What Is Humana Plan N?

Humana Plan N is one of the standardized Medicare Supplement insurance plans available to Medicare beneficiaries. As a Medigap policy, Plan N works alongside Original Medicare (Parts A and B) to help cover certain healthcare costs that Medicare doesn't pay for, such as copayments, coinsurance, and deductibles.

Like all Medigap plans, Plan N is standardized across insurance carriers - meaning the core benefits are identical regardless of which company sells the policy. However, Humana, as one of the major health insurance providers in the United States, offers its own version of Plan N with potentially different premiums and customer service experiences than other carriers.

Plan N sits in the middle range of Medigap coverage options - not as comprehensive as Plans F or G, but offering more coverage than basic plans like Plan A. This positioning makes it worth considering for those seeking a balance between monthly costs and benefit coverage.

How Humana Plan N Works

Humana Plan N functions as a secondary payer to Original Medicare. When you receive medical services, Medicare pays its share first, then Humana Plan N helps cover remaining costs according to the policy's terms.

With Plan N, you're responsible for the Medicare Part B deductible ($240 in 2024) before coverage begins. After meeting this deductible, Plan N covers 100% of the Part B coinsurance, except for a copayment of up to $20 for some office visits and up to $50 for emergency room visits that don't result in inpatient admission.

One distinctive feature of Plan N is that it doesn't cover Part B excess charges - the additional amount (up to 15%) that doctors who don't accept Medicare assignment can charge above Medicare-approved amounts. This means if you see providers who don't accept Medicare assignment, you'll need to pay these excess charges out-of-pocket.

Plan N covers 100% of Part A coinsurance and hospital costs for an additional 365 days after Medicare benefits are exhausted, the Part A deductible, and skilled nursing facility coinsurance. It also provides foreign travel emergency coverage (up to plan limits) - a valuable benefit for those who travel internationally.

Provider Comparison: Humana Plan N vs. Competitors

When comparing Humana Plan N to similar offerings from other providers, several factors come into play including premium costs, customer service quality, and additional perks.

ProviderNotable FeaturesAdditional Benefits
HumanaWide network, online toolsSome plans include gym memberships
AetnaStrong customer service ratingsHealth information resources
CignaCompetitive pricing in many markets24/7 health line
UnitedHealthcareAARP partnershipDiscount programs
Blue Cross Blue ShieldLocal presence in many statesVaries by state affiliate

Premium Considerations: While Humana may offer competitive premiums in some regions, rates can vary significantly based on your age, location, gender, and when you enroll. Medicare.gov recommends comparing quotes from multiple providers before making a decision.

Customer Experience: Humana has invested in digital tools to help members manage their healthcare, including online account management and a mobile app. However, customer service experiences vary, and it's worth checking recent satisfaction ratings from organizations like J.D. Power before enrolling.

Benefits and Drawbacks of Humana Plan N

Benefits of Choosing Humana Plan N:

  • Cost-effective option: Generally lower monthly premiums than more comprehensive plans like F or G
  • Predictable costs: Fixed copayments for doctor visits and emergency care
  • Foreign travel coverage: Includes emergency care during international travel (up to plan limits)
  • No network restrictions: Freedom to see any doctor that accepts Medicare
  • Guaranteed renewable: Your coverage cannot be canceled as long as you pay premiums

Potential Drawbacks:

  • Part B deductible: You must pay this amount ($240 in 2024) before coverage begins
  • Copayments required: Up to $20 for office visits and $50 for ER visits
  • No coverage for excess charges: You're responsible for any Part B excess charges
  • Possible rate increases: Premiums may increase over time

For those who visit doctors frequently, the copayment structure could become costly over time. Alternatively, those who rarely need medical care beyond preventive services might find the lower premium advantageous compared to more comprehensive plans.

According to the Kaiser Family Foundation, approximately 10% of Medigap enrollees choose Plan N, making it the third most popular plan behind Plans F and G.

Pricing and Enrollment Considerations

Humana Plan N premiums vary based on several factors, including your location, age, gender, and sometimes health status (if you're outside your Medigap Open Enrollment Period). While exact pricing requires a personalized quote, Plan N typically costs 20-30% less than Plan F and slightly less than Plan G.

The ideal time to enroll in any Medigap plan, including Humana Plan N, is during your 6-month Medigap Open Enrollment Period, which begins the month you're both 65 or older and enrolled in Medicare Part B. During this period, insurance companies cannot deny you coverage or charge higher premiums based on health conditions.

If you're considering Humana Plan N, it's important to understand how pricing methods affect your long-term costs:

  • Community-rated: Everyone pays the same premium regardless of age
  • Issue-age-rated: Premiums based on your age when you buy the policy
  • Attained-age-rated: Premiums increase as you get older

Humana, like other insurers, may offer household discounts if multiple members enroll in Medigap policies. According to the America's Health Insurance Plans (AHIP) organization, these discounts typically range from 5-12%.

When evaluating Plan N, consider your healthcare usage patterns and budget constraints. Those who anticipate frequent doctor visits might find the copayment structure less advantageous than those who typically only need occasional care.

Conclusion

Humana Plan N represents a middle-ground option for Medicare beneficiaries seeking to supplement their Original Medicare coverage. With its balance of lower premiums in exchange for some cost-sharing requirements, Plan N can be particularly suitable for relatively healthy individuals who want protection against major healthcare expenses without paying for the most comprehensive coverage.

Before making a decision, take time to compare quotes from multiple providers, understand the specific terms of coverage, and consider your own healthcare needs and budget constraints. Remember that while the core benefits of Plan N are standardized, premiums, customer service, and additional perks can vary significantly between Humana and other carriers like Aetna or Blue Cross Blue Shield.

For personalized guidance, consider consulting with a licensed Medicare insurance agent or using the plan comparison tools available on Medicare.gov. The right Medigap plan for you will depend on your individual health needs, financial situation, and preferences for healthcare access.

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This content was written by AI and reviewed by a human for quality and compliance.