Plan Comparison

Plan G vs Plan N in Washington State: Which One Actually Makes More Sense?

By Michael Gurr · Published 2026-04-30 · Updated 2026-04-30

A lot of people I sit down with already have an idea of what they want when it comes to Medicare. Most of the time, they've heard the same thing: "Plan G is the best plan." And to be fair — it's a great plan. But that doesn't always mean it's the right plan for you.

What's the difference between Plan G and Plan N?

At a high level, the two plans are very similar. Both cover the big medical expenses, both let you go to almost any doctor in the country that accepts Medicare, and both protect you from major out-of-pocket costs.

The real difference comes down to one thing: copays vs. a higher monthly premium.

Plan G — higher monthly cost, but almost nothing out of pocket when you actually use it.
Plan N — lower monthly cost, with small copays when you go to the doctor or visit the ER.

A real example from here in Washington

I recently sat down with someone locally who was turning 65. Healthy, no prescriptions, rarely goes to the doctor. They came in already set on Plan G because they'd heard it was the "Cadillac plan" — and they wanted the best.

After we talked through their situation, we looked at Plan N. Same overall coverage. Just small copays if they ever used it.

👉 The difference? About $54 a month cheaper.

That's over $600 a year — for coverage they likely wouldn't even use. For them, Plan N made a lot more sense.

Plan G vs Plan N at a glance

Feature	Plan G	Plan N
Part B deductible ($257 in 2026)	Not covered	Not covered
Part B coinsurance	Covered 100%	Covered except $20 office visit copay
Emergency room visits	Covered 100%	Covered except $50 copay if not admitted
Part A coinsurance	Covered 100%	Covered 100%
Monthly premium (Washington)	Higher	Typically 15–20% lower than Plan G
Best for	Frequent doctor visits	Generally healthy, less frequent care
Washington switching rights	Switch any time, guaranteed	Switch any time, guaranteed

Does the insurance company matter?

This is another big misconception. People will tell me, "I want to go with USAA because I already have insurance through them." Or whatever company they're loyal to.

Here's the reality: a Plan N is a Plan N — no matter the company. The coverage is standardized by the federal government.

The only real differences between carriers are:

Price
How fast they raise rates over time
How strict their underwriting is

That's it. Same coverage, different price tag.

So which one should you choose?

It comes down to how you actually use your healthcare.

Plan G might make sense if:

You go to the doctor often
You want zero surprises when you do use it
You're okay paying more every month for that peace of mind

Plan N might make more sense if:

You're relatively healthy
You don't go to the doctor often
You'd rather save money long-term and pay a small copay on the rare visit

Final thought

There isn't a "best plan." There's just the plan that makes the most sense for you. And if you're still deciding between Medicare Supplement and Medicare Advantage, that's worth sorting out first.

If you're trying to figure that out, I'm happy to walk through it with you and run the numbers based on your situation. No cost, no obligation — just clarity.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is better — Plan G or Plan N in Washington State?

Plan G is the better choice if you see doctors frequently and want predictable out-of-pocket costs. Plan N costs less monthly but charges a copay of up to $20 per doctor visit and $50 per emergency room visit. In Washington, you can switch between them any time with guaranteed issue — so there is less risk in trying Plan N.

How much does Plan G cost in Washington in 2026?

Washington uses community rating, meaning Plan G premiums are based on the plan, not your age. Premiums vary by carrier but generally range from $140 to $260 per month for Washington residents in 2026. Contact Michael Gurr for exact quotes in your zip code.

Can I switch from Plan N to Plan G later in Washington?

Yes. Washington State law gives Medicare Supplement enrollees the right to switch plans any time of year with guaranteed issue — meaning no medical underwriting. This is one of Washington's strongest consumer protections and makes the decision between G and N lower risk than in most states.

Is Plan F still available in Washington?

Plan F is only available to people who were eligible for Medicare before January 1, 2020. If you turned 65 on or after that date, Plan G is the most comprehensive plan available to you.

Have questions about your specific situation?

Join Michael's free Facebook group — "Turning 65 in Washington State" — where Washington residents get clear Medicare answers without the sales pitch.

Join the group →

Michael Gurr is a licensed Medicare and retirement advisor serving Pierce County and Washington State.

Not sure which plan actually fits you?

As a licensed Medicare advisor in Washington State, I'll run the real numbers on Plan G vs Plan N based on your health, your doctors, and your budget — so you don't pay for coverage you'll never use.

Book a Free 10–15 Minute Call

There's no charge to talk and no obligation to decide. If it's not the right fit, I'll tell you that too.