In short, Medicare Plan F is being phased out because of the first dollar coverage that made it so popular. As federal lawmakers saw it, that kind of coverage has the potential to be overused at the expense of the Medicare program. By requiring a deductible, the insured has a stake in making sure their visit to the doctor justifies the cost.
Full Answer
What happened to Medicare supplement plan C and plan F?
Every so often, Congress decides to change the landscape on 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. This may make you feel like you missed out on a great opportunity but keep reading.
Can I Keep my Medicare Plan F?
People who are already enrolled in Plan F can keep it. Medigap policies are guaranteed renewable as long as you maintain enrollment and pay the monthly premium associated with your policy. What is Plan F? Original Medicare pays for about 80 percent of healthcare-related costs.
Is Medicare Plan F being phased out?
Since Plan F covers that deductible, it is going to be phased out for new enrollees. You see, people with Plan F have what we call “first dollar” coverage. Right from the first day, Medicare covers 80% and their Medigap Plan F covers the deductibles and the other 20%.
Which Medicare supplement plan F is the most inclusive?
Out of all of the Medigap plans, Plan F is the most inclusive. Plan F covers 100 percent of the following costs: Plan F also covers 80 percent of medical needs when you’re traveling outside the United States. Why can only some people enroll in Medicare Supplement Plan F?
Why is Medicare Plan F being phased out?
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.
Why is Medigap Plan F not available?
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.
Is Medicare Plan F going to be discontinued?
It's been big news this year that as of Jan. 1, 2020, Medigap plans C and F will be discontinued. This change came about as a part of the Medicare Access and CHIP Reauthorization legislation in 2015, which prohibits the sale of Medigap plans that cover Medicare's Part B deductible.
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)
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.
When did plan f go away?
Medicare Supplement Plan F is off the market for those newly eligible for Medicare Part A and Part B as of January 1, 2020 and thereafter. Medicare Supplement Plan F is still available to those who buy it before that date.
Can I switch from plan F to plan G?
Switching from Plan F to Plan G If you enrolled in Plan F before 2020, you can continue your plan or switch to another Medigap plan, such as Plan G, if you prefer. You may want to make the change to reduce the price of your health insurance.
Is Medicare Part F still available 2022?
Previously, anyone enrolled in original Medicare could purchase Medigap Plan F. However, this plan is now being phased out. As of January 1, 2020, Medigap Plan F is only available to those who were eligible for Medicare before 2020.
Will plan F premiums go up?
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.
Is plan G better than plan F?
Medicare Plan G is not better than Plan F because Medicare Plan G covers one less benefit than Plan F. It leaves you to pay the Part B deductible whereas Medigap Plan F covers that deductible. What's the top Medicare Supplement plan for 2022?
Why should I keep plan F?
PLAN F PROVIDES COMPREHENSIVE COVERAGE…AT A COST Because Plan F covers the annual Part B deductible, members of the plan are free to visit doctors, hospitals, and other healthcare providers as often as they'd like, with no out-of-pocket costs.
What is the difference between Blue Cross plan F and plan G?
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.
What does Plan F pay for?
If you have a Plan F, you pay $0 for hospital stays , doctor visits, lab works, and many more. That is why Plan F has been America’s most popular Medigap plan for decades. However, in 2015, Congress passed the Medicare Access and CHIP Reauthorization Act (MACRA) bill.
When does Medicare Part B deductible take effect?
But hang in there, this will not take effect yet until the 1st of January 2020. So you still have some time. And the good thing is that Medicare Part B doesn’t cover the biggest health care costs under Medicare.
What plans are available for Medicare after January 1 2020?
For people eligible for Medicare after January 1, 2020, there are other plans available for you. Plans D, G and High-Deductible Plan G (which is a brand new plan option) will still be available to Medicare beneficiaries after January 1, 2020. Among the three, Plan G is the most popular because it’s almost a match in coverage, ...
Which Medicare plan is the most comprehensive?
Among the three, Plan G is the most popular because it’s almost a match in coverage, except for Part B Deductible. Although you must pay the Part B deductible in a Plan G, the premiums can be notably less. After paying the Part B deductible, Plan G works the same as Plan F, making Plan G the most comprehensive plan for newly eligible Medicare ...
Does phasing out Plan F change your insurance?
If you are already enrolled in Plan F, you need not worry about it because you’re still covered by it for as long as you want. Phasing out Plan F won’t change a thing on your coverage. However, some advisers think after 2020 you might find an increase in the rates.
When did the standardized plan options start?
