Medicare Blog

which is better plan f or plan g medicare 2017

by Timmy Tillman Published 2 years ago Updated 1 year ago
image

Medicare Plan G is Better than Plan F for a variety of reasons, mostly due to Plan G’s value. The only difference between the two plans is who pays the annual Part B deductible. With Plan F, you pay much higher premiums than the deductible amount to have it paid for you.

But what is the difference between the two? In Medicare Plan F vs Plan G, the only difference is that Plan F pays the annual Medicare Part B deductible ($183 for 2017), while Plan G does not.

Full Answer

Which is better Medicare Plan F or G?

When it comes to coverage, Plan F will give you the most coverage since it’s a first-dollar coverage plan and leaves you with zero out of pocket costs. However, when it comes to the monthly premium, if you think lower is better, then Plan G may be better for you.

Should You Choose Medicare supplement plan F or Plan G?

The reason is simple: Plan G is less expensive than F and there is speculation that because of the Changes in Medicare Supplement plans in 2020, the prices of Plan F will increase significantly. While nothing is yet certain, switching to Plan G is worth considering. What is the difference between Medigap Plan G and Plan F?

Is Plan G the best Medicare supplement plan?

With Plan F not available to people new to Medicare, Medigap Plan G has now become the most popular of all the Medicare supplement plans for 2022, and for good reason. Plan G offers fantastic coverage for those on Part A and B Medicare, with only one small annual deductible to pay.

How to switch from Medigap plan F to plan G?

  • In Florida, one company charges an annual premium of $2,738 for Plan F and $2,496 for Plan G, a difference of $242.
  • In Washington, a Plan F’s premium is $2,568 and the Plan G—$1,896, a difference of $672.
  • Most striking is one company in North Carolina that offers a Plan F with an annual premium of $3,556. ...

image

Is plan G as good as plan F?

Ultimately, Plan G has the same benefits as the Plan F, except for coverage for the Part B deductible ($233 for 2022). Once you pay the Part B deductible, the coverage is the same for both plans.

Should I switch from Medicare F to G?

When it comes to coverage, Medicare Supplement Plan F will give you the most coverage since it's a first-dollar coverage plan and leaves you with zero out-of-pocket costs. However, when it comes to the monthly premium, if you think lower is better, then Medicare Supplement Plan G may be better for you.

Is Medigap F or G better?

Medigap Plan G is currently outselling most other Medigap plans because it offers the same broad coverage as Plan F except for the Part B deductible, which is $233 in 2022. The only difference when you compare Medicare Supplements Plan F and Plan G is that deductible. Otherwise, they function just the same.

What's the difference between plan F and G?

The costs covered by Medigap Plan G are almost identical to Plan F, but there is a slight difference. Plan G offers: Part A coinsurance or hospital costs. Part A hospice coinsurance or copayment.

What does plan F cover that plan G does not?

The only benefit Plan F offers that Plan G doesn't is coverage for the Medicare Part B deductible. Even though Plan G doesn't cover the Part B deductible, some Plan F options could have high enough premiums that the cost difference between Plan F vs. Plan G would be higher than the Part B deductible itself.

How much cheaper is plan G than plan F?

Insurance companies are currently pricing Medigap Plan G $30 to $60 less each month than Medigap F. Most times you can save $500 or more a year in lower premiums on Plan G.

Why is plan F being discontinued?

The reason Plan F (and Plan C) is going away is due to new legislation that no longer allows Medicare Supplement insurance plans to cover Medicare Part B deductibles. Since Plan F and Plan C pay this deductible, private insurance companies can no longer offer these plans to new Medicare enrollees.

What is Medicare Plan F being replaced with?

No plan completely replaces Medicare Part F, but the closest available is Medicare Supplement Plan G. Like Plan F, Plan G covers 100% of many benefits, including: Part A coinsurance and hospital costs. Part B copays/coinsurance (not deductibles)

What is the difference between Medicare Part G and F?

