Why was Medigap plan F discontinued?

Asked by: Edmond Predovic  |  Last update: February 23, 2023
Score: 4.8/5 (17 votes)

The reason Plan F (and Plan C) is going away is due to new legislation that no longer allows Medicare Supplement insurance plans to cover Medicare Part B deductibles. Since Plan F and Plan C pay this deductible, private insurance companies can no longer offer these plans to new Medicare enrollees.

What is Medicare Plan F being replaced with?

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. Part B copays/coinsurance (not deductibles)

Is Medicare Plan F being discontinued in 2020?

It's been big news this year that as of Jan. 1, 2020, Medigap plans C and F will be discontinued. This change came about as a part of the Medicare Access and CHIP Reauthorization legislation in 2015, which prohibits the sale of Medigap plans that cover Medicare's Part B deductible.

Will Plan F be available in 2021?

Medicare Supplement Plan F is the most comprehensive of the standardized Medicare Supplement plans available in most states. These plans are being phased out, starting in 2021.

Is Medicare Plan F still available 2022?

Previously, anyone enrolled in original Medicare could purchase Medigap Plan F. However, this plan is now being phased out. As of January 1, 2020, Medigap Plan F is only available to those who were eligible for Medicare before 2020. If you were already enrolled in Medigap Plan F, you can keep the plan and the benefits.

Medigap Plans C and F to be Discontinued in 2020

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Why is plan G better than plan F?

Although the plans have several similarities, there is one key difference between Plan F and Plan G: With Medicare Plan F, you're getting the plan with the most coverage available. In addition to the above coverage, Plan F also covers Medicare Part B deductible payments. Plan G does not.

Can I switch back to plan F?

You pay for Medicare-covered costs up to the $2,490 deductible (as of 2022) before the plan begins to pay for anything. If you currently have Medicare Supplement Plan F, you can switch to high-deductible Plan F by contacting your insurance provider.

What is the cost for Medicare Plan F in 2022?

The average premium for Medicare Supplement Insurance Plan F in 2022 is $172.75 per month, or $2,073 per year.

When did Medicare Plan F stop?

According to AARP, Medicare Supplement Plan F provides the most coverage, and as a result, it's the most popular plan among those eligible for Medicare. But with recent changes, Plan F is no longer available to everyone as of January 1, 2020.

Should I switch from F to G?

When it comes to coverage, Medicare Supplement Plan F will give you the most coverage since it's a first-dollar coverage plan and leaves you with zero out-of-pocket costs. However, when it comes to the monthly premium, if you think lower is better, then Medicare Supplement Plan G may be better for you.

Does plan G replace plan F?

Medicare Supplement Plan G is almost identical to Plan F, except for the Part B deductible. If you select Plan G, you'll need to pay your Part B deductible ($233 for 2022), yourself.

Can I change from Medicare Plan F to plan G?

Switching from Plan F to Plan G

If you enrolled in Plan F before 2020, you can continue your plan or switch to another Medigap plan, such as Plan G, if you prefer. You may want to make the change to reduce the price of your health insurance.

Which Medigap plans are no longer available?

note: As of January 1, 2020, Medigap plans sold to people new to Medicare can no longer cover the Part B deductible. Because of this, Plans C and F are no longer available to people new to Medicare on or after January 1, 2020.

Is Medigap plan F available?

In 47 of 50 states, beneficiaries can enroll in Medigap Plan F. The three states that do not offer this plan are Massachusetts, Minnesota, and Wisconsin. These three states have Medicare Supplement plans similar to the lettered plans available in most other states.

What is the difference between AARP plan F and plan G?

The most comprehensive plan currently available is Medigap Plan F. It covers all Medicare gaps. The next most comprehensive plan is Plan G, which covers nearly as much, with the Part B deductible being the only difference.

Who is still eligible for plan F?

Plan F is only available if you first became eligible for Medicare before January 1, 2020 (which means your 65th birthday occurred before January 1, 2020). Or you qualified for Medicare due to a disability before January 1, 2020.

What is the most popular Medigap plan for 2021?

Medigap Plans F and G are the most popular Medicare Supplement plans in 2021. Learn more about other popular plans like Plan N and compare your Medigap plan options.

Can I switch from plan G to plan F without underwriting?

Yes, you can. However, it usually still requires answering health questions on an application before they will approve the switch. There are a few companies in a few states that are allowing their members to switch from F to G without review, but most still require you to apply to switch.

Will plan F premiums increase?

As time goes on and the number of Plan F members decrease (especially when new enrollees can no longer purchase Plan F and, thus, increase the risk pool), it's expected for Plan F premiums to steadily increase.

Are Medicare Part F premiums tax deductible?

Are Medicare Plan F premiums tax-deductible? When filing your federal tax return, Medicare Plan F premiums would be tax-deductible. Additionally, any medical expenses that you pay for out of pocket can also be deducted on your taxes.

What is the deductible for plan F in 2022?

Effective January 1, 2022, the annual deductible amount for these three plans is $2,490.

Is there a Medicare Supplement that covers everything?

Medicare Supplement insurance Plan F offers more coverage than any other Medicare Supplement insurance plan. It usually covers everything that Plan G covers as well as: The Medicare Part B deductible at 100% (the Part B deductible is $203 in 2021).

What is the most popular Medigap policy?

Plan F and Plan G are the two most popular Medigap plans. Plan F is only available to those who qualified for Medicare before 2020, but because of its comprehensive benefits, about 49% of Medicare Supplement enrollees have chosen this plan.

Why do doctors not like Medicare Advantage plans?

If they don't say under budget, they end up losing money. Meaning, you may not receive the full extent of care. Thus, many doctors will likely tell you they do not like Medicare Advantage plans because private insurance companies make it difficult for them to get paid for their services.