Plan F de Medicare vs. Plan G vs. Plan N (2023)

FAQs

Plan F de Medicare vs. Plan G vs. Plan N? ›

The main difference between the two plans is how Plan G interacts with the Part B deductible. With Plan F, the Medicare Supplement plan pays for the Part B deductible. Under Plan G, you are responsible for the Part B deductible only. Otherwise, all Part A deductibles, copays, and coinsurance are covered.

Medicare Supplement Plan F is the most comprehensive plan. Plan F covers one more benefit than Plan G, which is the Part B deductible. Plan G and Plan N premiums are lower to reflect that. Plan G will typically have higher premiums than Plan N because it includes more coverage.

Yes, you will be able to go back to Plan F since you are eligible for Medicare prior to 2020. However, you would go through underwriting in most states to do so.

Medicare Plan F and Plan G are similar and offer the same basic coverage benefits, which include: Part A coinsurance and hospital costs. Part B coinsurance or copayment. Blood (first three pints).

You can change Medigap carriers, while keeping the same level of coverage, during the months surrounding your Medigap anniversary. For example, you can switch from a Plan G to a Plan G without underwriting, but not from a Plan G to a Plan N.

Benefits that differ between Plan F and Plan G

In addition to everything above, Medigap Plan F also covers the Medicare Part B deductible ($226 in 2023). Plan G doesn't cover that deductible. In fact, no Medigap plan sold to anyone who became eligible for Medicare on or after Jan.

The biggest difference between Medigap Plan G and Medigap Plan N is that Plan N has copays for certain medical office and emergency department visits, whereas Plan G doesn't. If you wouldn't need to pay the copays often, Medigap Plan N could cost less overall.

So, why is Plan F going away? Medicare Supplement Plan F is being phased out as a result of “The Medicare Access and CHIP Reauthorization Act of 2015”, also known as MACRA. As a result of MACRA, anybody who becomes eligible for Medicare in 2020 will not be able to purchase Plan F.

Plan G would be higher than the Part B deductible itself. If a Plan F option includes premiums that cost more in a year than the price of a Plan G policy plus the Medicare B deductible ($226 in 2023), then a beneficiary would save money by enrolling in Plan G.

Can I switch from plan N to Plan G? ›

You can switch from Plan N to Plan G any time during the year, but if you are outside your 6-month Open Enrollment window, then you may have to answer health questions to switch. Your approval is not guaranteed.

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

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.

You can keep your plan as long as you want. However, if you become eligible for Medicare after January 1, 2020, you can't purchase a Plan F. Your new go-to plan is Plan G.

In most cases, you won't have a right under federal law to switch Medigap policies, unless: You're within your 6-month Medigap open enrollment period, or. You're eligible under a specific situation or guaranteed issue right (when an insurance company can't deny you a Medigap policy).

Can you enroll in a Medicare Supplement plan without underwriting? You can avoid underwriting, and enroll in any Medicare Supplement plan that's available where you live, if you sign up for the Medigap plan during your six-month Medigap Open Enrollment Period.

When Do I Enroll in Medicare Supplement Plan N? You can enroll in a Medicare Supplement plan with no underwriting health questions during your Medicare Supplement Open Enrollment when you first sign up for Medicare Part B.

Effective January 1, 2023, the annual deductible amount for these three plans is $2,700. The deductible amount for the high deductible version of plans G, F and J represents the annual out-of-pocket expenses (excluding premiums) that a beneficiary must pay before these policies begin paying benefits.

If you're not eligible for Medigap Plan F but want a similar option, Plan G is the closest alternative. Medigap Plan G covers everything in Plan F except for the Medicare Part B deductible, since plans sold to new members can't include that coverage.

Remember, all Plan F policies offer the exact same benefits. This is true no matter where you buy the plan. Different insurance companies may charge different premiums, deductibles, copayments or coinsurance for it, but they can't change its coverage.

Plan G is the best Medigap policy for new enrollees, but it's also one of the more expensive plans, averaging $145 per month for 2023.

Do Plan G premiums increase with age? ›

The way they set the price affects how much you pay now and in the future. Generally the same monthly premium is charged to everyone who has the Medigap policy, regardless of age. Your premium isn't based on your age. Premiums may go up because of inflation and other factors, but not because of your age.

Medigap Plan D

Just like the difference in Plans F and C, the only difference in Plans G and D is the coverage of the Medicare Part B Excess charges. Whereas Plan G covers those at 100%, Plan D does not cover them at all.

What does Plan N cover? Plan N covers the Medicare Part A deductible of $1,600, coinsurance for Parts A and B, three pints of blood and 80% of medical costs incurred during foreign travel. Plan N does not provide coverage for the Medicare Part B deductible ($226 in 2023).

What Is Medicare Supplement Plan N? Medicare Plan N is coverage that helps pay for the out-of-pocket expenses not covered by Medicare Parts A and B. It has near-comprehensive benefits similar to Medigap Plans C and F (which are not available to new enrollees), but Medicare Plan N has lower premiums.

Plan N covers basic Medicare benefits including: Hospitalization: pays Part A coinsurance plus coverage for 365 additional days after Medicare benefits end.

Medigap Plans F and G are the most popular Medicare Supplement plans in 2023.