Although the plans have several similarities, there is one key difference between Plan F and Plan G: With Medicare Plan F, you're getting the plan with the most coverage available. In addition to the above coverage, Plan F also covers Medicare Part B deductible payments. Plan G does not.

Is plan F still available in 2022?

However, as of January 1, 2020, Plan F was phased out, making it ineligible for new enrollees unless you were eligible for Medicare before January 1, 2020. The only real difference between Plan F and Plan G is that Plan F covers the deductible for Part B, which is $170.10 in 2022.

What is the deductible for plan F in 2022?

$2,490Effective January 1, 2022, the annual deductible amount for these three plans is $2,490.

How much is the deductible for plan G?

$233With a standard Supplement Plan G, you're covered immediately and are responsible only for the $233 Part B deductible, plus your monthly premium. With a high-deductible Plan G, your coverage begins once you pay your $2,490 deductible, which then covers all future out-of-pocket costs.

Does Medicare Plan G cover deductible?

Medicare Plan G will not cover your original Medicare Part B deductible, which is $233 in 2022. You would pay for medical services — such as outpatient care, preventative care and ambulance services — until you have reached the deductible amount.

Does plan G have a deductible?

However, Plan G does not have its own deductible separate from the Part B deductible. There is also a High Deductible Plan G which has a deductible of $2,490 in 2022.

Can I switch back to plan F?

You pay for Medicare-covered costs up to the $2,490 deductible (as of 2022) before the plan begins to pay for anything. If you currently have Medicare Supplement Plan F, you can switch to high-deductible Plan F by contacting your insurance provider.

Is there a Medicare Supplement that covers everything?

Medicare Supplement insurance Plan F offers more coverage than any other Medicare Supplement insurance plan. It usually covers everything that Plan G covers as well as: The Medicare Part B deductible at 100% (the Part B deductible is $203 in 2021).

Will plan F premiums increase?

Each year, Medigap plan premiums are subject to rate increases. This is especially true for Medicare Supplement Plan F due to its phasing out. As fewer people enroll each year, the risk for the insurance carrier grows, making premiums increase at a higher rate than other Medigap plans.

Can you switch from plan F to plan G in 2021?

Yes, you can. However, it usually still requires answering health questions on an application before they will approve the switch. There are a few companies in a few states that are allowing their members to switch from F to G without review, but most still require you to apply to switch.

What is Medicare Supplement Plan F?

Medicare Supplement Plan F provides coverage for two areas that Plan N does not: Medicare Part B deductible. Part B excess charges. Doctors who do not accept Medicare assignment reserve the right to charge up to 15 percent more than the Medicare-approved amount for services and items they provide.

What percent of private insurance companies sell Plan F?

85 percent of private insurance companies sell Plan F, and 66 percent sell Plan G policies. While new Plan F policies are no longer sold to new Medicare beneficiaries, existing policies still provide ongoing coverage in many states. Residents in most states can purchase and use Plan G policies, though Massachusetts, Minnesota, ...

What is the deductible for Medicare 2021?

1 Plans F and G offer high-deductible plans that each have an annual deductible of $2,370 in 2021. Once the annual deductible is met, the plan pays 100% of covered services for the rest of the year. The high-deductible Plan F is not available to new beneficiaries who became eligible for Medicare on or after January 1, 2020.

What percentage of Medicare beneficiaries are enrolled in a Medigap plan?

Close to 34 percent of all Medicare beneficiaries are enrolled in a Medicare supplement insurance (Medigap) plan. These optional plans, issued by private insurance companies, help pay for some of the out-of-pocket costs that Original Medicare (Part A and Part B) doesn’t cover. Plan F has long been the most popular Medigap plan.

Is Medigap Plan F deductible?

While the deductibles mean you must pay a certain amount of money out of pocket before the plan coverage kicks in, the monthly premiums are typically much lower than the premiums for other Medigap plans or for the standard non-deductible versions of Plan F and Plan G.

