Medigap Plan F and Medigap Plan G are the two most comprehensive Medicare Supplement Insurance plans. 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.
Both Plans F and G also offer a high-deductible Medigap plan in some states.
Because Plan F covers more than Plan G, it also costs more. If you qualify for Medigap Plan F, you should consider whether it’s worth the price increase over Plan G.
Here’s what you need to know about the difference between Medigap Plan F and Medigap Plan G to help you decide which is best for you.
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Who can sign up for Medicare Supplement Plan F?
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.
If you were eligible for Medicare before the start of 2020 and you bought Plan F, you can keep the plan.
If you were eligible for Medicare before the start of 2020 but didn’t enroll at that time (because you were still working and covered by an employer plan, for example), you may be able to buy Plan F when you do sign up for Medicare.
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What’s the coverage difference between Plan F and Plan G?
Medigap Plan F and Plan G have almost the same coverage. The only difference is the Medicare Part B deductible.
Benefits that are the same in Plan F and Plan G
Here are the benefits that both Medigap Plan F and Plan G cover, according to Medicare.gov:
Part A coinsurance and hospital costs up to an additional 365 days after Medicare benefits are used up.
Part A deductible.
Part A hospice care coinsurance or copayment.
Part B coinsurance or copayment.
Part B excess charges (if a provider is permitted to charge more than Medicare’s approved amount and does so).
Blood transfusion (first three pints).
Skilled nursing facility care coinsurance.
Medically necessary emergency health care service for the first 60 days when traveling outside the U.S. Deductible and limitations apply.
Benefits that differ between Plan F and Plan G
In addition to everything above, Medigap Plan F also covers the Medicare Part B deductible ($240 in 2024).
Plan G doesn’t cover that deductible. In fact, no Medigap plan sold to anyone who became eligible for Medicare on or after Jan. 1, 2020, can cover the Part B deductible.
» MORE: Compare Medicare Supplement Insurance plans
What’s the cost comparison between Plan F and Plan G?
Since there’s only one difference in coverage, you might expect small differences in price. Sometimes that’s true, and you may find that Plan F costs $10-$20 more per month than Plan G. In other instances, the price gap might be considerably larger.
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Is Medigap Plan F worth it?
Medigap Plan F and Plan G differ only in terms of coverage for the Part B deductible. That deductible is $240 in 2024.
It’s worth it to pay for coverage for the Part B deductible only if the annual cost is less than what you would pay for the deductible out of pocket. So if the annual difference between what you would pay for Plan F and Plan G is less than $240 in 2024, then Plan F could be worth it. Otherwise, you might want to consider switching plans.
When Plan F makes sense
The $240 Medicare Part B deductible divided over 12 months is $20 per month. In 2024, if Plan F costs less than $20 per month more than Plan G, it could save you money.
Should I switch from Plan F to Plan G?
In 2024, if the monthly premium for Plan F is more expensive than Plan G by $20 or more, then Plan G is the better deal.
» MORE: Best Medicare Supplement Plan G companies
Find the right Medicare Supplement Insurance plan
Because Medigap plans are standardized, you can get precisely the same Medicare benefits from any company offering the plan. So when you shop, keep these considerations in mind to find the best policy to fit your needs:
Is your preferred plan available? Health insurance companies don’t always sell every plan, so check who sells the plan you want to buy in your area.
What are the premiums? Prices for the same plan can vary between companies, so check to find the most competitive rates.
Will your premiums change over time? Most policies cost more as you age, but some companies offer policies that let you lock in a price when you sign up.
Are there extras? Medigap plans’ core benefits are standardized, but in certain cases, some companies include such perks as discount programs or gym memberships.
If you have additional questions about Medicare, visit Medicare.gov or call 800-MEDICARE (800-633-4227, TTY 877-486-2048).
