Why Medicare Plan F Is No Longer Available to New Enrollees
The cost of Medicare Plan F is a frequent question, but the more important fact is that most people can no longer enroll in it. Plan F is a Medigap policy that covers all Medicare Part A and Part B deductibles and coinsurance. Because it is the most generous Medigap plan, Medicare closed enrollment to anyone who became eligible for Medicare on or after January 1, 2020. This rule applies regardless of where you live or which insurance company you choose. If you were already enrolled in Plan F before that date, you can keep it.
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For those who cannot get Plan F, the closest alternative is Plan G, which covers everything Plan F does except the Part B deductible. Understanding this distinction is essential because it shapes the actual out-of-pocket cost comparison between the two plans.
What Drives the Cost of Medicare Plan F
For current enrollees, the cost of Medicare Plan F is not set by the federal government. Instead, premiums are priced by private insurance companies and vary by location, age, gender, and underwriting rules. The three common pricing models are:
- Attained-age rating: Premiums increase as you get older, based on your current age.
- Issue-age rating: Premiums are based on the age you were when you first bought the policy and do not rise with age.
- Community-rate pricing: Everyone pays the same premium regardless of age, though increases can still happen.
Beyond the pricing model, insurers also factor in administrative costs, claims history in your zip code, and whether you qualify for a discount, such as being a non-smoker. Because Medigap is medically underwritten in most states, your health can also affect whether you are offered a policy and at what price.
Typical Premium Ranges and What They Cover
Premiums for Plan F can range widely. In many areas, annual premiums fall between roughly $1,500 and $3,000, but some high-cost regions or policies with additional riders push prices higher. The premium is separate from the Medicare Part B premium, which is deducted from Social Security. Plan F covers Part A coinsurance and hospital costs up to an additional 365 days after Medicare benefits run out, Part B coinsurance or copayment, the first three pints of blood, and the Part A deductible. It does not cover the Part B deductible, which is why Plan G has become the standard replacement for new enrollees.
| Coverage Item | Covered by Plan F | Covered by Plan G |
|---|---|---|
| Part A deductible | Yes | Yes |
| Part B deductible | Yes | No |
| Part A coinsurance and hospital costs | Yes | Yes |
| Part B coinsurance or copayment | Yes | Yes |
| Skilled nursing facility coinsurance | Yes | Yes |
| Foreign travel emergency (80%) | Yes | Yes |
How the Cost Compares to Plan G and Other Alternatives
Because Plan F covers the Part B deductible and Plan G does not, Plan F premiums are generally higher than Plan G premiums. For new enrollees, Plan G often provides better long-term value because the difference in premiums is usually smaller than the Part B deductible you would have to pay out of pocket. High-deductible versions of both Plan F and Plan G exist, which lower monthly premiums in exchange for a larger annual deductible before the plan pays anything.
What to Do If You Are Newly Eligible for Medicare
If you are turning 65 or qualify for Medicare before 2020, you have a one-time Medigap open enrollment period lasting six months from the start of your Part B coverage. During that window, insurers must sell you a Plan F (or any Medigap plan) without medical underwriting. If you miss that window, insurers may decline your application or charge higher premiums based on health history. Working with a licensed insurance broker can help you compare specific policies and understand the exact cost of Medicare Plan F or the best alternative for your situation.