Should you switch from Plan F to Plan G?

Asked by: Greta Witting  |  Last update: September 16, 2023
Score: 4.1/5 (63 votes)

Two Reasons to switch from Plan F to G
You can often save $50 a month moving from F to G. Even though you will have to pay the one time $226 for the Part B deductible on Medigap G, the monthly savings will be worth it in the long run. 2) Plan G will be a better deal in the future.

Should I switch from Medicare Plan F to G?

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?

Pros of Medicare Plan F vs G

Medicare Plan F and Plan G cover the gaps in Original Medicare, including deductibles, copays, coinsurance, blood, and foreign travel emergencies. Plan F covers the Part B deductible. Plan G does not. So, you get first-dollar coverage on all Medicare expenses with Plan F.

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.

Medicare Supplement Plan F vs Plan G

29 related questions found

Is Medicare getting rid of Plan F?

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.

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.

How does Plan G differ from Plan F?

The main difference between Medigap Plan F and Medigap Plan G is that any Medicare beneficiary can buy Plan G, whereas Plan F is limited to beneficiaries who became eligible for Medicare before Jan. 1, 2020. For new Medicare beneficiaries, Plan F isn't an option.

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.

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.

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.

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 Medicare going up in 2023?

For 2023, the Part A deductible will be $1,600 per stay, an increase of $44 from 2022. For those people who have not worked long enough to qualify for premium-free Part A, the monthly premium will also rise. The full Part A premium will be $506 a month in 2023, a $7 increase.

Is Plan G the same as advantage?

Costs for a Medicare Advantage plan and a Medicare Supplement Plan G differ substantially in both premium costs and potential out-of-pocket costs. A Medicare Advantage plan often has no monthly premium, while a Medicare Supplement Plan G always has a monthly premium.

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.

What does Plan G not cover?

What does Medicare Part G not cover? Medicare Part G does not cover the deductible for Part B. It also does not cover dental, vision, hearing, skilled nursing facility care, private-duty nursing, or prescriptions.

Does Plan G cover 100%?

Plan G covers everything that Medicare Part A and B cover at 100% except for the Part B deductible. This means that you won't pay anything out-of-pocket for covered services and treatments after you pay the deductible.

Does Plan G pay excess charges?

Medicare Supplement Insurance Plans

Of the plans available to you, only Medigap Plan F and Plan G covers excess charges billed. The high deductible versions of these plans will credit the amount you pay toward extra charges as part of your high deductible.

Why do I need plan G?

Benefits Of Plan G. Plan G covers 100% of the Medicare Part A and Part B co-pays and coinsurance, those gaps and holes that Medicare doesn't cover. Plan G covers Skilled Nursing and rehab facility stays and also Hospice care. You also won't have to worry about any balance billing, known as excess charges.

How effective is plan G?

When compared to Medicare Supplement Plan N, Plan G provides more comprehensive coverage. While Plan G pays for expenses related to Medicare Part B excess charges, Plan N does not. You would pay the difference out of pocket if you had Plan N. However, Plan N has cheaper rates than Plan G.

Is plan G the same with all carriers?

The federal government mandates all Medicare Supplement Plan G coverage. All plans will cover the same basics: nursing home care, extended hospital care, blood transfusions, etc. Some providers may offer more, but the cost may be higher with those plans.

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.

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.

Are Medigap plans being phased out?

Medicare Supplement plans are the most comprehensive coverage you can add to Original Medicare. However, changes in legislation discontinued some of the most popular Medicare Supplement plans. Medigap Plans C and F are no longer available to new Medicare beneficiaries.