Top Plan N Add-ons
See what people frequently pair with their Plan N.
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.
| Add-on Type | Priority | Monthly Cost | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dental Insurance | Essential | $35-$55 | Everyone with teeth |
| Plan N Copay Coverage | High | $15-$25 | Frequent doctor visits |
| Vision Coverage | Medium | $20-$35 | Glasses/contact users |
| Long-Term Care | High | $180-$350 | Ages 65-70 |
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.