Medicare Supplement Plan G Vs Plan F

Medicare Supplement Plan G Vs Plan F

Written by:

|

Edited by:

|

|

In this article we’ll discuss:

Medigap Plan F or Plan G? Which plan is best? Are you wondering if Medicare Supplement Plan F is the top plan? Perhaps Medigap Plan G is the better deal?
 
Let’s look into the differences between these plans. This post will help you make the right decision before you buy your insurance policy.
 

Medicare Supplement Plan F Vs Plan G

 
There are several key differences between Plans F and G. One of the most notable differences is with the Part B deductible. Plan F covers it while Plan G does not.
 
Additionally, F covers 100% of Medicare-approved expenses, while G covers only 80%. Plan F is generally more expensive compared to G. However, it offers more comprehensive coverage. If you are considering these two plans, it’s important to compare the costs and benefits of each option.
 
Medigap Plan F is usually the most popular policy and G is right behind. Why are these Medicare polices #1 and #2? 
 
It’s all about value.
 

The Difference Between Plan F And Medigap Plan G Is $233

 
It really is quite that simple. The difference between F and G is the cost of Part B deductible. Plan G doesn’t cover the Part B ded.
 
In 2022, the deductible is $233.
 
After the deductible is met, Plan G benefits are exactly the same as Plan F.
 
Plan F benefits include coverage for all copays, deductibles and coinsurance. This type of coverage has made Plan F extremely popular among seniors on Medicare.

Is Medicare Plan G Better?

 
It’s easy. Plan G is a great value and Plan F can cost you more money for basically the same coverage. Most people get Plan F because their friend has Plan F. Or, perhaps their agent or insurance carrier didn’t explain the other plans available.
 
Some agents will quickly tell you that everyone gets Plan F because it “pays for everything”. This is true. But you also need to make sure Plan F’s premium suits your budget. Plan G can provide more value considering the benefits and low premium.

Some agents will quickly tell you that everyone gets Plan F because it “pays for everything”. This is true. But you also need to make sure Plan F’s premium suits your budget. Plan G can be a much better value considering the benefits and low premium.

Why Is Medicare Plan F Popular?

 
There are a couple reasons why an agent or insurance company might recommend Plan F over Plan G
  • Plan F typically has a higher premium than Plan G. The higher the premium the bigger the agent’s commission. 
  • Some insurance carriers don’t sell Plan G, so the top plan they can offer is Plan F.
There is only 1 difference between the plans, but it can save you hundreds of dollars now and potentially thousands over time.
 
Looking at the chart below, you can see the deductible is not a Plan G benefit.
Medicare Supplement BenefitsPlan G covers?
Medicare Part A coinsurance & hospital costs (up to additional 365 days after medicare benefits are usedYES
Medicare Part B coinsurance or copaymentYES
Blood (first 3 pints)YES
Part A hospice care coinsurance or copaymentYES
Skilled nursing facility care coinsuranceYES
Part A deductibleYES
Part B deductibleNO
Part B excess chargesYES
Foreign travel emergency (up to plan limits)YES

Although Plan F covers the Part B ded, you’re still paying for it. It’s just added into your premium.

Why Does Plan F Cost So Much More Than Plan G?

 
There are several reasons. It costs money for the insurance company to manage, handle, and pay the deductible payment for you.
 
This is factored into your premium dollar. So, you actually end up paying for this “convenience” with Plan F.
 
Plan F can also be more susceptible to rate increases. Because of its popularity and guaranteed acceptance with qualifying individuals, Plan F typically has more unhealthy people than Plan G. This equates to more claims and higher rates passed to the policy holder.
Insurance companies like Plan G and you should too

Plan F is no longer available

 
Plan F is no longer available for new Medicare beneficiaries. Insurance companies will no longer be able to sell Plan F to anyone who becomes eligible for Medicare on or after January 1, 2020.
 
Current policy holders and anyone purchasing before 2020 will be able to keep Plan F.
 
If you are a Medicare beneficiary who was eligible before January 1, 2020, you are allowed to purchase Plan F after 2020.
 
Congress passed legislation prohibiting the sale of plans offering Part B deductible coverage. This includes Medigap Plan F. 

Compare Medicare Plan F And Plan G 

 
Mrs. Smith is a 70 year young woman who does not smoke. 
 
Mrs. Smith is currently on a Plan F and pays $1,800 a year in premiums.  Let’s compare Medicare plans and calculate the savings.
 
