When was Plan F discontinued?

Asked by: Dr. Hollis Bins I  |  Last update: December 13, 2023
Score: 4.3/5 (44 votes)

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 did they get rid of Plan F?

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.

When did Plan F stop being sold?

In 1990, they first standardized plan options. Then in 2010, they eliminated some plan options like E, H, I, and J. Now, as of the year 2020, Plan C and Plan F are gone for good. This may make you feel like you missed out on a great opportunity but keep reading.

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 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.

Medicare Supplement Plan F - Not worth it anymore?

36 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.

What will the Medicare Part D deductible be in 2023?

Most Part D PDP enrollees who remain in their current plan for 2023 will be in a plan with the standard (maximum) $505 deductible and will face much higher cost sharing for brands than for generic drugs, including as much as 50% coinsurance for non-preferred drugs.

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.

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.

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.

Can you still get 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).

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's the difference between Medicare Plan F and G?

What's the coverage difference between Plan F and Plan G? Medigap Plan F and Plan G have almost the same coverage. The only difference is the Medicare Part B deductible.

How much is Medicare Part F?

Average Cost of Medicare Supplement Plan F in 2023

The plan's average cost is about $230 per month. However, many factors impact the premium price. Premium costs for Medigap Plan F can range from around $150-$400 per month or more. Factors determining your cost include your ZIP Code, gender, age, tobacco use, and more.

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 Medigap going away?

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. On that date, insurance carriers cannot offer Medigap plans C and F to new enrollees.

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.

Does Plan F cover Part B premium?

With Medicare Supplement Plan F, you get the most complete coverage available. First, it includes all the benefits of Medicare Supplement Plans A, B and C. In addition, Plan F provides coverage for skilled nursing facility care, Medicare Part A and B deductibles, and international travel medical emergency help.

Does Medicare Plan F require a referral?

Choose any doctor – from over 900,000 physicians in the United States. No referrals required! Medigap plans allow you to see any Medicare specialist whenever you like. You are not required to get a referral from your primary care doctor.

Can I move 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.

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.

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.

How do you qualify to get $144 back from Medicare?

To qualify for the giveback, you must:
  1. Be enrolled in Medicare Parts A and B.
  2. Pay your own premiums (if a state or local program is covering your premiums, you're not eligible).
  3. Live in a service area of a plan that offers a Part B giveback.

What will we be paying for Medicare Part B in 2023?

Most people pay the standard Part B monthly premium amount ($164.90 in 2023). Social Security will tell you the exact amount you'll pay for Part B in 2023. You pay the standard premium amount if you: Enroll in Part B for the first time in 2023.

How much will Social Security take out for Medicare in 2023?

For most people, $164.90 will be deducted each month from your Social Security to pay for Medicare Part B (medical insurance). This amount will be higher for those who have higher incomes.