What is Plan F?

Asked by: Mrs. Roxane Cartwright  |  Last update: December 24, 2023
Score: 4.6/5 (55 votes)

Medigap Plan F is a Medicare Supplement Insurance plan that's offered by private companies. It covers "gaps" in Original Medicare coverage, such as copayments, coinsurance and deductibles. Plan F offers the most coverage of any Medigap plan, but unless you were eligible for Medicare by Dec.

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.

Is Plan F better than G?

When Plan F makes sense. The $226 Medicare Part B deductible divided over 12 months is about $18.83 per month. In 2023, if Plan F costs less than $18.83 per month more than Plan G, it could save you money.

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.

What does Plan 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.

Medicare Supplement Plan F - Not worth it anymore?

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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.

Does Plan F include Part D?

Medicare Plan F does provide coverage for injectable or infusion drugs given in a clinical setting but does not pay for other prescription drugs. The ideal coverage package would include Medicare Parts A and B, along with the Part D prescription drug plan and a supplemental Medigap policy such as Plan F.

What is the best alternative to Plan F?

Alternatives to Medigap Plan F

That is the most expensive benefit, so any plan will put you in a much better position if you end up in the hospital for an extended period of time. So check out plan A, plan N or Plan G if you want to get a lower cost Medigap and are OK will a little more cost sharing.

Why is Plan F more expensive than Plan G?

The difference between F and G is the cost of Part B deductible. Plan G doesn't cover the Part B deductible (In 2023, it is $226.) After the deductible is met, Plan G benefits are exactly the same as Plan F. Plan F benefits include coverage for all copays, deductibles and coinsurance.

What Medicare plan is closest to Plan F?

If you're not eligible for Medigap Plan F but want a similar option, Plan G is the closest alternative.

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.

Why should I switch from Plan F to Plan G?

Switching from Plan F to Plan G can be a beneficial move. By switching to Plan G, you may save money on premiums since it is usually less expensive than Plan F. Ultimately, it comes down to what you require and your financial situation.

Do they still sell Plan F?

Is Medicare Supplement Plan F being discontinued? Yes. Medicare Supplement insurance plans that pay the Medicare Part B deductible are not available to you if you became eligible for Medicare on January 1, 2020 or later. This change is part of the Medicare Access and CHIP Reauthorization Act of 2015 (MACRA).

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.

What is the Medicare deductible for 2023?

In 2023, the Medicare Part A deductible is $1,600 per benefit period and the Part B annual deductible is $226. The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) releases new premiums, deductibles and coinsurance amounts for Part A, Part B and the Medicare Part D income-related monthly adjustment amounts every fall.

Does Medicare Part F cover prescriptions?

Medicare Supplement Plan F does not cover prescription drugs. By law, Medicare Supplement plans do not cover prescription drug costs. Medicare beneficiaries who want prescription drug coverage typically have two options: Enroll in a Medicare Advantage (Medicare Part C) plan that includes prescription drug coverage.

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.

Should I switch from Medigap Plan F to Plan G?

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.

When can you switch from Plan F to Plan G?

Whether you want to switch from Medigap Plan F to Plan G, you want to work with a different insurance company, or you want to get a better-priced Medicare Supplement plan, you can do so at any time by submitting a new application.

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.

What is the most comprehensive Medicare Supplement plan?

Medicare Supplement Plan F is the most comprehensive Medigap option available, providing beneficiaries with 100% coverage of Medicare-covered medical expenses after Original Medicare pays its portion.

Does Plan F offer basic benefits?

Medigap Plan F covers many of the out-of-pocket expenses that Original Medicare does not, including the following benefits: 100% coverage of Part A coinsurance and costs while staying in the hospital, for up to 365-day once Medicare benefits are exhausted. 100% coverage of Part B outpatient coinsurances and copayments.

Is Medicare Advantage going to be discontinued?

In a word—no, Medicare isn't going away any time soon, and Medicare Advantage plans aren't being phased out.

When did Plan F end?

In 2014, Congress passed legislation that included a prohibition against “first-dollar” Medigap coverage (i.e. Plan F). This took effect in 2020. As of 1/1/2020, plans that covered “everything” Medicare does not cover, including Plans F and C, were eliminated to NEW enrollees.