By Did you know that choosing the wrong Medicare supplement plan could cost you thousands of dollars over time? Many people still think that Medicare Plan F is the best choice because it covers absolutely everything. However, the rules changed in 2020.
This means that Medicare Plan G is now often the smarter financial choice, even if you are eligible for Plan F. Understanding the key differences between medicare plan f vs plan g is the only way to protect your budget and health.
This expert guide breaks down the eligibility, costs, and benefits simply so you can make the right decision.
What Are Medicare Supplement Plans (Medigap)?
When you get Original Medicare (Part A and Part B), it covers many of your medical costs. But it does not pay for everything. You have “gaps” in your coverage, which include things like deductibles, copayments, and coinsurance.
Medicare Supplement Plans, also called Medigap, are private insurance policies. They work with your Original Medicare to fill these financial gaps. These plans pay the costs that Medicare Parts A and B leave for you to pay. This gives you predictable costs and much better financial protection.
- You must have Medicare Part A and Part B to buy a Medigap plan.
- Medigap policies are standardized by the government. This means a Plan G from one company offers the same basic benefits as a Plan G from any other company. Prices are the only difference.
- You cannot use Medigap with Medicare Advantage plans. You can only use it with Original Medicare.
Overview of Medicare Plan F and Plan G
Medicare Plan F and Medicare Plan G are known as the two most comprehensive Medigap plans. They offer the highest level of coverage. However, the biggest difference between plan f and plan g lies in a small deductible and the rules for who can sign up.
What is Medicare Plan F?
Plan F is famous for offering the most coverage available. It is often called a “first-dollar” plan because it pays 100% of all Medicare-approved out-of-pocket costs. This includes all deductibles, copayments, and coinsurance. Once Medicare School approves a service, you pay nothing.
What is Medicare Plan G?
Medigap Plan G offers almost the same complete coverage as Plan F. The single, small exception is the annual Medicare Part B deductible. With Plan G, you must pay this deductible amount yourself. After you pay it, Plan G covers everything else, including Part B coinsurance and excess charges, for the rest of the year.
Who is Eligible for Each Plan?
Eligibility is the most important rule to know right now.
- Plan F Eligibility: You can only buy medicare plan f if you became eligible for Medicare before January 1, 2020. This includes people who turned 65 before that date.
- Plan G Eligibility: Plan g medicare is available to all Medicare beneficiaries, regardless of when they became eligible. It has become the most popular choice for new enrollees.
Medicare Plan F vs Plan G: Key Coverage Differences
The great thing about Medigap plans is that they are easy to compare because their benefits are standardized.
Benefits Covered Under Both Plans
Both Plan F and medicare part g cover 100% of the following important expenses:
- Part A Coinsurance and Hospital Costs: Up to an extra $365$ days after Medicare benefits are used up.
- Part A Deductible: Covers the cost for hospital stays.
- Part B Coinsurance or Copayment: Covers costs for doctor visits and outpatient services.
- Part B Excess Charges: Pays fees if a doctor charges slightly more than Medicare’s approved amount.
- Skilled Nursing Facility Care: Covers coinsurance for this extended care.
- Foreign Travel Emergency: Provides 80% coverage for emergency care outside the U.S. (up to the plan’s limit).
The One Major Difference: Medicare Part B Deductible
The one key difference between the two plans is who pays the Part B deductible:
- Plan F Pays: Plan F covers the Medicare Part B deductible ($257 in 2025) for you. You pay nothing out of pocket.
- Plan G Does Not Pay: With Plan G, you pay the Medicare Part B deductible yourself. Once you meet this amount, Plan G covers the rest of the year’s costs.
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Comparison Chart: Plan F vs Plan G Benefits
This chart highlights the standardized benefits covered by the two most comprehensive Medicare Supplement Insurance plans.
| Medigap Benefit | Plan F Coverage | Plan G Coverage |
| Part A Hospital Coinsurance & Costs | 100% covered | 100% covered |
| Part A Deductible | 100% covered | 100% covered |
| Part B Coinsurance or Copayment | 100% covered | 100% covered |
| Part B Excess Charges | 100% covered | 100% covered |
| Skilled Nursing Facility Coinsurance | 100% covered | 100% covered |
| Foreign Travel Emergency | 80% covered | 80% covered |
| Medicare Part B Deductible | 100% covered | Not Covered |
Medicare Plan F vs Plan G: Cost Comparison
This is where you save money. Because Plan F covers that small Part B deductible, its monthly premium is almost always higher than medicare plan g.
Typical Monthly Premiums and Annual Costs
You need to compare the total annual cost to find the better deal.
- Plan F Annual Cost: (Higher Monthly Premium X 12)
- Plan G Annual Cost: (Lower Monthly Premium X 12) + Part B Deductible ($257 in 2025)
If Plan F costs more than $21.42 a month extra compared to Plan G, Plan G will save you money overall. That $21.42 is the $257 deductible divided by 12 months. In almost every market, the premium difference is much larger than this small amount, making Plan G the winner.
Factors Affecting Premium Rates (Location, Insurer, Age)
Remember that Medigap plans are standardized, but their prices are not. Premiums can change dramatically based on three key factors:
- Your Location: Premiums vary widely by ZIP code and state.
- The Insurance Company: Each insurer sets its own rates. You should always shop around.
- Your Age When You Enroll: Some companies use “Attained-Age” pricing, meaning the premium increases as you get older. Others use “Issue-Age,” which locks in your rate based on your enrollment age.
High-Deductible Versions of Plan F and Plan G
Both Plan F and Plan G offer a high-deductible version in many states. This option is great if you want a much lower monthly premium.
- With a high-deductible plan, you pay all Medicare-approved costs yourself up to a specific annual deductible ($2,870 in 2025).
