Medicare Supplement Plan G vs. Plan N in Texas 2026: Which Is Better?
Medicare Supplement Plan G vs. Plan N in Texas 2026: Which Is Better?
If you're enrolled in Original Medicare (Parts A and B) and want to fill the coverage gaps — deductibles, coinsurance, and copays — a Medicare Supplement plan (Medigap) is your best option. In 2026, the two most popular Medigap plans in Texas are Plan G and Plan N.
Both plans cover most of the same gaps, but they differ in cost and a few key coverage details. Here's everything South Texas seniors need to know to choose the right plan.
What Is Medicare Supplement Insurance?
Medicare Supplement insurance (also called Medigap) works alongside Original Medicare to pay costs that Medicare doesn't cover — including the Part A hospital deductible ($1,676 in 2026), Part B coinsurance (20% of all outpatient costs), and skilled nursing facility coinsurance.
Unlike Medicare Advantage, Medigap plans:
- Allow you to see any doctor or specialist who accepts Medicare — nationwide, no network restrictions
- Have no referral requirements
- Are standardized — Plan G from UHC covers the same benefits as Plan G from Humana or BCBSTX
- Require a separate Part D drug plan (Medigap doesn't cover prescriptions)
Medicare Supplement Plan G — Full Coverage
Plan G is the most comprehensive Medigap plan available to new Medicare enrollees in 2026 (Plan F was discontinued for new enrollees in 2020).
What Plan G Covers:
- ✅ Part A hospital coinsurance and hospital costs (up to 365 days after Medicare benefits)
- ✅ Part A hospice care coinsurance or copayment
- ✅ Part A deductible ($1,676 in 2026)
- ✅ Part B coinsurance or copayment (20% of all outpatient costs)
- ✅ Part B excess charges (if a doctor charges above Medicare-approved amounts)
- ✅ Skilled nursing facility care coinsurance
- ✅ Foreign travel emergency (80% up to plan limits)
- ❌ Part B deductible ($257 in 2026) — you pay this once per year
Plan G Bottom Line: After paying your $257 Part B deductible once per year, you have $0 out-of-pocket for all Medicare-covered services. This is the closest thing to 100% coverage available in 2026.
Medicare Supplement Plan N — Lower Premium, Some Copays
Plan N offers similar coverage to Plan G but with lower monthly premiums in exchange for some cost-sharing:
What Plan N Covers:
- ✅ Part A hospital coinsurance and hospital costs (up to 365 days)
- ✅ Part A hospice care coinsurance or copayment
- ✅ Part A deductible ($1,676 in 2026)
- ✅ Part B coinsurance (except copays below)
- ✅ Skilled nursing facility care coinsurance
- ✅ Foreign travel emergency (80% up to plan limits)
- ❌ Part B deductible ($257 in 2026) — you pay this
- ❌ Up to $20 copay for office visits
- ❌ Up to $50 copay for emergency room visits (waived if admitted)
- ❌ Part B excess charges — NOT covered (you pay the difference if a doctor charges above Medicare rates)
Plan G vs. Plan N: Cost Comparison in South Texas 2026
| Factor | Plan G | Plan N |
|---|---|---|
| Monthly Premium (est.) | $120–$180/month | $90–$140/month |
| Part B Deductible | You pay $257/year | You pay $257/year |
| Office Visit Copay | $0 | Up to $20 |
| ER Copay | $0 | Up to $50 |
| Part B Excess Charges | Covered | NOT covered |
| Annual Out-of-Pocket Risk | Very low | Moderate |
| Best For | Frequent healthcare users | Healthy, infrequent users |
Premium estimates for a 65-year-old non-tobacco user in Corpus Christi, TX. Actual premiums vary by carrier and zip code.
Which Plan Is Right for You?
Choose Plan G if:
- You see doctors frequently (multiple specialist visits per year)
- You want maximum predictability — pay your premium and nothing else
- You have chronic conditions like diabetes, heart disease, or COPD
- You want to avoid the risk of Part B excess charges
- Peace of mind is worth a higher monthly premium
Choose Plan N if:
- You're generally healthy and see doctors infrequently
- You want to save $30–$50/month on premiums
- You're comfortable with small copays at office and ER visits
- You verify that your doctors accept Medicare assignment (no excess charges)
High-Deductible Plan G — A Third Option
For very healthy seniors who want catastrophic protection at the lowest possible premium, High-Deductible Plan G offers the same coverage as Plan G but with a $2,870 annual deductible (2026). Once you meet the deductible, Plan G covers everything. Monthly premiums can be as low as $40–$60/month.
Top Carriers for Medigap in Texas 2026
UnitedHealthcare AARP — Most widely available, community-rated pricing (premiums don't increase solely due to age), household discount available.
Humana — Competitive attained-age pricing, strong customer service, available in most Texas counties.
BCBSTX — Texas's largest insurer, strong local brand recognition, competitive pricing in South Texas.
Get a Free Medigap Quote in South Texas
Medicare Supplement premiums for the same plan vary significantly by carrier — sometimes by $50–$100/month for identical coverage. The only way to find the best rate is to compare all carriers available in your zip code.
Jay Gutierrez at Texas Health Insurance Group provides free, no-obligation Medigap comparisons for residents of Corpus Christi, Laredo, McAllen, Harlingen, Brownsville, Victoria, Alice, Kingsville, Rockport, Portland, San Antonio, and all of South Texas.
Call (361) 267-5977 for your free Plan G vs. Plan N comparison.
Sources: Medicare.gov 2026 Medicare & You Handbook; CMS 2026 Medigap Standardized Benefits Chart; UHC, Humana, BCBSTX 2026 Medigap rate filings.
Jay Gutierrez is a licensed insurance agent at Texas Health Insurance Group in Corpus Christi, TX. He helps South Texas families and businesses find the right health, dental, vision, life, and Medicare coverage.
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