Yes. Both Original Medicare and Medicare Advantage cover cataract surgery that removes a cataract and replaces it with a conventional intraocular lens.

Is There a Maximum out-of-pocket for Medicare Plan G? The maximum out of pocket for Plan G is the Medicare Part B deductible ($226 for 2023). Medicare supplement Plan G covers all inpatient and outpatient Medicare expenses not paid for by Medicare. Your only expense is the annual Part B deductible.

The biggest disadvantage of Medicare Advantage plans is the closed provider networks, limiting your choice of which doctor or medical facility to use. Medicare Advantage costs are also largely based on how much medical care you need, making it more difficult to budget for health care costs.

Can I drop my Medicare Advantage plan and go back to original Medicare? ›

If you joined a Medicare Advantage Plan during your Initial Enrollment Period, you can change to another Medicare Advantage Plan (with or without drug coverage) or go back to Original Medicare (with or without a drug plan) within the first 3 months you have Medicare Part A & Part B.

Because all Medicare Supplement Plan G policies provide the exact same coverage or benefits. This is what people mean when they say these plans are “standardized.” That said, not all Plan G policies cost the same. Insurance companies are free to charge what they want for them, and so they do.

What Happens When Medigap Plan F Goes Away in 2020? The Medicare Access and CHIP Reauthorization Act of 2015 states that, after January 1, 2020, insurance companies can no longer offer any new Medigap plan that covers the Original Medicare Part B deductible.

No, Medicare Supplement Plan F does not cover prescriptions. You will need to purchase a separate prescription drug plan to cover your prescription costs. Supplemental insurance for prescription drugs is available through private insurers.

Every so often, Congress decides to change the landscape of Medicare Supplement plans. In 1990, they first standardized plan options. Then in 2010, they eliminated some plan options like E, H, I, and J. Now, as of the year 2020, Plan C and Plan F are gone for good.

No, insurers can't cancel your Medigap policy without your permission. But they are allowed a few exceptions: You stop paying your premiums.

Medicare supplement plans are optional but could save you big $$$ on doctor bills. Your cost-sharing under Part B is similar. You are responsible for paying your Part B deductible, which is $226 in 2023. Then Part B Medicare only pay 80% of approved services.

If you have questions about your Part B premium, call Social Security at 1-800-772-1213. TTY users can call 1-800-325-0778. If you pay a late enrollment penalty, these amounts may be higher. 2023 Part B deductible—$226 before Original Medicare starts to pay.

Enroll in Your New Plan

1, 2023. And if you choose a Medicare Advantage plan and have second thoughts, there's a special Medicare Advantage open enrollment period that runs from January 1 to March 31 each year. During this time, you can switch to a different Medicare Advantage plan once or change to Original Medicare.

You have a guaranteed issue right if you're in a Medicare Advantage Plan and your plan is leaving Medicare or stops giving care in your area, or you move out of the plan's service area. You have the right to buy Medigap Plan A, B, C*, D*, F*, G*, K, or L that's sold by any insurance company in your state.

Can I be turned down for a Medicare Advantage plan? ›

Generally, if you're eligible for Original Medicare (Part A and Part B), you can't be denied enrollment into a Medicare Advantage plan. If a Medicare Advantage plan gave you prior approval for a medical service, it can't deny you coverage later due to lack of medical necessity.

So many people contact us and ask “Can I switch from plan F to plan G without underwriting?” Switching from F to G usually still requires answering health questions on an application before they will approve the switch.

Plan N does not cover Part B excess charges.

Neither Medicare Part B nor Medicare Plan N will insure you for excess charges. This is important. If you have a Plan N you must check ahead of time to make certain you medical provider does not charge an excess charge.

So, why is Plan F going away? Medicare Supplement Plan F is being phased out as a result of “The Medicare Access and CHIP Reauthorization Act of 2015”, also known as MACRA.

Plan N covers basic Medicare benefits including: Hospitalization: pays Part A coinsurance plus coverage for 365 additional days after Medicare benefits end.

With Medicare Supplement Plan F, you get the most complete coverage available. First, it includes all the benefits of Medicare Supplement Plans A, B and C. In addition, Plan F provides coverage for skilled nursing facility care, Medicare Part A and B deductibles, and international travel medical emergency help.

Remember, all Plan F policies offer the exact same benefits. This is true no matter where you buy the plan. Different insurance companies may charge different premiums, deductibles, copayments or coinsurance for it, but they can't change its coverage.

You can keep your plan as long as you want. However, if you become eligible for Medicare after January 1, 2020, you can't purchase a Plan F. Your new go-to plan is Plan G.

Can I switch from Plan N to Plan G? ›

You can switch from Plan N to Plan G any time during the year, but if you are outside your 6-month Open Enrollment window, then you may have to answer health questions to switch. Your approval is not guaranteed.

Medicare Plan N typically excludes long-term care, vision or dental care, hearing aids, private-duty nursing, and most importantly, prescription drugs. If you need prescription drug coverage, you can join a Medicare Prescription Drug Plan (Part D).

Medicare Supplement Plan F will only cover the costs of prescription drugs administered at the hospital that typically receive coverage from Medicare Part A. However, Medigap Plan F will NOT cover prescription drugs you take at home.