Should I switch to Plan G from Plan F?

Asked by: Ronny Gibson  |  Last update: January 29, 2024
Score: 4.8/5 (55 votes)

The major difference between these two plans is that Plan F covers the annual Medicare Part B deductible while Plan G does not. Even with the increasing cost of Original Medicare Part B deductible over time, it may make sense financially to opt for Plan G since it usually has a lower monthly premium than Plan F.

Is Medicare Plan F better than Plan G?

Plan F offers the most coverage, but it's not available to everyone. Plan G covers nearly as much as Plan F — and it's available for any Medicare member. Both Plans F and G also offer a high-deductible Medigap plan in some states. Because Plan F covers more than Plan G, it also costs more.

Does Plan G replace Plan F?

Available plan options may differ depending by carrier. You will still be able to choose from other Medicare supplement plan options, except for those that cover the Medicare Part B deductible ($233 in 2022). Plan D and Plan G have replaced Plan C and Plan F as guaranteed-issue plans.

Can you switch from Plan F to G without underwriting?

As a short answer, yes. You can switch, but you'll need to pass the underwriting process to qualify. Underwriting involves looking at your medical history to review your eligibility for joining Plan G. Plan G might not cover you for certain pre-existing medical conditions.

How is Plan G different from Plan F?

Medicare Supplement Plan G works similarly to Plan F. The main difference between the two plans is how Plan G interacts with the Part B deductible. With Plan F, the Medicare Supplement plan pays for the Part B deductible. Under Plan G, you are responsible for the Part B deductible only.

Medicare Supplement Plan F vs Plan G

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Why are they getting rid of Plan F?

Plan F is no longer available to those who are new to Medicare as of January 1, 2020. If you were eligible for Medicare before January 1, 2020, you can still enroll in Plan F. Plan F is being phased out because they didn't want physicians to leave the Medicare program.

Is Plan F being discontinued?

In case you missed the news, Medicare Supplement Plan F is being phased out starting January 1, 2020. If you currently have a Plan F, don't panic. You can keep your plan as long as you want. However, if you become eligible for Medicare after January 1, 2020, you can't purchase a Plan F.

What is the replacement for Plan F?

What Will Replace Medicare Plan F? No plan completely replaces Medicare Part F, but the closest available is Medicare Supplement Plan G. Like Plan F, Plan G covers 100% of many benefits, including: Part A coinsurance and hospital costs.

Is Plan F grandfathered?

If you already have Plan F, you can your grandfathered in. As long as you were eligible for Medicare before 2020, you can still enroll in Plan F with any carrier that offers it in your area.

Is it possible to get a Medicare Supplement plan with no underwriting?

You can avoid underwriting, and enroll in any Medicare Supplement plan that's available where you live, if you sign up for the Medigap plan during your six-month Medigap Open Enrollment Period. This period begins on the first day of the month that you're both 65 years old and enrolled in Medicare Part B.

Can you go back to Medicare Plan F?

Unfortunately, no. You can join other Medicare Supplement plans, but any plan that has the Part B deductible coverage (like Plan F) is out of the running. We have other suggestions for coverage though – keep reading for more.

When did Plan F go away?

What Happens When Medigap Plan F Goes Away in 2020? The Medicare Access and CHIP Reauthorization Act of 2015 states that, after January 1, 2020, insurance companies can no longer offer any new Medigap plan that covers the Original Medicare Part B deductible.

What is the deductible for Plan F in 2023?

Effective January 1, 2023, the annual deductible amount for these three plans is $2,700. The deductible amount for the high deductible version of plans G, F and J represents the annual out-of-pocket expenses (excluding premiums) that a beneficiary must pay before these policies begin paying benefits.

Does plan G have an out of pocket maximum?

Original Medicare doesn't have an out-of-pocket limit. Similarly, Plan G has no out-of-pocket limit to protect you from spending too much on covered health care in a year. If you are interested in an out-of-pocket limit, consider Plan K or Plan L. Plan G is most similar in coverage to Plan F.

Is plan F better than an advantage plan?

Your healthcare coverage goals will determine which is better for you. For example, if you do not want to deal with restrictive doctor networks, Medigap Plan F is the better choice. But if keeping monthly premiums low is more important to you, a Medicare Advantage plan would be more suited to your needs.

Is plan G a Medicare Supplement?

Plan G includes all the benefits of Medicare Supplement Plans A, B and C with the exception of the Medicare Part B deductible. It's a good fit for people who want some coverage for hospitalization, but are willing to pay the Medicare Part B deductible on their own.

What is the deductible for Plan G in 2023?

What is the Plan G deductible in 2023? $226 – the annual Part B deductible in 2023 is what you will pay for your Plan G deductible. However, Plan G does not have its own deductible separate from the Part B deductible. There is also a High Deductible Plan G which has a deductible of $2,700 in 2023.

Does Medicare Plan F have an out of pocket maximum?

Medigap High Deductible Plan G or Plan F Out of Pocket

That's easy. The maximum out-of-pocket is equal to the deductible. That deductible is $2,490 for the year 2022.

Are all Medicare Plan F the same coverage?

Remember, all Plan F policies offer the exact same benefits. This is true no matter where you buy the plan. Different insurance companies may charge different premiums, deductibles, copayments or coinsurance for it, but they can't change its coverage.

Does Medicare plan F cover cataract surgery?

Generally speaking, if you are enrolled in Original Medicare or a private Medicare insurance plan, you have coverage for cataract surgery. It's always best to research and have an open conversation with your medical provider about any additional charges before the procedure is done.

Does Plan F pay Part B premium?

What does Medicare Plan F cover? Those who have Medicare Plan F won't pay out-of-pocket costs for Medicare Parts A and B. Policyholders would only pay the monthly rates, which start at $0 for Part A and $164.90 for Part B.

Which is better Plan C or Plan F?

Medigap Plan C

It is very similar to Plan F, having only one benefit difference from Plan F benefits. Keep in mind that Plan F is the most common and comprehensive plan – it pays everything that Medicare doesn't cover at the doctor/hospital. Plan C does the same with the exception of the Medicare Part B Excess charges.

What does Medicare F cover?

According to Medicare.gov, Plan F covers: Part A coinsurance and hospital costs up to an additional 365 days after Medicare benefits are used up. Part A deductible. Part A hospice care coinsurance or copayment.

Is Medicare going away?

But the Medicare Hospital Insurance program will not run out of all financial resources and cease to operate after 2028, as the “bankruptcy” term may suggest.

What is Medicare Part B deductible for year 2023?

In 2023, the Medicare Part A deductible is $1,600 per benefit period and the Part B annual deductible is $226.