Medicare Blog

why is medicare doing away with plan f

by Prof. Giovani Mitchell II Published 2 years ago Updated 1 year ago
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Plan F Discontinued as a Result of Vote by Congress Due to recently passed legislation, the Part B deductible will no longer be covered by insurance, (by 2020) . Since Plan F (and the lesser known Plan C) are the only Medicare Supplements (Medigap Plans) that cover this deductible, by default, this eliminates the ever popular Plan F.

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.Jul 9, 2020

Full Answer

Is Medicare 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. Is Medicare Plan F being discontinued? Yes, but only for new enrollees on or after January 1, 2020.

Is Medicare Plan F being discontinued?

No, Medicare Plan F is not being discontinued, but it is no longer an option for those who are new to Medicare. The 2015 Medicare Access and CHIP Reauthorization Act (MACRA) prevented Medicare Supplement plans (F and C, specifically) from providing coverage for Part B deductibles. What is plan F 2020 high deductible?

Should I keep Medicare Plan F?

  • 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. ...

Why was plan F discontinued?

  • There are four states that allow beneficiaries to switch to a different Medigap plan. ...
  • A few states offer an opportunity once a year. ...
  • There are some insurance companies that will allow a policy holder to switch to a different policy the company offers, without medical underwriting.

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Is Medicare getting rid of Plan F?

Is Medicare Plan F Being Discontinued? No, Medicare Plan F is not being discontinued, but it is no longer an option for those who are new to Medicare. The 2015 Medicare Access and CHIP Reauthorization Act (MACRA) prevented Medicare Supplement plans (F and C, specifically) from providing coverage for Part B deductibles.

Will Plan F be grandfathered?

If you enrolled in Plan F before 2020, you will be “grandfathered” into the plan. This gives you the choice to keep the plan past 2020.

What has replaced Plan F?

For those people who became eligible for Medicare on or after Jan. 1, 2020, Plans D or G may be available. Plan D and Plan G have replaced Plan C and Plan F. The difference between Plans C and D, and Plans F and G, is the coverage of the Part B deductible.

Can I switch back to Plan F?

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.

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?

Can I keep my plan F after 2020?

If you already have Medicare Supplement Plan F (or Plan C, which also covers the Part B deductible), you can generally keep it. If you were eligible for Medicare before January 1, 2020, you may be able to buy Medicare Supplement Plan F or Plan C.

Can I change from Medicare 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 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).

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.

Why do doctors not like Medicare Advantage plans?

If they don't say under budget, they end up losing money. Meaning, you may not receive the full extent of care. Thus, many doctors will likely tell you they do not like Medicare Advantage plans because private insurance companies make it difficult for them to get paid for their services.

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 plan F deductible for 2022?

There isn't much point in comparing costs here—Plan F has a $0 deductible at the regular level. The High Deductible Plan F has a deductible of $2,490 in 2022, but because you have to pay more out-of-pocket, the premiums for this plan tend to be significantly lower.

When Is Plan F Going away?

Both Plan F and Plan C are going away in 2020. However, these Medicare changes in 2020 won’t affect everyone. Some people already on Medicare Plan...

Why Is Plan F Going away?

So what is happening with Plan F? Why is Medicare Plan F being phased out?Well, these changes to Medicare supplement plans are a result of the Medi...

Medicare Plan F 2020 Changes

So is Plan F going away? Yes, BUT only for new people starting in 2020. Here’s how it will go: 1. If you are are on Plan F already when 2020 rolls...

Will Plan F Rates Go Up Faster After 2020?

Some people are worried about this, and it’s certainly possible. Back in 2010, when Medicare discontinued Plans H, I and J, we did some price infla...

What Does 2020 Plan F Change Mean For You?

Here’s our advice about Medicare Plan F going away: 1. Make the best coverage decision for yourself right now. If Plan F feels best to you, it’s st...

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 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.

What is the difference between Plan F and Plan C?

Plan F is very similar to Plan C. The only difference is that Plan C does not cover Medicare excess charges. If a doctor does not accept Medicare assignment rates, you will be responsible for excess charges, but it can not exceed 15% of what Medicare pays. Some states do not allow doctors to issue excess charges.

Is Plan G the same as Plan F?

