Medicare Supplement Plan F
The Most Comprehensive Medigap Plan (For Those Eligible Before 2020)
Availability Notice: Medicare Supplement Plan F is only available to people who were eligible for Medicare before January 1, 2020. If you became eligible after that date, consider Plan G instead.
What Is Medicare Supplement Plan F?
Medicare Supplement Plan F offers the most comprehensive coverage of any Medigap plan - covering 100% of Medicare-approved costs with absolutely no out-of-pocket expenses beyond your monthly premium. However, Plan F is only available to people who were eligible for Medicare before January 1, 2020.
Plan F was the most popular Medigap plan for decades, and for good reason: it eliminates every Medicare cost-sharing requirement. After paying your monthly premium, you have zero deductibles, zero copays, and zero coinsurance for any Medicare-covered service.
The key difference between Plan F and Plan G is that Plan F covers the Part B annual deductible ($283 in 2026), while Plan G does not. This single benefit is what makes Plan F premiums higher. For most people, Plan G offers better value since the premium savings typically exceed the deductible amount.
The Medicare Access and CHIP Reauthorization Act (MACRA) of 2015 prohibited new Medicare enrollees from purchasing plans that cover the Part B deductible, effective January 1, 2020. This means Plan F and Plan C are no longer available to anyone who became eligible for Medicare after that date.
If you currently have Plan F, you can keep it - it's guaranteed renewable regardless of health changes. However, as the Plan F risk pool ages and shrinks, premiums may increase faster than other plans. It's worth periodically comparing your Plan F premium to Plan G to see if switching makes financial sense.
Key Highlights
- Covers 100% of Medicare-approved costs - zero out-of-pocket after premium
- The only Medigap plan that covers the Part B deductible
- No networks - see any doctor or hospital that accepts Medicare
- Covers Part B excess charges
- Only available to those eligible for Medicare before January 1, 2020
What Does Plan F Cover?
Part A hospital coinsurance & costs (up to 365 days after Medicare benefits)
Part A hospice care coinsurance or copayment
Part A deductible ($1,736 in 2026)
Part B coinsurance or copayment
Part B excess charges
Part B deductible ($283 in 2026)
Plan F covers this - Plan G does not
Blood (first 3 pints)
Skilled nursing facility coinsurance
Foreign travel emergency (up to plan limits)
80% after $250 deductible, up to $50,000 lifetime
All Medigap plans are standardized by federal law. Benefits are identical regardless of which insurer you choose.
Plan F Pros & Cons
Pros
- ✓ Truly zero out-of-pocket costs for Medicare-covered services
- ✓ Simplest coverage - no deductibles, copays, or coinsurance
- ✓ Covers Part B deductible and excess charges
- ✓ Predictable costs - just your monthly premium
Cons
- ✗ Not available to new Medicare enrollees (must have been eligible before Jan 1, 2020)
- ✗ Highest premiums of all Medigap plans
- ✗ Premiums typically $20–$50/month more than Plan G for the same coverage minus Part B deductible
- ✗ Shrinking pool of enrollees may cause premiums to rise faster over time
Frequently Asked Questions
Ready to Compare Medicare Supplement Plan F Quotes?
Our licensed Medicare agents compare rates from multiple carriers at no cost to you. Get your personalized quote in minutes.