When it comes to Medicare Supplement plans, Medigap Plan F has long been known as the gold standard for comprehensive coverage. Because of its robust benefits, it remains a popular choice among Medicare beneficiaries, covering nearly 4.9 million people — about 36% of all Medigap policyholders. If you're exploring your Medicare options and want to learn how this plan can help minimize out-of-pocket expenses, you’ve come to the right place. Today, we’ll share everything you need to know about Medigap Plan F, who can enroll, and why it remains a popular choice for Medicare beneficiaries. Compare Medicare Supplement plans! What Is Medigap Plan F? Medigap Plan F, often referred to as Medicare Supplement Plan F, is one of the most comprehensive options available to help cover payment gaps in Original Medicare. If you're tired of unexpected medical bills or gaps in your coverage, Plan F might feel like a financial safety net. This plan covers nearly all out-of-pocket costs that Original Medicare doesn’t, including deductibles, copayments, and coinsurance. Key Benefits of Medigap Plan F Here’s a breakdown of its standout benefits and how they can provide peace of mind for your healthcare needs. 1. Full Coverage of Medicare Part A and Part B Deductibles Plan F eliminates the need to pay Medicare Part A and Part B deductibles out of pocket. For example: Part A Deductible: You won’t need to worry about covering the cost of hospital stays that fall under the deductible amount. Part B Deductible: Whether it’s a routine doctor’s visit or outpatient procedure, Plan F steps in to cover this expense entirely. 2. Coinsurance and Copayments Covered Plan F gives you protection from the costs that Medicare doesn’t fully cover. This includes: Hospital stays: Plan F pays for the 20% coinsurance costs that Medicare Part A doesn’t cover after you’ve exhausted the initial deductible. Doctor visits: Whether it’s a routine checkup or a specialist visit, you won’t have to worry about copayments or coinsurance under Part B. 3. Additional Benefits Like Foreign Travel Emergency Coverage Planning an overseas adventure? Plan F has you covered with: Foreign travel emergency coverage: This benefit pays for 80% of eligible medical costs for emergencies while you’re traveling abroad, after a small deductible. Reassurance during travel: You can focus on enjoying your trip without worrying about unexpected medical expenses far from home. Medicare Supplement Plan F’s foreign travel emergency coverage extends for the first 60 days of your trip abroad Who Can Still Enroll in Medicare Supplement Plan F? Medicare Supplement Plan F offers unmatched coverage, but it's not available to everyone anymore. Here are some things you should have in mind for Medicare Plan F: Eligibility Rules for Plan F As of January 1, 2020, Medigap Plan F is no longer open to new Medicare beneficiaries. However, if you were eligible for Medicare before this date, you can still enroll in Plan F—even if you delayed signing up initially. Additionally, if you’re already enrolled in Plan F, you can keep your current coverage without interruption. For those who qualify, Plan F remains an excellent choice due to its comprehensive coverage of deductibles, coinsurance, and other out-of-pocket costs. Why the Change? The Medicare Access and CHIP Reauthorization Act (MACRA) phased out Plan F for new enrollees to help manage Medicare’s overall costs. The plan’s “first-dollar coverage,” which eliminates deductibles entirely, was seen as a factor contributing to increased healthcare utilization. By limiting access coverage, the program aims to encourage more cost-conscious decisions among beneficiaries. Options for New Medicare Beneficiaries If you became eligible for Medicare on or after January 1, 2020, Plan F is not an option for you. However, you can explore alternatives like Medicare Supplement Plan G, which offers nearly identical coverage but excludes the Medicare Part B deductible. Another option is High-Deductible Plan G, a budget-friendly choice with lower premiums but higher out-of-pocket expenses before coverage kicks in. See plans! Costs Associated With Medicare Supplement Plan F When considering Medicare Supplement Plan F, understanding the costs involved is crucial. While Plan F offers comprehensive coverage, premiums can vary based on several factors. Let’s break it down: Average Premiums for Plan F Medicare Supplement Plan F is known for its comprehensive coverage, which is reflected in its higher premium costs. On average: Standard Plan F premiums range from $150 to $300 per month, depending on your location and insurer. Premiums may be higher for older individuals or those in areas with higher healthcare costs. High-Deductible Plan F Option For those seeking the coverage of Plan F at a lower monthly cost, the High-Deductible Plan F might be a good fit (only available in some states). Here’s how it works: Lower monthly premiums: Typically, between $30 and $100 per month Higher out-of-pocket costs: You must meet a deductible of $2,870(in 2025) before the plan covers expenses This option is ideal if you want the peace of mind of Plan F’s coverage without the upfront cost of standard premiums. Factors Influencing Plan F Premiums Premiums for Plan F can vary widely based on several factors: Age and gender: Older enrollees and women may see higher premiums due to actuarial risk calculations Location: Premiums can differ based on state regulations and local healthcare costs Insurance provider: Each insurer sets its own rates, so comparing options is key Smoking status: Smokers often face higher premiums due to increased health risks For retirees on a fixed income, Plan F offers peace of mind by covering virtually all Medicare-approved costs FAQs About Medicare Plan F If we haven’t answered all of your questions about Medicare Plan F, here are some answers to common questions you might still be asking yourself. What does Medicare Supplement Insurance Plan F cover? Medicare Plan F pays for all out-of-pocket costs associated with Medicare Part A and Part B, including deductibles, coinsurance, and copayments. It also covers Part B excess charges and provides coverage for skilled nursing facility care. Which is better, Plan F or Plan G? The choice between Plan F and Plan G depends on your eligibility and financial priorities. Plan F provides the most comprehensive coverage, including the Medicare Part B deductible. However, if you became eligible for Medicare after January 1, 2020, Plan G is your closest alternative. Plan G offers nearly identical benefits to Plan F except for the Part B deductible exclusion. Does Medigap Plan F cover foreign travel? Yes, Medicare Supplement Plan F provides coverage for foreign travel emergencies. Specifically, it covers 80% of approved emergency healthcare costs incurred while traveling outside the U.S., after a $250 deductible. The plan also includes a lifetime maximum benefit of $50,000 for foreign travel emergencies. This feature makes Plan F a great choice for frequent travelers seeking added peace of mind abroad. Navigate Medicare Supplement Plans With Healthpilot Choosing the right Medicare Supplement plan can feel overwhelming, but with Healthpilot, it doesn’t have to be. Our platform is designed to take the guesswork out of Medicare, offering you clarity and confidence every step of the way. Whether you’re considering the comprehensive coverage of Plan F, the value of Plan G, or exploring other Medigap options, Healthpilot makes it easy to find the plan that works best for you. Here’s why Medicare beneficiaries trust Healthpilot: Personalized recommendations: We tailor our plan suggestions based on your unique needs, including your preferred doctors and medications. Effortless comparison: See plans side by side, compare benefits and costs, and make an informed decision. Annual plan reviews: Healthcare needs change and so do plans. We help you stay covered with recommendations that adapt to your life. No cost to you: Our services are completely free, and we work only with trusted insurance partners with no obligation to enroll. Answer a few simple questions, get your personalized recommendations, and enroll in minutes. Let’s make Medicare simple, together. commissionVHealth-v1