Why is Plan F going away?

Asked by: Miss Whitney Flatley PhD  |  Last update: October 13, 2023
Score: 4.9/5 (24 votes)

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.

Why is Plan F being eliminated?

Medicare Supplement Plan F is being phased out as a result of “The Medicare Access and CHIP Reauthorization Act of 2015”, also known as MACRA. As a result of MACRA, anybody who becomes eligible for Medicare in 2020 will not be able to purchase 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.

When was Plan F discontinued?

The Medicare Access and CHIP Reauthorization Act of 2015 states that, after January 1, 2020, insurance companies can no longer offer any Medigap plan that covers the Original Medicare Part B deductible. On that date, insurance carriers cannot offer Medigap plans C and F.

Why switch from 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.

Medicare Supplement Plan F - Going Away in 2020?

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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 Medicare supplement Plan F better than Plan G?

With Plan F, you have no out of pocket costs, no co-pays or deductibles to pay. Plan G is almost identical to Plan F, with only one exception. That exception is that Plan G does not cover the Medicare Part B deductible. For 2022, the Medicare Part B deductible is $233/year.

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.

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 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 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 there a Plan F Medicare supplement?

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.

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.

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 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.

Can I switch from Medicare Plan F to Plan G?

So many people contact us and ask “Can I switch from plan F to plan G without underwriting?” Switching from F to G usually still requires answering health questions on an application before they will approve the switch.

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 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.

Can you go back to Medicare supplement after Medicare Advantage?

You may have chosen Medicare Advantage and later decided that you'd rather have the protections of a Medicare Supplement (Medigap) insurance plan that go along with Original Medicare. The good news is that you can switch from Medicare Advantage to Medigap, as long as you meet certain requirements.

What is the difference between Aetna Plan G and Plan F?

Folks who buy an Aetna Medicare Supplement Plan G pay a fixed monthly premium and an annual deductible of 2023 per year at the doctor's office. There are no copays with Plan G at the doctor or specialist. Plan G is identical to plan F, the only exception is that the Part B deductible is not covered.

What is the difference between Plan F Plan G and Plan N?

Plan F is the most comprehensive plan. It covers one more benefit than Plan G. Plan G typically has higher premiums than Plan N because it includes more coverage. You could save money with Plan N because out-of-pocket costs with Plan N may equal or exceed the premium difference with Plan G.

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.

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.