Is Plan F available for 2020?

80 %. * Plan F and Plan C are not available to Medicare beneficiaries who became eligible for Medicare on or after January 1, 2020. If you became eligible for Medicare before 2020, ... you may still be able to enroll in Plan F or Plan C as long as they are available in your area.

Can I sell my Medicare Part B policy?

As part of that act, from January 1, 2020, insurers couldn't sell a policy that covers the annual Medicare Part B deductible to new Medicare beneficiaries. This ruling effectively meant insurers couldn't offer Plan F or Medigap Plan C ...

Medicare Plan F vs Plan G Strategy: The Background

Currently, there are 10 Medicare Supplement Plans. All the plans are identified by letters, A through N. Remember, these Medicare Supplement Plan letters are in no way related to Medicare Part A, Part B, Part C or Part D. Each Medicare Supplement Plan is just simply assigned a letter to identify that plan.

Medicare Plan G: Why It Is a Winner Over Plan F

Medicare Plan F does not have any out-of-pocket costs like copays or deductibles. But many people save hundreds, sometimes thousands of dollars a year by choosing Plan G over Plan F. This is because, with Plan G, you save big money in your premiums each year.

Medicare Plan F vs Plan G: The Strategy

Here’s an example of the savings you can expect to see. Plan F usually charges the highest monthly premiums over all other Medigap plans. In this example, Plan F for a 65-year-old male in Arizona is around $150.00/month. Medicare Plan G however, has lower monthly premiums, around $115.00/month.

What Is Significant About Medicare Supplement Plan F Leaving the Market?

Anytime a Medicare Supplement Plan letter leaves the market, typically a higher than normal annual rate increase is seen. There is an interesting reason for this.

The Clear Winner: Medicare Supplement Plan G Over Plan F

If you’re turning 65 or enrolling in Medicare for the first time, you can choose Plan G and there is no medical underwriting. This is called your Medicare Supplement Open Enrollment period.

We Can Help You Shop for Medicare Supplement Plan G

Contact MedicareInc.com today and we’ll help you shop the market for you because that’s exactly what we do. We’ll show you Plan F vs. Plan G and do the math for you so that you can see exactly what you’ll save by going with Plan G. The best part is, you’ll never see a bill from us. Our services are always at no cost to you.

Is Plan F a gap?

The historical popularity of Plan F is easy to explain. It is the only plan in which ALL Medicare ‘gaps’ are covered. It is very convenient: once you’ve paid the premium, there is no need to be concerned about any out-of-pocket expenses.

Does Medicare Supplement Plan G cover Part B?

Medicare Supplement Plan G, also known as Medigap Plan G, is VERY SIMILAR to Plan F with one exception – it does not cover the annual Medicare Part B Deductible. For 2019 the deductible is $185, but this deductible is subject to change annually. Just like all Medigap plans, Plan G is standardized, and its benefits are the same for all insurance ...

Is the F premium higher than the G premium?

Lower Premium. Because of the extra benefit, the Plan’s F premium is always higher than the premium for Medicare Supplement Plan G. The premiums of the plans may differ significantly among different companies. Based exclusively on premium, if the difference between plan F and G premiums exceeds the Part B deductible, ...

Is Plan G healthier than Plan F?

Therefore, people with Medicare Supplement Plan G, in general, healthier than people enrolled in Plan F.

What is the difference between Medicare Plan F and Plan G?

Another big difference between Medicare Plan F and Plan G is who is eligible to enroll. Both plans require you to first have Original Medicare, but the enrollment guidelines for Plan F changed at the beginning of 2020. If you first became eligible for Medicare on or after January 1, 2020, you cannot enroll in Medicare Plan F.

What is Medicare Plan F and G?

Medicare Plan F and Plan G are two of the 10 different types of standardized Medicare supplemental health insurance plans available in most states. You pay a premium for both types of plans, but both plans help pay for out-of-pocket expenses that Original Medicare doesn’t cover. The following chart provides a side-by-side look at all 10 ...

