Will Plan F be phased out?

Asked by: Elyssa Medhurst II  |  Last update: November 11, 2023
Score: 4.9/5 (62 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.

Has Plan F been discontinued?

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).

Why is Plan F going away?

So, why is Plan F going away? 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.

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.

Medicare Supplement Plan F - Not worth it anymore?

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Should I change 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.

Can you switch from Plan F to 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.

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.

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 Part F and Part G Medicare Supplement?

The main difference between Medigap Plan F and Medigap Plan G is that any Medicare beneficiary can buy Plan G, whereas Plan F is limited to beneficiaries who became eligible for Medicare before Jan. 1, 2020. For new Medicare beneficiaries, Plan F isn't an option.

Is Medicare Advantage going to be discontinued?

In a word—no, Medicare isn't going away any time soon, and Medicare Advantage plans aren't being phased out.

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.

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.

When did Plan F end?

In 2014, Congress passed legislation that included a prohibition against “first-dollar” Medigap coverage (i.e. Plan F). This took effect in 2020. As of 1/1/2020, plans that covered “everything” Medicare does not cover, including Plans F and C, were eliminated to NEW enrollees.

What is AARP Medicare Supplement Plan F?

Plan F is the most comprehensive of the 10 Medigap plans offered in the U.S. Plan F is a supplemental policy to Original Medicare (Parts A and B) and can fill many of the gaps of Original Medicare and provide broader assistance with out-of-pocket costs. However, not all health insurance gaps will be covered by Plan F.

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.

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 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.

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.

What is the most comprehensive Medicare Supplement plan?

Medicare Supplement Plan F is the most comprehensive Medigap option available, providing beneficiaries with 100% coverage of Medicare-covered medical expenses after Original Medicare pays its portion.

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.

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.

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.

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.