From 1990 (when Congress first standardized plan options) to 2010 there are other parts that have been phased out by the legislative (those are Plans E, H, I, and J). The government stresses that if you have a plan that covers everything, you may go more often than necessary.
Can you change your Medicare Supplement Plan without medical underwriting?
That means they can’t say no due to your medical situation. Those states are California, Connecticut, Missouri, New York, and Oregon.
When will Plan F stop?
Starting in 2020, the U.S. government has decided to stop offering Plan F. And that isn’t the only change happening – Plan C, another supplemental coverage option, will also disappear.
What is a plan F?
Also known as Medigap Plan F, this supplemental plan was created to help seniors fill gaps in their regular Medicare coverage. Subscribers could, in years past, add to Original Medicare (Parts A and B) with special prescription coverage plans, Medicare Part C, and Plan F.
How much is Medicare Part B deductible?
The Medicare Part B deductible, which is the deductible amount involved in the MACRA legislation, can change every year. In 2019, it’s $185. That’s the amount you have to pay before Part B pays for covered services. And Plan F in particular has been a very popular supplemental plan.
What is the Medicare Access and CHIP Reauthorization Act?
So, in 2015, Congress passed the Medicare Access and CHIP Reauthorization Act (MACRA) that’s meant to close the doctor payment gap.
When will Medicare Part B deductible be removed?
According to congress.gov, starting in 2020, Medicare Supplement plans that pay the Medicare Part B deductible will no longer be sold to those newly eligible. This change is part of the Medicare Access and CHIP Reauthorization Act of 2015 (MACRA).
Is Plan F still available for Medicare?
But Plan F will no longer be available for Medicare subscribers. Starting in 2020, the U.S. government has decided to stop offering Plan F.
Is Medicare Plan F going away?
Yes, Plan F is on its way out. For a growing number of new retirees, Plan F won’t be an option in the coming years. But what exactly does this mean for you? We’ll discuss what this popular plan is, why it’s being phased out, who’s still eligible and what options you have without it.
What is Medicare Plan F?
Plan F is one of several types of Medicare Supplement insurance plans. These plans help pay for out-of-pocket costs like coinsurance and copays that Medicare Part A and Part B (aka Original Medicare) can charge.
Why is Medicare Plan F no longer an option for most people?
In short, Medicare Plan F is being phased out because of the first dollar coverage that made it so popular. As federal lawmakers saw it, that kind of coverage has the potential to be overused at the expense of the Medicare program. By requiring a deductible, the insured has a stake in making sure their visit to the doctor justifies the cost.
What about Plan F rate increases?
If you’re eligible to remain on, or enroll in Plan F, it’s worth it to consider the plan’s future.
What is replacing Plan F?
While there’s no specific replacement for Plan F, there are plenty of other options available. Here are a few popular ones:
Have more Medicare questions?
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Why are Medigap Plans C and F being phased out?
This change was included in a 2015 bill that increased the payment amounts for physicians who treat Medicare recipients. To help offset the cost, the government wanted to discourage utilization, so the decision was made to phase out the two Medigap plans that cover the annual Part B deductible, which is currently $183.
Who does this change affect?
This change only affects people newly eligible for Medicare on or after January 1, 2020. This means that:
What if I was eligible for Medicare before 2020 but delayed Part B because I was still working?
Good news! You will still have the option of purchasing a Medicare Plan C or F supplement after you retire or lose your group health coverage, even if that is after 2020.
Should Medicare beneficiaries hurry and buy a Plan F before it is eliminated?
Not necessarily. As already mentioned, people who are eligible for Medicare Plan F before 2020 will still have the opportunity to purchase a Plan F supplement going forward if they qualify, so there’s no rush.
Will any new plans be added to take the place of Plans C and F?
No, Medigap Plans C and F are being phased out, but no new plans are being introduced. So, instead of 10 standardized Medicare supplement plans (or 11 if you select the High Deductible plan F), there will be only eight for new Medicare recipients starting in 2020, while those who already have Medicare will continue to have the same options.
What else should I know about the 2020 changes?
Currently, Medigap plan F is the most popular Medicare supplement, so for new Medicare recipients starting in 2020, Medigap plan G is likely to take its place as the most popular plan. Medicare supplement plan G fills the same holes as plan F with the exception of the Part B deductible.
Why is Plan F going away?
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. But even if you’re unable to get a plan ...
Which Medicare Supplement Plan is the most popular?
According to AARP, Medicare Supplement Plan F provides the most coverage, and as a result, it’s the most popular plan among those eligible for Medicare.