Why switch to Medicare Plan G?

Switching to a Medicare Plan G might be a good idea because you’ll pay lower premiums, and you might also never pay the $203 Medicare Part B deductible.

How much does Medicare cover if you have a plan F?

If you have Medicare Plan F and you haven’t yet met your Medicare Part B deductible, it would cover the $203 deductible plus the 20% of the Medicare-approved coinsurance amount. If you have Medicare Plan G, you’ll need to pay the $203 Medicare Part B deductible first. Then your Medicare Supplement plan would cover the 20% coinsurance.

What is the deductible for Medicare 2021?

If you became eligible for Medicare. 1 Plans F and G offer high-deductible plans that each have an annual deductible of $2,370 in 2021. Once the annual deductible is met, the plan pays 100% of covered services for the rest of the year.

When will Medicare change to Plan F?

Both plans require you to first have Original Medicare, but the enrollment guidelines for Plan F changed at the beginning of 2020. If you first became eligible for Medicare on or after January 1, 2020, you cannot enroll in Medicare Plan F.

Is everyone eligible for Medicare Plan F and Plan G?

Medicare Plan F and Plan G can help you save money on your Medicare costs. However, as of January 1, 2020, not everyone is eligible for both plans, and you need to understand the new requirements.

Medicare Supplement Plan G

In the year 2021, the annual Part B deductible amount was only $203. Those who have Plan F had this deductible paid for them.

Medicare Plan F vs G

Now, if you’re over the age of 65, you’ve been on Medicare prior to January 1st of 2020 and you have a Plan F still, congratulations! As you know by now, you can keep the plan and have 100% of your bills paid.

Why is Plan G higher than Plan F?

Plan G has lower rate increase history compared to Plan F. The reason Plan F experiences higher rate increases is due to it being offered in Guaranteed Issue situations, which is when certain Medicare Supplement plans can be purchased with no health questions asked. Click here to see a complete list of Guaranteed Issue situations. Generally, if a person is in a Guaranteed Issue situation and has several health conditions, it may be the only option to be insured. Due to Plan F having several people insured with health conditions and having more claims, the premiums are going to increase more. Rate increases vary from company to company however typically range from 7-12%.

When will Medicare Supplements no longer be offered?

Legislation passed in April 2015 states effective year 2020 “a Medicare Supplement policy that provides coverage of the Part B deductible may not be sold or issued to a newly eligible Medicare beneficiary.” So, Plans C and F will no longer be offered effective January 1, 2020 to any new Medicare beneficiaries. Anyone who currently has a Plan C or F may keep it as long as they pay the premiums. In the past, when other letter plans have been discontinued the future premium rate increases are typically higher.

What is the Cost Difference Between Plan F vs. Plan G vs. Plan N?

The cost of a Medicare Supplement depends on where you live, your age, and other factors. Smokers usually pay more for insurance than non-smokers. For an accurate quote, consult a Medicare Insurance agent.

What is the Difference Between Eligibility Plan F vs. Plan G vs. Plan N?

You must have Medicare Part B to enroll in a Medigap plan. In some cases, you may need to pass medical underwriting to be approved for a Medigap policy.

Which Option is Best: Plan F vs. Plan G vs. Plan N?

First, you’ll want to consider which plans you’re eligible for enrolling in. Next, consider what is important to you.

Can I Change My Medigap Policy?

You can change your Medigap policy anytime, there are no Annual Enrollment Periods like with a Medicare Advantage plan. Outside of the Open Enrollment Period, or a Special Enrollment Period, you may need to go through medical underwriting.

FAQs

Plan F offers more comprehensive coverage than Plan G, so it is better in that sense. However, Plan F also carries a more expensive premium than Plan G, so you’ll have to weigh that into the equation on if it’s truly better overall for you.

image
A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U V W X Y Z 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9