The Guide to Medicare Supplement Plan F
Medicare pays for a lot, but not everything.
On average, Medicare households spend $7,000 on healthcare. That’s double what non-Medicare households spent (KFF), which indicates that many Medicare beneficiaries need a little extra help.
This is where Medicare Supplement Plans (Medigap) come in. These private insurance policies help cover out-of-pocket costs like deductibles, copayments, and coinsurance. These plans make healthcare expenses more predictable and reduce financial uncertainty.
Among them, Plan F has long been known for its comprehensive coverage. However, Medicare rules changed in 2020, and Plan F is no longer available to new Medicare enrollees.
If you qualified for Medicare before January 1, 2020, you may still be eligible. If not, other Medigap options, like Plan G, offer similar benefits.
At Senior Insurance Agency, we help people understand Medicare Supplement Insurance Plans and choose coverage based on their needs. If you’re eligible for Plan F — or need an alternative — we’re here to break it all down for you.
What Is Medicare Supplement Plan F?
Medicare Supplement Plan F is known for offering the most comprehensive coverage of all Medigap plans. Designed to work alongside Original Medicare (Parts A & B), Plan F helps cover nearly every out-of-pocket cost that Medicare beneficiaries would otherwise have to pay themselves.
What Does Plan F Cover?
Plan F eliminates most out-of-pocket expenses by covering:
- Medicare Part A deductible, coinsurance, and hospital costs beyond what Medicare covers.
- Medicare Part B deductible, coinsurance, and copayments.
- First three pints of blood needed for a medical procedure.
- Skilled nursing facility care coinsurance.
- Foreign travel emergency care (up to plan limits).
By covering both the Medicare Part A and Part B deductibles, Plan F can offer a predictable option for beneficiaries who want minimal out-of-pocket costs.
Who Is Plan F Designed For?
Plan F can work for individuals who want the broadest possible coverage to limit unexpected medical expenses. Particularly, it’s for:
- Seniors who visit doctors or specialists frequently and want predictable healthcare costs.
- Beneficiaries who travel abroad and need emergency medical coverage.
- Anyone who prefers to pay a higher premium in exchange for little to no out-of-pocket expenses when receiving medical care.
For those who qualify, Medicare Supplement Plan F can cover nearly every cost gap in Medicare so that beneficiaries are protected from surprise medical bills.
Is Medicare Plan F Right for You?
Eligibility for Plan F
Medicare Supplement Plan F was once available to all beneficiaries looking for holistic coverage, but changes in Medicare rules have limited its availability to specific individuals.
Who Can Enroll in Plan F?
Plan F is only available to beneficiaries eligible for Medicare before January 1, 2020. If you qualified for Medicare before this date, you can still apply for Plan F — even if you haven’t enrolled in a Medigap plan yet.
However, if you became eligible for Medicare on or after January 1, 2020, you cannot sign up for Plan F. This change was made as part of the Medicare Access and CHIP Reauthorization Act (MACRA), which eliminated Medigap plans that cover the Part B deductible for newly eligible beneficiaries.
How Does This Impact New Medicare Beneficiaries?
- If you were eligible for Medicare before January 1, 2020 → You can still enroll in Plan F if an insurance company offers it in your state.
- If you became eligible for Medicare on or after January 1, 2020 → You cannot choose Plan F and must consider alternative Medigap options, like Plan G or Plan N.
What If You’re No Longer Eligible for Plan F?
If you missed the eligibility cutoff date, there are still strong alternatives:
- Medicare Supplement Plan G: The closest alternative to Plan F, covering everything Plan F does except for the Medicare Part B deductible.
- Medicare Supplement Plan N: A more cost-effective option with slightly lower premiums, though it requires some copayments for office visits and emergency care.
For those ineligible for Plan F, comparing Plan G and Plan N can help find the balance between coverage and cost. Senior Insurance Agency can assist in evaluating these options.
Potential Benefits of Plan F Coverage
Medicare Supplement Plan F is widely regarded as the most comprehensive Medigap plan available. It is designed to eliminate nearly all out-of-pocket expenses for beneficiaries, making it a popular choice for those who want predictable healthcare costs and full coverage.
What Does Plan F Cover?
Plan F covers every gap in Original Medicare (Parts A & B) so that beneficiaries don’t have to worry about surprise medical bills. Here’s what is included:
Part A Coinsurance and Hospital Costs
Covers all hospital coinsurance and additional hospital days beyond what Medicare covers. Beneficiaries receive up to 365 extra days of hospital coverage after Medicare benefits are used up.
Part B Coinsurance or Copayments
Medicare typically covers 80% of outpatient care, leaving beneficiaries responsible for the remaining 20%. Plan F covers this cost, meaning zero copays for doctor visits, specialists, and outpatient procedures.
