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Learn about Medicare Supplement Plan F with SelectQuote
It’s important to know that beneficiaries who became eligible for Medicare enrollment on or after January 1, 2020, aren’t able to buy Medicare Supplement Plan F. Let SelectQuote’s licensed insurance agents help answer your questions about available Medicare Supplement plans.
Medicare Supplement Insurance Plan F (Medigap) Coverage and Costs
Medicare Supplement Insurance plans, often called Medigap, help pay for costs that Original Medicare (Parts A and B) doesn’t cover. Medicare Supplement Plan F is known as the "first-dollar coverage" plan because it provides the most comprehensive protection available.
To learn more about how these plans work, you can read our full guide on . However, there is an important rule regarding who can buy it. To enroll in Plan F today, you must have been eligible for Medicare before January 1, 2020. If you became eligible after that date, you can explore other options like .
Medicare Supplement Plan F Eligibility and 2020 Rule Changes
In 2020, federal laws changed. Medigap plans are no longer allowed to cover the Medicare Part B deductible for new beneficiaries. Because Plan F covers this deductible, it was closed to new Medicare members.
The Grandfather Rule: If you were eligible for Medicare Part A before January 1, 2020, you are grandfathered in.
You Can Still Buy It: Even if you never had Plan F before, as long as you were eligible for Medicare before the 2020 cutoff, you still have the right to purchase it today.
Current Policyholders: If you already have Plan F, you can keep it as long as you continue to pay your premiums.
Enrollment Options for Medicare Supplement Plan F
If you meet the eligibility rules, you have a few ways to manage your Plan F coverage:
Switching Providers: You can switch from one insurance company’s Plan F to another’s to find a better price. However, in most states, you may have to answer health questions (medical underwriting) unless you have a guaranteed issue right.
New to Medicare, but eligible before 2020: If you delayed your Medicare enrollment but were eligible before 2020, you can still choose Plan F.
Already Enrolled: You can stay on your current plan or compare it with newer options to see if you can save money.
What Medicare Supplement Plan F Covers in 2026-2027
Plan F is popular because it leaves you with $0 out-of-pocket for Medicare-covered services, meaning it covers 100% of Medicare Part A and Part B coinsurance, copayments, and deductibles. Learn more about what Medicare Supplement Plan F covers below:
Medicare Part A Deductible: Covers the full $1,736 deductible (2026 rate) for hospital stays.
Medicare Part B Deductible: Covers the $283 annual deductible (2026 rate).
Part B Coinsurance: Covers the 20% cost-share you usually pay for doctor visits.
Part B Excess Charges: If a doctor charges more than the Medicare-approved amount, Plan F covers 100% of the difference.
Skilled Nursing: Pays the coinsurance for care in a skilled nursing facility.
Foreign Travel Emergencies: Covers 80% of approved costs for medical emergencies outside the U.S. (up to plan limits).
Hospital Costs: Provides an extra 365 days of hospital coverage after Medicare benefits are used.
What Medicare Supplement Plan F Does Not Cover
While Plan F is very thorough, it does not cover everything. You will still need to pay for:
Prescription Drugs: You must buy a separate Part D plan for retail medications.
Long-Term Care: This includes non-medical care in a nursing home or private-duty nursing.
Routine Care: Most dental, vision, and hearing exams or aids are not covered.
Prescription Drugs: Medicare Supplement Plan F does not cover prescription drugs. However, you can buy an additional Medicare Prescription Drug plan to cover prescription drug costs.
Who Should Consider Medicare Supplement Plan F?
It’s important to remember that this plan is available only to people who turned 65 before Jan 2020. If you qualify, here are some reasons to consider this plan:
Predictable Costs: You won't have to worry about doing the math of deductibles.
Frequent Travelers: Whether you travel across the U.S. or abroad, Plan F provides peace of mind that most medical bills are handled.
High Medical Usage: If you see the doctor often, the "first-dollar coverage" means no bills at the door.
Plan F vs. Plan G: Comparing Your 2026-2027 Options
Since Plan F is no longer available to everyone, Medicare Supplement Plan G has become the modern gold standard.
Medicare Supplement Plan G
Plan G offers the exact same benefits as Plan F, except it does not cover the Medicare Part B deductible (which is $283 in 2026).
