
Medigap Plan F is no longer available for sale to new Medicare beneficiaries, as of January 1, 2020.
This change was made as part of the Medicare Access and CHIP Reauthorization Act (MACRA) of 2015, which aimed to improve the sustainability of Medicare by reducing costs.
Medigap Plan F was the most comprehensive and expensive Medigap plan, covering 100% of Medicare-approved costs, including deductibles, copays, and coinsurance.
New Medicare beneficiaries can choose from 10 other Medigap plans, each with varying levels of coverage and premiums.
Availability and Changes
Medicare Supplement Plan F is still available, but with some changes. You can still enroll in Plan F if you were eligible for Medicare before January 1, 2020.
If you're already enrolled in Plan F, your enrollment remains active unless you choose a different plan or fail to pay your premiums.
The eligibility rules for Plan F are based on when you were first eligible for Medicare, not when you try to purchase a plan. This means that if you were eligible for Medicare on or before January 1, 2020, you can still purchase Plan F.
There are two types of Plan F coverage available: standard and high-deductible. The standard option requires a monthly premium, while the high-deductible option has a lower monthly premium but requires you to pay your entire deductible amount before the plan covers any associated healthcare costs.
Here are the key points to keep in mind about Plan F availability and changes:
- Medicare Plan F is still available for people who were eligible for Medicare before January 1, 2020.
- Plan F is not available for people who became eligible for Medicare on or after January 1, 2020.
- There are two types of Plan F coverage available: standard and high-deductible.
Understanding Medigap Plan F
Medigap Plan F is still available, but with some limitations. Medicare Plan F has not been discontinued, but it is only available for people who were eligible for Medicare before January 1, 2020.
If you were eligible for Medicare before that date, you can still enroll in Plan F, and your enrollment remains active unless you choose a different plan or fail to pay your premiums. You can choose between standard and high-deductible coverage options.
There are two types of Plan F coverage available for those who are eligible: standard and high-deductible.
What Is Medigap Plan F
Medigap Plan F is a popular option for Medicare beneficiaries.
It's also known as Medicare Supplement Plan F, and it covers 100% of Medicare-approved expenses, except for the Part B deductible.
This plan has been around since 1992, and it's been a favorite among seniors due to its comprehensive coverage.
It's worth noting that Plan F is no longer available to new Medicare enrollees as of 2020.
Plan F covers a wide range of services, including copays, coinsurance, and deductibles, for Medicare Part A and Part B.
This means that you won't have to worry about paying out-of-pocket for these expenses.
One of the most significant benefits of Plan F is that it covers the Medicare Part B deductible of $203 in 2022.
This can be a significant cost savings for many Medicare beneficiaries.
What Is Insurance?
Insurance is a type of protection that helps pay for unexpected medical expenses.
Medicare Supplement Insurance, also known as Medigap plans, are insurance plans offered by private health insurance companies. These plans don't directly pay for medical care.
Medigap plans cover out-of-pocket costs associated with Original Medicare insurance, such as deductibles, coinsurance, and copays. This means they pay for things like your Medicare Part B deductible, Part B coinsurance and copays.
The cost of Medigap plans varies depending on your location and which plan you buy. However, coverage is standardized, so every plan will cover the exact same things no matter which state you are in.
Medigap plans are referred to by letter names, such as Plan F and Plan C. These plan names don't correspond to any "Part" of Medicare.
Are Other Medigap Plans Similar?
If you're looking for a Medigap plan similar to Plan F, you have options. Plan G, for example, offers identical coverage for Part A deductible, Part A coinsurance and hospital costs, Part A skilled nursing facility coinsurance, and Part A hospice coinsurance and copays.
Plan D also covers these costs in full, just like Plan F and Plan G. However, it doesn't cover Part B excess charges.
Plan N is another option, but it doesn't cover Part B deductible, Part B coinsurance and copays, or Part B excess charges.
Here's a comparison table to help you visualize the coverage:
Eligibility and Options
Medigap Plan F is still available for purchase by new Medicare beneficiaries, but only for those who are eligible for Medicare Part B's late enrollment penalty.
You can buy Medigap Plan F if you're 65 or older and enroll in Medicare Part B within eight months of your 65th birthday or your Medicare Part B effective date.
Medigap Plan F is not available for purchase by people who are eligible for Medicare due to disability, unless they're 65 or older.
You can also buy Medigap Plan F if you're 65 or older and have a Medicare Advantage plan, but you'll need to switch back to Original Medicare first.
Medigap Plan F is not available for purchase by people who are eligible for Medicare due to disability, unless they're 65 or older.
The Medicare Modernization Act of 2003 eliminated the sale of Medigap Plan F to new Medicare beneficiaries who are eligible for Medicare due to disability.
Plan Details and Rates
Medigap Plan F is still available for purchase, but only for those who are newly eligible for Medicare or are in their initial enrollment period.
Plan F offers the most comprehensive coverage, with a monthly premium that varies depending on the insurance company and your location.
The monthly premium for Plan F can range from around $150 to over $400, depending on the insurance company and your location.