How much is the Part B deductible?
But even if you’re unable to get a plan that pays your Part B deductible, the good news is that this deductible is relatively inexpensive. It’s $198 in 2020, a slight increase from $185 in 2019.
Is Medicare going away?
Medicare Plan F is the most comprehensive Medicare Supplement plan, but starting in 2020 the plan will not be available to everyone en rolled in Original Medicare. By Valencia Higuera. Last Updated: July 8, 2020.
Does Medicare cover hospitalization?
But even if you sign up for Original Medicare, this federal health insurance program doesn’t cover all medical expenses.
Does Medicare Supplement Plan G cover Part B?
It includes the same benefits as Plan F. The only difference is it doesn’t pay Part B deductibles.
What is a plan F?
The takeaway. Plan F is one of the 10 types of Medigap plans. It covers a wide breadth of expenditures that original Medicare doesn’t pay for. Starting in 2020, new rules prohibit Medigap policies from covering the Medicare Part B deductible. Because of this, people who are new to Medicare in 2020 won’t be able to enroll in Plan F.
What is Medicare Supplement Insurance?
Medicare supplement insurance (Medigap) is a type of Medicare insurance policy that can help pay for some costs that original Medicare (parts A and B) doesn’t cover. Plan F is one Medigap option. Though there are changes to it in 2020, this popular plan is not going away for everyone.
What is the most inclusive Medigap plan?
Out of all of the Medigap plans, Plan F is the most inclusive. Plan F covers 100 percent of the following costs: Plan F also covers 80 percent of medical needs when you’re traveling outside the United States.
Can you keep Medigap if you are already enrolled?
People who are already enrolled in Plan F can keep it. Medigap policies are guaranteed renewable as long as you maintain enrollment and pay the monthly premium associated with your policy.
Can you get Medicare Part B in 2020?
As of 2020, Medigap plans are no longer allowed to cover the Medicare Part B deductible. People who are new to Medicare in 2020 cannot enroll in Plan F; however, those who already have Plan F can keep it. Medicare supplement insurance (Medigap) is a type of Medicare insurance policy that can help pay for some costs that original Medicare ...
Can you keep your Medicare plan F?
Those who already have Plan F, on the other hand, can keep it. Some Medigap plans offer coverage that’s very similar to Plan F, including Plan G, Plan D, and Plan N. If you’ll be enrolling in Medicare this year, comparing different Medigap policies offered in your area can help you find the best coverage for your needs.
Is Plan F a standardized Medigap plan?
These policies are sold by private companies and are associated with an additional monthly premium. Plan F is one of the 10 standardized Medigap plans. In addition to the standard version, a high-deductible option is also available in some areas.
How much money do Medicare beneficiaries have to pay out of pocket?
These changes mean that all Medicare beneficiaries will have least $203 in deductible spending out of your own pocket each year.
What is the deductible for Medicare 2021?
Currently this annual deductible is $203 in 2021. Since Plan F covers that deductible, it is going to be phased out for new enrollees. The goal of this measure, in the view of Congress, is to make Medicare beneficiaries put a little more “skin in the game.”. You see, people with Plan F have what we call “first dollar” coverage.
Is Plan F going away?
So is Plan F going away? Yes, BUT only for new Medicare enrollees starting in 2020. People eligible for Medicare prior to 2020 will continue to have Plan C and F options in the future. Here’s some additional scenarios:
Does Medigap cover Part A?
Medigap plans can still cover the Part A Hospital deductible, but as of 2020, the plans can no longer cover the Part B deductible for new enrollees. Currently this annual deductible is $203 in 2021. Since Plan F covers that deductible, it is going to be phased out for new enrollees. The goal of this measure, in the view of Congress, ...
What Is Medicare Supplement Insurance?
Medicare supplement plans are private health insurance plans that supplement Original Medicare.
What Is Medicare Supplement Plan F?
First, the bad news, Plan F has been phased out for new enrollees as of 2020. This is due to new legislation that no longer allows Medicare Supplement Insurance plans to cover your Part B deductible ($203 in 2021).
Frequently Asked Questions
Medicare Plan F (also referred to as Medigap Plan F) is the most comprehensive Medicare supplement plan. This plan covers Medicare deductibles and all copays and coinsurance (including Part B deductibles), which means you pay nothing out of pocket throughout the year.
Conclusion
We hope you found this overview helpful! If you have a question we did not cover, however, don’t hesitate to leave a comment or send us an email at hello@getsure.org. We’ll be sure to get back to you within 24 hours.