The Math: If the yearly premium for Plan G is more than $283 cheaper than Plan F, Plan G is often the better financial choice.
High-Deductible Option: For 2026, there is a High-Deductible Plan G (and Plan F) with a $2,950 deductible. This offers much lower monthly premiums while protecting you from very high medical bills.
Comparing Medicare Supplement Plans
If you aren't eligible for Plan F, there are many other options. Use the table below to compare:
Plan Option | Part B Deductible Covered? | Part B Excess Charges? |
Plan F | Yes | Yes |
Plan G | No | Yes |
Plan N | No | No |
Medicare Supplement Plan F Costs in 2026-2027
The Medicare Supplement Plan F premium you pay depends on where you live, your age, and the insurance company.
Why Plan F Premiums May Rise Faster
Plan F is now closed to new enrollees. Because younger, healthier people cannot join Plan F anymore, the average age of Plan F enrollees is rising. This often causes insurance companies to raise Plan F prices faster than Plan G prices.
Companies usually price plans in three ways:
Community-Rated: Everyone pays the same, regardless of age.
Issue-Age-Rated: The price is based on your age when you first bought the plan.
Attained-Age-Rated: The premium increases automatically as you get older.
When to Enroll in Medicare Supplement Plans
The best time to enroll is during your Initial Enrollment Period. This is the six-month window that starts when you are 65 and have Part B. During this time, companies cannot deny you coverage for health reasons. Learn more about Initial Enrollment.
Switching During Medicare Advantage Open Enrollment 2027
If you left Plan F to try a Medicare Advantage plan for the first time, you have a “trial right window.” For 12 months, you have the right to switch back to your Plan F without having to answer health questions.
Find the Right Medicare Supplement Plan With SelectQuote
It can be hard to determine what Medicare plan is best for you, your healthcare needs, and your budget. Don't navigate Medicare Supplement plan options on your own. SelectQuote can help you make a confident choice—and stay available to support you as your needs or plan options change. We help you understand the fine print so you can avoid missteps that could impact your health, wallet, or access to care.
FAQs About Medicare Supplement Plan F
Have questions about Medicare Supplement Plan F? Here are answers to common questions:
What are the benefits of having Medicare Supplement Plan F?
Medicare Supplement Plan F pays for all the gaps in Original Medicare. Not only does it cover your Medicare Part A and Part B deductibles and your coinsurance, but it also covers Medicare Part B excess charges, meaning you’ll have no out-of-pocket costs when you visit the doctor. Remember that Medicare Supplement Plan F is no longer available for those who became eligible for Medicare enrollment on or after January 1, 2020.
Is Plan F being phased out?
It is not being phased out for those who already have it or those eligible before 2020. It is simply closed to new Medicare beneficiaries.
Is Medicare Supplement Plan B the same as Medicare Part F?
No. "Parts" (like Part A and Part B) are run by the government. "Plans" (like Plan F) are private insurance.
Does Plan F cover the Part B deductible in 2026?
Yes. Plan F covers 100% of the $283 Part B deductible in 2026.
Do Medicare Supplement plans cover pre-existing conditions?
While insurance companies can’t make you wait for your coverage to start, they may make you wait for coverage for a pre-existing condition. Pre-existing conditions may be excluded if the condition was treated or diagnosed within six months of the Medicare Supplement plan coverage starting. After the six-month period, the Medicare Supplement plan will cover the condition that was previously excluded.
However, it is possible to avoid or shorten the waiting period for a pre-existing condition if you buy a Medicare Supplement plan during your Medigap Open Enrollment Period to replace the “creditable coverage” Medigap plan.
Do Medigap plans vary by state?
Medigap plans are standardized, meaning they offer the same benefits across most of the states, except for Wisconsin Medicare Supplement plans, Minnesota Medicare Supplement plans, and Massachusetts Supplement plans.
How much does a Medicare Supplement Plan F cost?
The cost of Plan F varies depending on several factors. On average, you might see monthly premiums ranging from $150 to $300, though this can be higher or lower based on your specific situation. Because Plan F offers the most coverage, it usually has a higher monthly premium than plans like Plan G or Plan N.
How can I lower the costs of my Medigap Plan F?
Since Medigap plan costs vary by company, it’s important to shop around. By working with SelectQuote, we can compare Medicare Supplement plan options available to you to find the right plan at a price that fits your budget.
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