First Three Pints of Blood
If a medical procedure requires a blood transfusion, Medicare does not cover the first three pints of blood. Plan F pays for this cost entirely.
Skilled Nursing Facility Care Coinsurance
Medicare only covers the first 20 days of skilled nursing care in full. From days 21-100, beneficiaries are responsible for daily coinsurance costs. Plan F fully covers these expenses.
Foreign Travel Emergency Coverage
Plan F provides emergency medical coverage when traveling outside the U.S. It covers 80% of approved costs after a small deductible, up to the plan’s limits.
Why Choose Plan F?
The biggest advantage of Plan F is its ability to eliminate almost all out-of-pocket expenses. Beneficiaries never have to worry about copayments, deductibles, or coinsurance.
For individuals who frequently visit doctors, specialists, or require ongoing medical care, Plan F can help cover nearly all medical expenses, regardless of how often care is needed.
Get a Complete Guide to Plan F
Costs Associated with Plan F
While Medicare Supplement Plan F offers the most comprehensive coverage, it also comes with one of the highest premiums among Medigap plans. Because it eliminates nearly all out-of-pocket expenses, beneficiaries pay a monthly premium in exchange for full coverage.
How Plan F Premiums Work
Plan F does not have a deductible. It covers both Medicare Part A and Part B deductibles, meaning beneficiaries don’t have to pay anything out-of-pocket before coverage begins. However, this convenience comes at a cost, as Plan F premiums tend to be higher than other Medigap plans.
The exact cost of Plan F varies based on several factors:
- Location: Premiums vary by state, with some regions having significantly higher rates.
- Age: Some insurers increase premiums as beneficiaries age, while others offer community-rated pricing.
- Tobacco Use: Smokers often pay higher premiums than non-smokers.
- Insurance Provider: Since Medigap plans are sold by private health insurance companies, pricing structures can differ.
High-Deductible Plan F: A Cost-Saving Alternative
For those who want lower monthly premiums but still need comprehensive Medicare coverage, High-Deductible Plan F is an option. This version of Plan F works the same way as the standard plan but requires beneficiaries to pay a deductible before full coverage kicks in.
- In 2025, the high-deductible amount is $2,870.
- Once the deductible is met, the plan functions exactly like traditional Plan F, covering all Medicare-approved expenses.
- The trade-off is a lower monthly premium, making it a more affordable option for healthier individuals who don’t expect high medical costs.
While Plan F offers the most extensive Medigap coverage, be sure to weigh the higher premiums against expected healthcare expenses. Beneficiaries should compare standard Plan F and High-Deductible Plan F to determine which option aligns with their financial situation and healthcare needs.
Find Out If Plan F Fits You
Alternatives to Plan F
Since Medicare Supplement Plan F is no longer available to new Medicare beneficiaries after January 1, 2020, many turn to Plan G and Plan N as alternatives.
Plan G: The Most Comprehensive Alternative
Plan G covers everything Plan F does — except for the Medicare Part B deductible). Because of this, Plan G premiums tend to be lower than Plan F, making it a cost-effective choice once the deductible is met.
Plan N: A Budget-Friendly Option
Plan N offers lower premiums than both Plan F and Plan G but requires small copays for doctor visits ($20) and ER visits ($50). It does not cover Part B excess charges, meaning some doctors may bill extra beyond what Medicare covers.
Which Plan Should You Choose?
Plan G is the closest match to Plan F, with predictable costs and full coverage after the deductible. Plan N is ideal for those who want a lower monthly premium in exchange for small copays. If you qualified for Plan F before 2020, keeping it may still be the best option.
Senior Insurance Agency can help you compare options and find a fit based on your healthcare needs and budget.
Medicare Decisions Matter. Get Informed.
Medicare Supplement Plan F is one of the most comprehensive options available, offering full coverage with no out-of-pocket costs beyond the monthly premium. For those eligible, it helps cover deductibles, copayments, and coinsurance.
For those who are no longer eligible for Plan F, alternatives like Plan G and Plan N offer strong coverage with varying levels of cost-sharing. Making an informed choice means balancing premiums, coverage, and long-term healthcare needs — a decision that requires careful comparison and guidance.
Senior Insurance Agency can assist. With years of experience in Medicare Supplement Plans, we help our clients compare options, understand costs, and find a plan that fits. Medicare is not one-size-fits-all, and neither is our approach.
Make Your Medicare Choice Today
Understanding your Medicare options now can help you plan for future healthcare costs with confidence. Whether you’re considering Plan F, exploring alternatives, or just getting started, Senior Insurance Agency is here to guide you every step of the way.