What is the difference between medicare plan f and g

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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.

 

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 usedYESMedicare Part B coinsurance or copaymentYESBlood (first 3 pints)YESPart A hospice care coinsurance or copaymentYESSkilled nursing facility care coinsuranceYESPart A deductibleYESPart B deductibleNOPart B excess chargesYESForeign 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.

What is the difference between medicare plan f and g

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.

What is the difference between medicare plan f and g

 

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:

Plan F Benefits

Plan G Benefits

Plan N Benefits

Plan F Benefits

Medicare Supplement Plan F Benefits

Part A

ServicesMedicare PaysThis Plan PaysYou PayHospitalizationFirst 60 DaysAll But $1,556$1,556 (Part A Deductible)$061st Through 90th DayAll But $389 a Day$389 a Day$091st Day and After (60 Reserve Days)All But $778 a Day$778 a Day$0After Reserve (Additional 365 Days)$0100% of Eligible Expenses$0Beyond the Additional 365 Days$0$0All CostsSkilled Nursing Facility CareFirst 20 DaysAll Approved Amounts$0$021st Through 100th DayAll But $176.00 a DayUp to $176.00 a Day$0101st Day and After$0$0All CostsBloodFirst Three Pints$0100%$0Additional Amounts100%$0$0Hospice CareYou must meet Medicare’s requirements, including a doctor’s certification of terminal illnessAll but very limited copayment / coinsurance for outpatient drugs and inpatient respite careMedicare copayment / coinsurance$0

Part B

ServicesMedicare PaysThis Plan PaysYou PayMedical Expenses1st $198 of Approved Amounts$0$233 (Part B Deductible)$0Remainder of Approved AmountsGenerally 80%Generally 20%$0Part B Excess Charge$0100%$0BloodFirst Three Pints$0100%$0Next $198 of Approved Amounts$0$203 (Plan B Deductible)$0Remainder of Approved AmountsGenerally 80%Generally 20%$0Clinical Laboratory ServicesTests for Diagnostic Services100%$0$0Foreign Travel1st $250 each calendar year$0$0$250Remainder of Charges up to a lifetime maximum of $50,000$080%20%

Plan G Benefits

Medicare Supplement Plan G Benefits

Part A

ServicesMedicare PaysThis Plan PaysYou PayHospitalizationFirst 60 DaysAll But $1,556$1,556 (Part A Deductible)$061st Through 90th DayAll But $389 a Day$389 a Day$091st Day and After (60 Reserve Days)All But $778 a Day$778 a Day$0After Reserve (Additional 365 Days)$0100% of Eligible Expenses$0Beyond the Additional 365 Days$0$0All CostsSkilled Nursing Facility CareFirst 20 DaysAll Approved Amounts$0$021st Through 100th DayAll But $176.00 a DayUp to $176.00 a Day$0101st Day and After$0$0All CostsBloodFirst Three Pints$0100%$0Additional Amounts100%$0$0Hospice CareYou must meet Medicare’s requirements, including a doctor’s certification of terminal illnessAll but very limited copayment / coinsurance for outpatient drugs and inpatient respite careMedicare copayment / coinsurance$0

Part B

ServicesMedicare PaysThis Plan PaysYou PayMedical Expenses1st $198 of Approved Amounts$0$0$233 (Part B Deductible)Remainder of Approved AmountsGenerally 80%Generally 20%$0Part B Excess Charge$0100%$0BloodFirst Three Pints$0100%$0Next $198 of Approved Amounts$0$0$233 (Plan B Deductible)Remainder of Approved AmountsGenerally 80%Generally 20%$0Clinical Laboratory ServicesTests for Diagnostic Services100%$0$0Foreign Travel1st $250 during 1st 60 days$0$0$250Remainder of Charges up to a lifetime maximum of $50,000$080%20%

Plan N Benefits

Medicare Supplement Plan N Benefits

Part A

ServicesMedicare PaysThis Plan PaysYou PayHospitalizationFirst 60 DaysAll But $1,556$1,556 (Part A Deductible)$061st Through 90th DayAll But $389 a Day$389 a Day$091st Day and After (60 Reserve Days)All But $778 a Day$778 a Day$0After Reserve (Additional 365 Days)$0100% of Eligible Expenses$0Beyond the Additional 365 Days$0$0All CostsSkilled Nursing Facility CareFirst 20 DaysAll Approved Amounts$0$021st Through 100th DayAll But $176.00 a DayUp to $176.00 a Day$0101st Day and After$0$0All CostsBloodFirst Three Pints$0100%$0Additional Amounts100%$0$0Hospice CareYou must meet Medicare’s requirements, including a doctor’s certification of terminal illnessAll but very limited copayment / coinsurance for outpatient drugs and inpatient respite careMedicare copayment / coinsurance$0

Part B

ServicesMedicare PaysThis Plan PaysYou PayMedical Expenses1st $198 of Approved Amounts$0$0$233 (Part B Deductible)Remainder of Approved AmountsGenerally 80%Balance, Other than CopaysUp to $20/$50 Copays, Emergency visit copay waived if admittedPart B Excess Charge$0$0All CostsBloodFirst Three Pints$0100%$0Next $198 of Approved Amounts$0$0$203 (Plan B Deductible)Remainder of Approved AmountsGenerally 80%Generally 20%$0Clinical Laboratory ServicesTests for Diagnostic Services100%$0$0Foreign Travel1st $250 each calendar year$0$0$250Remainder of Charges up to a lifetime maximum of $50,000$080%20%

FAQ

which is better medicare plan f vs plan g?

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.

should i switch from plan f to plan g?

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.

can i switch from medicare plan f to plan g?

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.

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  • Michael Quinn

Michael Quinn

Hi, I'm Michael, the cofounder and editor of REMEDIGAP - a website devoted to Medicare education. As a licensed independent insurance broker in 47 states, we help thousands of Americans understand their Medicare options.

Can you change from Plan F to Plan G?

Can't I just move from a Medigap Plan F to a Plan G with the same insurance plan? Yes, you can. However, it usually still requires answering health questions on an application before they will approve the switch.

What is the difference between high deductible Plan F and Plan G?

The only difference between Plan F and Plan G is the fact that Plan G does not pay the Part B deductible ($226 in 2023), while Plan F does. Overall, this won't hurt your pocket. Many seniors find they still find a substantial amount of savings with Plan G, even though they have to pay the Part B deductible.