Why should I switch from Plan F to Plan G?

Asked by: Junius Bruen  |  Last update: November 5, 2023
Score: 4.6/5 (15 votes)

As mentioned earlier, the only difference between a Medicare supplement Plan F and a Plan G is that with Medicare G, the beneficiary must pay the annual Medicare Part B deductible if billed. The annual Part B deductible for 2023 is just $226.

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 Part F better than Part G?

Plan F offers the most coverage, but it's not available to everyone. Plan G covers nearly as much as Plan F — and it's available for any Medicare member.

How is Plan G different from Plan F?

Medicare Supplement Plan G works similarly to Plan F. The main difference between the two plans is how Plan G interacts with the Part B deductible. With Plan F, the Medicare Supplement plan pays for the Part B deductible. Under Plan G, you are responsible for the Part B deductible only.

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.

Medicare Supplement Plan F vs Plan G

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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.

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 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 is the advantage of Plan G?

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.

What are the 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.

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.

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 Medicare Part G expensive?

Best Medicare Supplement plan for new enrollees: Plan G

After you pay this, Plan G will begin to pay for services such as doctor visits, blood tests or outpatient medical treatment. Plan G is the most popular Medicare Supplement plan for new enrollees. However, rates can be expensive, averaging $145 per month.

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.

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 is the difference between high deductible Plan F and Plan G?

The Plan F High Deductible is for those who were eligible for Medicare prior to 2020. The Plan G High deductible is for everyone else. They have the same benefits and should have the same premium. With that aside, here is what you need to know going into 2022.

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.

Is Plan G the most comprehensive?

Medigap Plan G offers the most coverage of any plan that new Medicare members can buy. However, there are benefits that even the most comprehensive Medigap plans don't cover.

How much does Plan G go up every year?

Like the monthly premium, many factors impact your Medicare Supplement plan's rate increases. These factors include your age at the time of enrollment and the pricing method used by your Medicare Supplement plan when you enrolled. The average Medicare Supplement Plan G rate increase is between 2% to 6% annually.

Does Plan G replace Medicare?

Plan G is a supplemental policy, meaning it's not your primary coverage, but it fills many of the gaps in a Medicare policy. Part A or Part B benefits pay for health services you may need. Once Medicare pays its share, Plan G pays for most remaining costs.

Does Plan F cover Medicare deductible?

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.

Are all Plan G Medicare supplements the same?

Every plan of the same name has the same basic benefits. For example, although many different insurance companies sell Medicare Supplement Insurance Plan G in many states, every Plan G has the same set of basic benefits. That's true of the other plans, like Medicare Supplement Insurance Plan A, Plan B, and so on.

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 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.

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.