Why is Plan F being discontinued?


Editorial team Published on

Medicare Supplement Plan F is no longer available to new beneficiaries because of the Medicare Access and CHIP Reauthorization Act (MACRA) of 2015.

Why the Law Changed

  • First-dollar coverage ban: Plan F provided "first-dollar coverage," meaning it paid for all out-of-pocket costs, including the Medicare Part B deductible.
  • Preventing overuse: Lawmakers worried that having zero out-of-pocket costs at the doctor's office encouraged people to use medical services that might not be necessary.
  • Skin in the game: The law requires all new Medigap plans to exclude coverage for the Part B deductible so patients share a small part of the initial cost.

Who Can Still Get It

  • Eligibility cutoff: You can only enroll in PlanF if you were eligible for Medicare before January 1, 2020.
  • Grandfathered enrollees: If you already had Plan F before January 1, 2020, you can keep your coverage for life as long as you pay your monthly premium.