Medicare Plan F
When searching for Medicare Part F, many people may find themselves confused because there is no official “Medicare Part F.” Instead, what you’re likely looking for is Medicare Supplement Plan F (also known as Medigap Plan F), a popular supplemental insurance plan designed to cover certain out-of-pocket costs that Original Medicare doesn’t fully pay. While this plan is still available for some beneficiaries, it’s important to understand the specifics of who can get it, its benefits, and how it compares to other plans.
Why Does Medicare Part F No Longer Exist?
Medicare Part F does not exist, and this often confuses people when they search for information about it. However, Medicare Supplement Plan F is one of the ten Medigap plans available to help beneficiaries cover additional costs that Original Medicare (Part A and Part B) doesn’t pay for. Since January 1, 2020, Plan F has no longer been available to individuals who become eligible for Medicare after this date. If you are new to Medicare, you won’t be able to purchase Plan F, but you can still consider other options, like Medicare Supplement Plan G, which offers similar benefits but without covering the Part B deductible.
What Is Medicare Supplement Plan F?
Medicare Supplement Plan F is often regarded as the most comprehensive Medigap plan available. It covers nearly all out-of-pocket costs associated with Original Medicare, including deductibles, coinsurance, and copayments. This plan is designed to provide beneficiaries with financial security, reducing the likelihood of having unexpected medical expenses beyond their Part A and Part B coverage.
Benefits of Plan F
Plan F provides extensive coverage for medical services, especially hospital and doctor costs that Original Medicare does not cover. For example, it covers:
- Medicare Part A benefits such as coinsurance and hospital costs, including hospice care coinsurance and skilled nursing facility care coinsurance.
- Medicare Part B coverage, including coinsurance or copayments, excess charges, and the Part B deductible.
- Other benefits include coverage for foreign travel emergency expenses, the first three pints of blood, and skilled nursing facility care coinsurance.
However, despite its wide coverage, it’s important to note that Medicare Supplement Plan F does not cover Part B premiums, and you may still owe premiums for Medicare Part A if you haven’t worked enough quarters to qualify for premium-free coverage.
Who Qualifies for Medicare Supplement Plan F?
To qualify for Plan F, you must have been eligible for Medicare before January 1, 2020. Since then, newly eligible individuals cannot purchase Plan F. If you qualify, you will need to have Medicare Part A and Part B to be eligible for this supplemental coverage. In some cases, if you qualified before 2020 and missed signing up for Plan F, you may still be able to enroll depending on certain conditions.
Costs of Medicare Supplement Plan F
The cost of Medicare Supplement Plan F can vary significantly depending on various factors, including your age, gender, location, and whether you use tobacco. Generally, this plan is one of the more expensive Medigap options due to its extensive coverage. However, some beneficiaries can choose High-Deductible Plan F, which offers the same benefits but requires you to meet a higher deductible before coverage kicks in.
For example, in 2025, the deductible for High-Deductible Plan F is expected to be around $2,870. This variation helps reduce premium costs but increases your out-of-pocket expenses until you meet the deductible.
How Does Plan F Compare to Plan G?
Many people wonder how Plan F compares to Medicare Supplement Plan G, especially given that Plan G is available to those who became eligible for Medicare after January 1, 2020. Plan G offers nearly identical benefits to Plan F, but it does not cover the Part B deductible, which is around $240 in 2024.
Plan G can be a more affordable option for beneficiaries, especially those who don’t mind paying the Part B deductible themselves. However, for individuals who are used to the all-inclusive coverage provided by Plan F, switching to Plan G may require careful consideration of ongoing medical costs.
Is Medicare Supplement Plan F Still Available?
As mentioned, Plan F is no longer available for new Medicare beneficiaries as of January 1, 2020, due to changes in federal law. If you were already enrolled in Plan F before this date, you can generally keep your coverage, and it will continue to provide the same benefits. However, if you’re newly eligible for Medicare, you’ll need to explore other Medigap options like Plan G or Plan N.