In some states, like Massachusetts, Minnesota, and Wisconsin, Plan F is not available, and Plan G is the alternative.
Plan G is similar to Plan F, but it doesn't cover the Part B deductible, which can be a significant out-of-pocket expense.
Plan G's monthly premium is often lower than Plan F's, typically ranging from $100 to over $300, depending on the insurance company and your location.
Replacing Plan F
If you're looking to replace Plan F, you have a few options to consider. Plan G is a popular alternative, offering 100% coverage for most Original Medicare services, including Part A coinsurance and hospital costs, Part B coinsurance and copays, and more.
Plan G is also 80% covered for foreign travel emergency care, making it a great option for those who travel frequently. However, it does not cover the Medicare Part B deductible.
Here's a comparison of Plan F and Plan G:
As you can see, the main difference between Plan F and Plan G is the coverage of the Part B deductible. Plan F covers it, while Plan G does not.
What Is Replacing Plan F
Plan F is being phased out, but don't worry, there are options available to replace it.
Insurance companies are expected to increase premiums for Plan F over time, especially since it's limited to existing members.
You can still buy Plan F if you turned 65 before January 1st, 2020, even if you didn't have Medicare coverage before.
New Medicare enrollees who were eligible before 2020 can also still purchase Plan F.
The Medicare Access and CHIP Reauthorization Act of 2015 (MACRA) is the reason Plan F is being phased out.
The law aimed to reduce the potential for overuse of Medicare services by requiring a deductible.
This change went into effect on January 1, 2020, affecting Medigap plans that cover the Medicare Part B deductible.
If you were eligible for Medicare before 2020 but didn't enroll at that time, you may still be able to buy a Plan F policy.
Medicare Supplement plans like Plan G, which requires a Part B deductible, are now available to new enrollees.
These plans offer similar coverage to Plan F but with the added benefit of a deductible, making them a more sustainable option.
You can still enroll in a Medicare Supplement plan that's similar to Plan F, but with a deductible, so it's worth exploring your options.
What Are My Options Now
You still have options for comprehensive coverage, even if Plan F is off the table.
There are many Medigap plans out there, so you'll most likely be able to find a plan that suits your needs.
You won't be able to buy Plan F, but this doesn't mean you're out of luck.
Alternatives
If you're looking for alternatives to Plan F, you have two main options: Medicare Supplement Plan G and Medicare Supplement Plan F.
Plan G offers 100% coverage for most Original Medicare services and covers 80% of foreign travel emergency care. It's a great option for those who want comprehensive coverage without the high cost of Plan F.
The main difference between Plan F and Plan G is the coverage of the Medicare Part B deductible, which Plan F covers in full. Plan G, on the other hand, does not cover this deductible.
Plan G has a lower cost compared to Plan F, which makes it an attractive option for those on a budget. Here's a comparison of the two plans:
Keep in mind that while Plan G is cheaper, it doesn't cover the Part B deductible. If you're willing to pay for this deductible out-of-pocket, Plan G might be a good choice for you.
Key Takeaways
Medigap Plan F is a comprehensive option that covers a lot of basic healthcare services, but it can only be purchased by people who were eligible for Medicare before January 1, 2020.
Original Medicare covers a host of essential inpatient and outpatient health expenses, but you will still have to pay copayments, coinsurance, and deductibles. Medigap plans can help with these costs.
You cannot have both a Medigap plan and a Medicare Advantage plan. If you want a level of coverage similar to what Plan F offers but you don’t qualify to purchase it, you may need to explore other options.
Medigap plans are private insurance plans you can buy to offset your share of Original Medicare costs. Plan F is one of several options in this program.
Here are some key facts about Medigap Plan F:
- Plan F is the most comprehensive Medigap plan.
- You can only purchase Plan F if you first became eligible for Medicare before January 1, 2020.
Thoughts
Plan F is being phased out, but it's not a huge loss because there are other plans to choose from.
Plan G offers basically the same coverage as Plan F, making it a viable alternative.
You should examine your unique needs and situation to determine which coverage is best for you.
Comparing your options is crucial to making an informed decision.
There are now fewer plan options available than before, but you'll still find something that works for you.
Frequently Asked Questions
Will Medicare Plan F be grandfathered?
Medicare Plan F is grandfathered for those who qualified for Medicare before 2020. Those who qualify for Medicare after 2020 are not eligible to enroll in Plan F.
Can you still enroll in Medigap Plan F?
Medigap Plan F is not available for those who turned 65 on or after January 1, 2020, but may be an option if you were eligible for Medicare before then and hadn't signed up
Sources
- https://www.medicareplans.com/is-medicare-supplement-plan-f-going-away/
- https://clearmatchmedicare.com/blog/medicare/why-is-medicare-supplement-plan-f-being-discontinued
- https://www.gohealth.com/medicare/medicare-supplement/medicare-plan-f/
- https://www.healthpartners.com/blog/why-is-medicare-supplement-plan-f-medigap-going-away/
- https://www.healthline.com/health/medicare/medicare-plan-f-going-away
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