What it is
Medigap Plan F is a standardized Medicare Supplement insurance plan sold by private insurance companies. It works alongside Original Medicare (Part A and Part B). It is designed to help with many of the out-of-pocket costs Original Medicare leaves behind.
Plan F is known as one of the most comprehensive plan letters. There is also a high-deductible version of Plan F. Both are available only to people who became eligible for Medicare before January 1, 2020, or who were already eligible by then.
People newly eligible for Medicare today can buy Plans A, B, D, G, K, L, M and N, as well as high-deductible Plan G. Plans C and F are not sold to them. Plans E, H, I and J were discontinued and are not sold today. Massachusetts, Minnesota and Wisconsin standardize Medigap differently, so plan names there may not match.
How it’s traditionally been approached
Many people who qualify for Plan F have chosen it because they like having coverage that is simple to understand. The idea is to pair Original Medicare with one supplement and know what to expect when they see a doctor.
Medigap plans, including Plan F, let people see any provider in the country that accepts Medicare. There are no networks and no referrals. Medigap does not include drug coverage, so people often add a separate Part D plan. It also does not include routine dental, vision or hearing.
Others compare Plan F with Plan G or Plan N, or look at Medicare Advantage instead. Medicare Advantage often has lower monthly premiums, an annual out-of-pocket maximum, extra benefits and drug coverage in many plans. It may also bring networks, prior authorization and copays. Neither approach is wrong. It depends on a person's needs and budget.
How the right licensed agent may help
A Medigap agent is a licensed professional who may help you understand whether you qualify for Plan F and how it compares to other plan letters. A conversation is usually relaxed. The agent may ask when you became eligible for Medicare, where you live, and which doctors and pharmacies matter to you.
Good questions to ask include: Am I eligible for Plan F based on my Medicare date? How does Plan F compare with Plan G? Will I need medical underwriting? Do I have open enrollment or guaranteed issue rights? How do I add drug coverage?
Rules about enrollment windows, guaranteed issue and birthday or anniversary rights vary by state and change over time. A Medigap agent may help you sort through them, and you can also check with Medicare.gov or your State Health Insurance Assistance Program (SHIP). Call 1-800-MEDIGAP for more information.
The bigger picture
Choosing a supplement is about more than paperwork. Knowing how your health care costs may be handled can bring real peace of mind, and worry about bills can weigh on sleep, stress and health. Taking time to understand your options may help you feel steadier.
A good decision also fits your whole life, including your budget, your doctors and your travel plans. If you are looking for care providers, Providers.plus may be one place to explore. Go at your own pace and ask for help when you want it.
Keep in mind
- Plan F is available only to people who became eligible for Medicare before January 1, 2020.
- If you are newly eligible, Plan G and other letters may be options to ask about.
- Rules, availability and underwriting vary by state and carrier, so confirm current details with Medicare.gov, your SHIP or a licensed agent.
- This page is education only, not insurance, legal, tax or medical advice, and no plan is guaranteed to be right for you.
Take the next step
- Talk with a Medigap agent ↗Jeff Cline on contacts.plus — a person, not a call center.
Not sure where to start? Answer a few gentle questions and choose who you’d like to hear from.
Call 1-800-MEDIGAP for more information
Frequently asked questions
What is Medigap Plan F?
Medigap Plan F is a standardized Medicare Supplement plan that helps with many costs Original Medicare does not pay. It is sold by private insurers. It is available only to people who became eligible for Medicare before January 1, 2020.
Can I still buy Medigap Plan F?
It depends on when you became eligible for Medicare. If you were eligible before January 1, 2020, you may be able to apply. If not, Plan F is not sold to you, and a Medigap agent can explain other plan letters.
What is the difference between Medigap Plan F and Plan G?
Plan F and Plan G are very similar, but Plan G does not include one benefit that Plan F does, the Part B deductible. Plan G is open to people newly eligible for Medicare. A Medigap agent can explain how the two compare for your situation.
Is there a high-deductible Medigap Plan F?
Yes, a high-deductible version of Plan F exists. Like regular Plan F, it is available only to people who became eligible before January 1, 2020. Ask a Medigap agent how it works before deciding.
Does Medigap Plan F cover prescription drugs?
No, Medigap plans do not include prescription drug coverage. People usually add a separate Medicare Part D plan. Medigap also does not cover routine dental, vision or hearing.
Is Medigap Plan F better than Medicare Advantage?
Neither is better for everyone. Medigap offers any-provider access nationwide among those accepting Medicare and predictable cost-sharing, but premiums are often higher. Medicare Advantage may cost less monthly and add extras, but it can have networks and prior authorization. Call 1-800-MEDIGAP for more information.
Educational resource. 1-800-MEDIGAP shares general information and connects people with independent licensed agents. It is not professional advice. Talk with a qualified professional about your own situation.