Traditionally Medicare Supplement Plan F has been the most popular (with 46% of Medicare Supplement enrollees purchasing in a Plan F).  However, you may have heard that it is no longer being sold.

Read this article to find out why Plan F was so popular, and who can actually still purchase this plan.

Medicare Supplement Plan F

Plan F has traditionally been the most popular choice as it provides the most comprehensive coverage for Medicare beneficiaries. 

In total, there are 10 Medicare Supplement plans available: Plans A, B, C, D, F, G, K, L, M, and N in most states.   You can read more about how Medicare Supplement works and the different types of plans in our comprehensive guide to Medicare Supplement.

Medicare Supplement plans are standardized by law and so there is no difference in purchasing a Plan A from Company A and Company B.  As such when comparing the different private health insurance companies your choice comes down to price and the insurer’s reputation.

Is Plan F no longer available?

Starting in 2020, rules have changed so that Medicare Supplement plans that pay the Medicare Part B deductible will no longer be sold to those newly eligible for Medicare on or after January 1, 2020.  This change is part of the Medicare Access and CHIP Reauthorization Act of 2015 (MACRA).  This means that both Plans F and C cannot be purchased if you are newly eligible, however:

• If you were eligible for Medicare before January 1, 2020, you are still eligible to purchase a Plan F or Plan C
• If you are already enrolled in a Plan F (or Plan C) you may continue to stay enrolled in that plan

How much is the Medicare Part B deductible?

In 2024, the Medicare Part B deductible is $240.  This is the amount you have to pay before Part B pays for covered services.  This amount is covered by Plan F (and C) and will no longer be covered by for newly eligible Medicare beneficiaries.

What are some alternatives to Plan F?

If you become eligible for Medicare after January 1, 2020, the closest plan you can purchase is Medicare Supplement Plan G.  Traditionally Plan G has been the next most popular plan after Plan F with 27% of enrollees purchasing a Plan G.

Plan G has the same benefits as Plan F, except that it does not cover the Part B deductible.  For more information on Plan G read this article.   A second alternative is Medicare Supplement Plan N which is similar to Plan G but you will have more out-of-pocket costs with it. With Plan N you in addition to the Part B deductible which is not covered under Plan G, you are responsible to pay:

• Maximum of $20 for doctor visits and $50 for ER visits
• Medical excess charges (if any)

A high-deductible version of Plan G is also available.  With this option, you must pay for Medicare-covered out-of-pocket costs (coinsurance, copayments, and deductibles) up to a higher deductible before the policy pays anything.

Final Words

Plan F (and C) will no longer be available to newly eligible Medicare beneficiaries after January 1, 2020.  If you were eligible prior to January 1, 2020, or already enrolled in a Plan F (and C) prior to this date, you are still allowed to purchase or stay in these plans.  For newly eligible Medicare enrollees Medicare Supplement Plan G and N will be the next best alternatives if you are looking for comprehensive Medicare Supplement coverage.

At CoverRight, we’re here to help you find the right coverage that you deserve.   Reach out today and start finding the right Medicare plan for you.