1. Plan F with “Company A” charges a yearly premium of $1,800.
2. Plan G with “Company Z” charges a yearly premium of $1,400. 
 
Remember, the only difference with Plan G is that Mrs. Smith has to pay the Medicare Part B deductible ($233 in 2022) instead of her insurance company incorporating it into the premium. 
 

Mrs. Smith is spending more on her premium for Plan F.

 
This is because the annual premium of Medigap Plan G plus the Part B ded ($1,400 + $233 = $1,633) is less than the Plan F annual premium ($1,800).
 
Mrs. Smith would save $177 a year for Plan G which includes the Part B ded. Remember that your Part B is usually paid over several office visits and not all at once.
 
Let’s also consider the long term effect of these policies. 
 
Market history has shown that Plan G has stable rate increases. Insurance companies like Plan G and some have even reduced Plan G premiums to get your business.  
 
Comparing premium rate increases over five years, we see the true value of Plan G.
medicare plan f vs plan g

Medigap Plan F Is The Most Popular- It’s Also The Most Expensive. 

 
Plan F is the most comprehensive Medigap policy. But as it’s been explained, it is not necessarily a good value for your premium dollar.
 
As always, our goal is to show you how to save significant amounts of money by choosing the right option for your premium dollar.

What About Plan N?

 
Plan N is the 3rd most popular plan. Although Medigap Plan N provides great value and excellent coverage, it won’t cover everything.
 
You will be responsible if there are any excess charges. You’ll also have to pay for your Part B deductible as well as some co-payments at the emergency room and your physician’s office. Learn more about Plan N versus Plan G.
 
Here is a breakdown of the 3 most popular plans:

FAQ

The better plan will depend on your coverage goals and budget. Plan F makes sense if you want to simply pay a monthly premium and all of your Medicare approved claims paid. If you want to save some money and don't mind paying the Part B deductible yourself, then Plan G is a great choice.

This will be a personal decision and will depend on your coverage goals. If you want to save some money each year, then a Plan G is a great option. If you simply want the most coverage possible, no matter the cost -- then Plan F is the correct choice.

Yes you can switch from Medicare Plan F to Plan G. However, you may be subjected to medical underwriting. This will be determined by the Medicare Supplement company that you apply with.

Our Recommendation

 
By consulting directly with REMEDIGAP, you have access to personal service before, during, and after purchasing a Medigap policy. Education is key and we want you to understand Medicare, Medicare Advantage and Medigap. We will answer all your questions before you make a decision. You’ll never feel rushed. 
 
We will customize our approach based on your needs. Once you decide what you want, we’ll guide you through the application process and be there every year to review your rate.
 
Please reach out to us if you’re new to Medicare or if you have any questions.

Find affordable Medicare Supplement plans

Questions?

We know that Medicare can be confusing.  We also know that everyone's situation is different. That's why we're here to help. Schedule your free consultation now!

About the author

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Don't Overpay For A Medigap Plan!
Compare rates to find how much you may save!

Why You Can Trust REMEDIGAP

To ensure the highest level of quality and expertise, REMEDIGAP collaborates with a network of outside experts who contribute their valuable insights and knowledge. Maintaining the highest standards of accuracy and professionalism is paramount to us. That’s why our team of expert reviewers diligently examines our articles, providing invaluable insights and recommendations to ensure our content meets and exceeds these standards.

Our expert reviewers possess a wealth of knowledge and expertise in various domains, including health, personal finances, retirement planning, and insurance. Each member of our review team holds advanced degrees and certifications in their respective fields, solidifying their authority and credibility. With years of experience under their belts, they bring a depth of understanding and a discerning eye to the content evaluation process.

Our review process plays a pivotal role in guaranteeing that the information we provide is reliable, accurate, and up-to-date. By maintaining the highest standards, it ensures that our readers can trust the information they find on our website.

Author picture

Edited by

Paul Lane

Insurance Editor

Paul Lane has been a licensed insurance agent for over a decade. He is also a financial professional and holds a Series 6 securities license. He has experience editing insurance websites and blogs with a focus on auto, homeowners, renters, life insurance, disability and supplemental insurance products.

Don’t forget your FREE Guide to Medicare delivered straight to your email inbox!

Join our FREE 7-Day Medicare eCourse

Get our FREE Guide to 2023 Medicare Coverage delivered straight to your inbox.

REMEDIGAP Email course