes for both letters from the same companies.
Can I switch from Plan G to Plan N later?
You can apply any time, but Ohio has no birthday rule, so outside open enrollment and guaranteed-issue situations the company can ask health questions.
Medicare in your Ohio county
Plans, local agents and help, county by county: Franklin · Cuyahoga · Hamilton · Summit · Montgomery · Lucas · Butler · Stark · Lorain · Warren · Delaware · Lake · Mahoning · Clermont · Trumbull · Licking · Medina · Greene · Fairfield · Portage · All 88 counties →
