How does Medicare Plan G differ from Plan F?

Asked by: Gardner O'Kon  |  Last update: October 14, 2025
Score: 4.8/5 (47 votes)

If you became eligible for Medicare in 2020 or later, you can only buy Plan G, not Plan F. The coverage difference is that Plan F covers the Medicare Part B deductible, but Plan G doesn't. Plan G might be the better deal, even if you're eligible for either Plan F or Plan G.

What are the disadvantages of Medicare Part G?

Medicare Plan G does not cover dental, vision, or prescriptions. Medicare Plan G does not cover the Part B deductible or any service that Medicare does not cover. Medicare Plan G does not cover dental, vision, or prescriptions.

What is the best medicare plan that covers everything for seniors?

Original Medicare with Medigap likely offers the most comprehensive coverage, but it may also be the most costly. A person can consider their income and how much they are able to spend before choosing a Medicare plan. Original Medicare with Medigap also offers a lot of flexibility when choosing a doctor or specialist.

Why is Medigap Plan F being phased out?

Why is Medicare Plan F no longer an option for most people? In short, Medicare Plan F is being phased out because of the first dollar coverage that made it so popular. As federal lawmakers saw it, that kind of coverage has the potential to be overused at the expense of the Medicare program.

Should I switch from Medigap F to G?

Plan G is significantly less costly than Plan F. You could save as much as $50 a month by switching from F to G. Even though you have to pay the one-time $233 for the Part B deductible on Medigap G, the monthly savings will be worth it, long-term.

Plan G vs. Plan F Medicare Supplement -Which is the better choice?

20 related questions found

Is Medicare Plan G being discontinued?

Effective 4/1/2024, Blue Shield is closing Medicare Supplement Plan G Inspire1 to new enrollment or members requesting a transfer.

Why are people leaving Medicare Advantage plans?

Key takeaways: People leave Medicare Advantage plans because out-of-pocket costs vary between plans, network restrictions can cause frustration, prior authorization requests can delay care, and it can be difficult to use the additional benefits they provide.

What are the 6 things Medicare doesn't cover?

Some of the items and services Medicare doesn't cover include:
  • Eye exams (for prescription eyeglasses)
  • Long-term care.
  • Cosmetic surgery.
  • Massage therapy.
  • Routine physical exams.
  • Hearing aids and exams for fitting them.

Why is a plan G better than an advantage plan?

FREEDOM 3: With a Medicare Supplement Plan G, no specialist referral is needed. One can go directly to see a specialist without a referral. With a Medicare Advantage HMO plan, a referral is usually required before seeing a medical specialist. (With a Medicare Advantage PPO plan, a referral is not usually required.)

What is the one gap benefit that Plan G does not cover?

Medigap Plan G does not cover: the Part B deductible. prescription medication. vision care and eyeglasses.

Why do doctors not like Medicare Advantage plans?

Across the country, provider grumbling about claim denials and onerous preapproval requirements by Advantage plans is crescendoing. Some hospitals and physician practices are so fed up they're refusing to accept the plans — even big ones like those offered by UnitedHealthcare and Humana.

What is the downside to Medigap?

What are the disadvantages of a Medigap plan? There are a couple of cons to consider before choosing a Medigap plan: Premiums: Medigap premiums can be pricey. Coverage: Medicare Supplement plans don't cover everything, so you'd still have to pay out of pocket for things like dental care, vision care and long-term care.

How much does Plan G cost a month?

How Much is Medigap Plan G? The price for Medigap Plan G varies based on a few factors. The cost of Medigap Plan G typically includes $80 – $120 monthly premiums. Fill out the quote request on the side of the page, and Medicare on Video will email you the best value plan in your zip code.

Why is Plan F so expensive?

Medigap Plan F and Plan G differ because Plan F covers the Part B deductible, while Plan G does not. In 2024, the Part B deductible is $240. For this reason, Plan F tends to be more expensive than Plan G, but pricing differs by insurer. In addition, Plan F is not available to those who qualify for Medicare after Jan.

Is Plan F still available in 2024?

As of 2024, Medicare Plan F is no longer available for new enrollees. However, if you were eligible for Medicare before January 1, 2020, you can still enroll in or keep your existing Medicare Plan F coverage. To be eligible, individuals must be enrolled in both Medicare Part A and Part B.

What blood tests does Medicare not cover for seniors?

It's important to know that Medicare won't cover any blood test if it isn't medically necessary. If you seek a blood test on your own, it's unlikely you'll get it covered. Tests not covered may include those for employment purposes, wellness screenings, or routine monitoring without medical necessity.

What are the top 5 medicare supplement plans?

💬 From our Nerds: What are the top five Medicare supplement plans? "Based on NerdWallet's Medigap rubric, I picked five best Medicare Supplement Insurance companies for 2025: AARP/UnitedHealthcare, Mutual of Omaha, State Farm, Anthem and Blue Cross Blue Shield.

Why are seniors losing Medicare Advantage plans?

Medicare vs Privatized Medicare Advantage

Beneficiaries are tossed aside because they live in an unprofitable market for their insurer or because they are actually using the insurance they signed up for to access services.

Can I drop my medicare advantage plan and go back to original Medicare?

Medicare Advantage Open Enrollment Period: Between January 1 and March 31 of each year, if you already have a Medicare Advantage Plan (with or without drug coverage) you can: Switch to another Medicare Advantage Plan (with or without drug coverage). Drop your Medicare Advantage Plan and return to Original Medicare.

Should I switch from Plan F to Plan G?

If the premium savings on 'G' are greater than the deductible amount, then 'G' makes more sense than 'F'. Often, the premium differences between these two plans are $300/year or more. In some cases, the premium difference can be as much as $500/year, making 'G' a “no-brainer”.

What does Plan G not cover?

High deductible plan G does not cover the Medicare Part B deductible. However, high deductible F and G count your payment of the Medicare Part B deductible toward meeting the plan deductible. 2Plans K and L pay 100% of covered services for the rest of the calendar year once you meet the out-of-pocket yearly limit.

Does Medicare Plan G cover cataract surgery?

Since cataract surgery is often outpatient and covered by Part B, your Medicare Supplement Plan G will cover all associated costs, with the exception of your annual Part B deductible and your premium payments for your Medigap plan.