- After you meet that deductible, the Medigap plan pays $100 of all covered services for the rest of the year.
Pros and Cons of Plan F vs Plan G
Here is a quick breakdown to help you compare the medicare plan f vs plan g pros and cons.
Pros of Medicare Plan F
- Zero Out-of-Pocket Cost: You never pay another deductible or copay for covered services.
- Ultimate Simplicity: The billing is simple. You pay the premium, and your medical bills are handled.
- Most Comprehensive: It is the most robust plan ever offered under Medigap rules.
Cons of Medicare Plan F
- High Monthly Premium: The monthly cost is usually much higher than Plan G.
- Closed Enrollment Pool: Because new members cannot join, the group is shrinking. This can cause premiums to rise faster over time.
- Limited Availability: Not available to anyone who became Medicare-eligible after 2019.
Pros of Medicare Plan G
- Lower Monthly Premiums: You save money every month compared to Plan F.
- Better Long-Term Value: The annual premium savings typically outweigh the cost of the Part B deductible.
- Open Availability: It is available to all Medicare members, no matter when they became eligible.
- Covers Excess Charges: Like Plan F, it protects you from the expensive Part B excess charges.
Cons of Medicare Plan G
- Annual Part B Deductible: You must pay the Part B deductible yourself each year before the plan starts paying.
- Slightly Less Simple: You have to track and pay one small bill (the deductible) at the beginning of the year.
Eligibility and Availability Rules
The rules set by the Medicare Access and CHIP Reauthorization Act (MACRA) in 2015 changed Medigap forever.
Why Plan F is No Longer Available for New Enrollees
MACRA phased out Medigap plans that cover the Medicare Part B deductible. The government wanted people to have some skin in the game. This was meant to reduce unnecessary medical service use. This is why Plan F and Plan C are no longer available to new Medicare beneficiaries starting January 1, 2020
Who Can Still Keep or Buy Plan F
- If You Already Have Plan F: You can keep your Plan F policy for life.
- If You Were Eligible Before 2020: Even if you delayed enrollment (perhaps due to employer coverage), you can still buy Plan F if an insurer offers it in your state.
Plan G Options for New Medicare Beneficiaries
For anyone new to Medicare today, Plan G is the most comprehensive choice. If you want a plan with a lower premium, you might consider Medigap Plan N. Plan N has lower premiums but requires small copays for doctor visits and emergency room use. Plan g vs plan f is an easier choice now for new members because Plan F is simply not available.
Should You Switch from Plan F to Plan G?
If you currently have Plan F, you should strongly consider making a switch to Plan G. This simple action can save you hundreds of dollars every year. This is the right time to ask yourself: should I switch from plan f to plan g?
When Switching Might Save Money
Switching will save you money if the amount you save on your annual Plan G premium is more than the cost of the annual Part B deductible ($257 in 2025).
As noted earlier, the difference is usually much more than $257. For example, if Plan F costs $35 more per month than Plan G, you save $420 a year in premiums.
Paying the $257 deductible means you still save a total of $163 a year ($420 – $257).
Things to Consider Before Changing Plans
- Medical Underwriting: In many states, you must pass medical underwriting to switch plans. This means the insurer can deny you coverage or charge you a higher premium based on your health. You should only switch if you are healthy or have a guaranteed issue right.
- Guaranteed Issue Rights: These rights allow you to switch without underwriting. They usually apply only in specific situations, like losing your group coverage.
Steps to Switch from Plan F to Plan G Safely
- Confirm Eligibility: Make sure you have a guaranteed issue right or are healthy enough to pass underwriting.
- Get Quotes: Shop for Plan G premiums from multiple companies.
- Apply and Wait: Apply for the new Plan G and wait for confirmation of acceptance.
- Cancel Plan F: Only cancel your Plan F policy after your new Plan G policy is fully active. Do not have a gap in coverage.
Bottom Line: Choosing Between Plan F and Plan G
For most people, the choice between medicare plan f vs plan g comes down to financial value.
If you are eligible for both, Plan G offers better long-term value. The premium savings far outweigh the small cost of the Part B deductible. Plan G gives you nearly perfect coverage at a much lower annual cost.
If you are new to Medicare, Plan G is your best choice for comprehensive coverage. It acts as the modern-day Plan F, providing peace of mind and protection against the biggest bills. Always shop around to find the best rate from a quality insurer.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What are the top 5 Medicare Supplement Plans?
The top 5 Medigap plans usually rank by popularity and coverage level. Today, they are typically Plan G, Plan F (for those eligible), Plan N, High-Deductible Plan G, and Plan D.
2. Do Plan F and Plan G cover prescription drugs?
No, neither Plan F nor Plan G covers prescription drugs. You must enroll in a separate Medicare Part D plan to get coverage for your medications.
3. Does Plan G cover Part B excess charges?
Yes, Plan G covers 100% of Medicare Part B excess charges. This is a crucial benefit that protects you from surprise bills if a doctor charges slightly more than the Medicare-approved amount.
4. What does “Medicare Assignment” mean?
Medicare assignment means that a doctor has agreed to accept the Medicare-approved amount as full payment. This is important because Medigap plans only pay for costs that are approved by Medicare.
5. Can I enroll in Plan G anytime?
You can enroll in Plan G anytime, but you should sign up during your Medigap Open Enrollment Period. This period starts the month you turn 65 and are enrolled in Part B. During this time, insurers must sell you any plan without medical underwriting.
6. Why are Plan F premiums rising faster?
Plan F premiums are rising faster because the enrollment group is closed. Since only older beneficiaries can keep the plan, the claim costs per person in the remaining pool are generally increasing, which drives premiums higher.
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