Top Plan N Add-ons

Understanding Plan N's Coverage Gaps

Plan N provides excellent value but leaves some strategic gaps. You pay Part B excess charges, doctor visit copays, and emergency room copays.

The right add-ons can address these gaps while keeping your total healthcare costs reasonable.

Top Priority Add-ons for Plan N

1. Dental Insurance (Essential)

This is the most important gap for any Medicare beneficiary. Plan N provides zero dental coverage.

What Quality Dental Plans Include

• Preventive care (100%): Cleanings, exams, fluoride treatments
• Basic procedures (70-80%): Fillings, simple extractions
• Major procedures (50%): Crowns, bridges, root canals
• Oral surgery (50%): Complex extractions, implant support

Real Cost Savings

Monthly premium: $35-$55. Annual maximum: $1,000-$2,000.

One crown ($1,100) plus cleanings ($280) already justifies the annual premium even with the 50% copay.

2. Plan N Copay Coverage

Some insurers offer add-ons specifically designed to cover Plan N's copays.

What Copay Coverage Includes

• Doctor visit copays (up to $20 per visit)
• Emergency room copays (up to $50 per visit)
• Part B excess charges (the amounts above Medicare's approved amount)

When Copay Coverage Makes Sense

If you see doctors frequently (6+ visits per year) or live in an area with high excess charges, this coverage can save money.

Monthly cost: $15-$25. Break-even: About 10 doctor visits per year.

3. Vision Coverage

Plan N covers medically necessary eye care but not routine vision services or eyewear.

Standard Vision Benefits

• Annual comprehensive eye exams
• $150-$250 allowance for frames
• Standard lens coverage
• Contact lens allowance or discount
• Discounts on lens upgrades

Vision Coverage Math

Annual premium: $240-$420. Typical use: Eye exam ($120) plus new glasses ($250) = $370 value.

If you need glasses or contacts, vision coverage often pays for itself.

4. Long-Term Care Insurance

This addresses the largest potential expense not covered by any Medicare plan.

Long-Term Care Options

• Traditional policies: Daily benefits for nursing home or home care
• Hybrid life insurance: Life policy with LTC acceleration benefits
• Annuity riders: Investment vehicle with care benefits

Timing and Cost Strategy

Apply while healthy. A 65-year-old might pay $2,200/year for solid coverage. Waiting until 75 could double that cost.

Medium Priority Add-ons

Hearing Aid Coverage

Medicare covers hearing tests but not hearing aids. Quality devices cost $2,500-$5,000 per pair.

Hearing Aid Benefits

• Annual hearing evaluations
• Allowances for digital hearing aids
• Professional fitting services
• Replacement batteries and maintenance

Hospital Indemnity Plans

While Plan N covers most hospital costs, indemnity plans provide cash for comfort items and family expenses.

When Hospital Indemnity Helps

• Family travel and lodging expenses
• Private room upgrades
• Lost income during recovery
• Home care during recovery

Cancer Insurance

Plan N covers cancer treatment, but cancer insurance provides cash for non-medical expenses.

Cancer Insurance Benefits

• Lump sum cash payment upon diagnosis
• Income replacement during treatment
• Transportation to treatment centers
• Experimental treatment costs

Budget-Conscious Add-on Strategy

Essential Package (Most Plan N Holders)

Total monthly cost: $50-$80

• Dental insurance: $40/month
• Plan N copay coverage: $20/month

Comprehensive Package

Total monthly cost: $120-$180

• Dental insurance: $45/month
• Plan N copay coverage: $20/month
• Vision coverage: $25/month
• Hearing aid coverage: $30/month

Full Protection Package

Total monthly cost: $350-$450

Includes everything above plus long-term care insurance at $200-$250/month.

Plan N Specific Considerations

Excess Charges Protection

Plan N doesn't cover Part B excess charges (when doctors charge more than Medicare's approved amount).

These charges are rare but can be significant. Maximum potential: 15% above Medicare's approved amount.

Copay Budgeting

Plan your add-on budget around Plan N's copays:

• Doctor visits: Up to $20 each
• Emergency room: Up to $50 per visit
• Part B deductible: $240 annually

Shopping Tips for Plan N Add-ons

Start With High-Use Services

Dental coverage first—you'll need cleanings twice yearly at minimum.

If you see doctors often, add copay coverage next.

Avoid Duplication

Don't buy add-ons that cover what Plan N already covers well:

• Hospital stays (Plan N covers these)
• Surgery costs (Plan N covers these)
• Outpatient procedures (Plan N covers these)

Consider Waiting Periods

Many add-ons have waiting periods for major services:

• Dental: Often 6-12 months for major work
• Hearing aids: Usually immediate coverage
• Vision: Usually immediate for exams, may have waiting period for frames

Age-Based Add-on Timing

New to Medicare (65-67)

Focus on: Dental, Plan N copay coverage, long-term care (while healthy)

Early Medicare Years (68-72)

Add: Vision and hearing coverage as needed

Later Medicare Years (73+)

Maintain: Coverage you use regularly. Avoid adding expensive new coverage unless essential.

Enrollment and Health Requirements

No Health Questions Required

• Most dental plans
• Basic vision coverage
• Plan N copay add-ons

Limited Health Screening

• Some hearing aid plans
• Hospital indemnity coverage
• Cancer insurance

Full Medical Underwriting

• Long-term care insurance
• Some critical illness plans

Common Plan N Add-on Mistakes

Over-Insuring

Don't buy coverage for every possible scenario. Focus on services you'll actually use or major financial risks.

Ignoring Network Restrictions

Make sure add-on coverage works with your preferred providers.

Not Reading the Fine Print

Understand waiting periods, annual maximums, and coverage limitations before enrolling.

Smart strategy: Start with dental coverage and Plan N copay protection. These address the most common out-of-pocket expenses you'll face.

Plan N Add-on Success Strategy

Plan N is designed to keep premiums low while providing excellent coverage. Your add-ons should follow the same philosophy.

Start with dental insurance—it's essential coverage that Medicare completely excludes.

Add Plan N copay coverage if you see doctors frequently.

Consider vision coverage if you wear glasses or contacts.

Evaluate long-term care insurance while you're healthy and premiums are reasonable.

Final Recommendation

Plan N's strength is providing comprehensive medical coverage at a reasonable cost. Your add-ons should complement this by covering services Medicare excludes entirely.

A basic package of dental insurance and copay coverage addresses the most common gaps without breaking your budget.

Remember: The goal is comprehensive protection, not perfect coverage. Plan N plus the right add-ons can provide excellent healthcare security without the high cost of more comprehensive Medigap plans.