Great news! Plan G is almost identical to Plan F! The only difference is that Plan G does not cover the Part B deductible. Plan F may technically cover more, but many people consider Plan G to be a better value. Yes, you will need to pay your Part B deductible upon your first outpatient visit, but after you pay the deductible, you won’t need to pull your wallet out for the remainder of the year. Since you have to pay the Part B deductible yourself, Plan G has lower monthly premiums, and you could save more than $400 a year!

What is a plan F?

What Is Plan F? Medicare Supplement Plan F is often touted as the "Cadillac" Medigap plan because it boasts the most coverage of any Medicare Supplement. As long as you have a Plan F, doctors and hospitals will never bill you for anything that Medicare Part A and B covers. No copays, no coinsurance, and no deductibles.

When will Medicare run out of money?

Medicare has been expected to run out of money for a while now. In the 2019 Medicare Trustees Report, the trustees reported that Medicare Part A is expected to run out of money by 2026.

How much is Medicare Part B deductible?

The Medicare Part B deductible is the only difference between Plan F and Plan G. That deductible isn't much, either – it's only $185 in 2019 and $198 in 2020. However, that small difference is what caused a lot of discussion and controversy, and it eventually led to Congress passing MACRA in 2015, or the bill that is causing Plan F ...

What to do if you can't pass underwriting to switch companies?

If you can't pass underwriting to switch companies, your agent will help you consider alternative options, such as Medicare Advantage or the Medicare MSA.

Does Medicare need to find ways to save money quickly?

In sum, Medicare needs to find ways to save money quickly and doing away with Medigap plans that provide first-dollar coverage fits the bill. If people stop getting preventive services, it could turn into more expensive treatments later on.

Do you pay more for a Plan F?

Most people appreciate the Plan F because you don't have to deal with reconciling bills from your physicians. Yes, you pay more money for a Plan F, but it takes away all of the headaches associated with doctor's bills.

Do you have to pass medical underwriting to qualify for Medicare Supplement?

There are times when you don't have to pass medical underwriting to qualify for a Medicare Supplement. For example, if you're in a Medicare Advantage plan and you move out of the plan's service area or if your employer group plan is ending. In these situations, you have a 63-day window to choose a Medicare Supplement Plan A, B, C, ...

Why Is Plan F Going Away?

If you have Plan F, or if you’ve heard about how great Plan F is, you’re probably wondering: why is Plan F going away?

Can I Still Get Plan F After 2020?

While newly eligible individuals can’t purchase Plan F starting in 2020, anyone who was eligible before that date can still purchase a Plan F.

What If I Currently Have a Plan F?

If you currently have a Plan F, you can keep your policy for as long as you like.

What Will Replace Plan F?

After January 1, 2020, the following Guaranteed Issue plans will be available for newly eligible Medicare beneficiaries:

What Will Happen to the Cost of a Plan F?

If you’re part of the group who will still be able to buy a Plan F after January 1, 2020 (those eligible for Medicare prior to January 1, 2020), you may be wondering if the F will be competitively priced.

What Should I Do?

At this point, you’re probably ready for the big answer: what should I do?

What is Medicare Plan F?

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, which means you pay nothing out of pocket throughout the year.

Why is Medicare Plan F so popular?

The reason Medicare Plan F is so well-liked is that it will pay for ALL of the gaps in Original Medicare Part A and Part B, including both your hospital and outpatient deductible. It even pays the 20% that Medicare Part B does not cover.

What is the most comprehensive Medicare plan?

If you became eligible for Medicare on or after January 1, 2020, you’ll find that Plan G is the most comprehensive Medigap plan available to you. (In recent years, Plan G has been the second most popular Medicare Supplement plan, and you can read more on that below.) A Medigap plan, or Medicare Supplement, pays after Medicare to help cover your ...

What is the best Medigap plan for 2021?

The best Medigap plans in 2021 are still Plan F and Plan G. While Plan F has long been the most popular, Plan G is gaining steam since Plan F is no longer available to new enrollees. Get a quote for both and see which ones offer you the best annual savings.

What happens if you don't have a Supplement?

You would also pay 20% of expensive procedures like surgery because Part B only pays 80%.

Is Medicare Supplement Plan F the #1 seller?

This post has been updated for 2021. Medicare Supplement Plan F has also been the #1 seller with Baby Boomers for many years. According to a report from America’s Health Insurance professionals in 2016, about 57% of all Medigap policies in force were a premium Medicare Plan F policy.

Does Medicare Plan F cover outpatient deductible?

Plan F fully covers both your Part A hospital deductible and your Part B outpatient deductible. It covers all of the 20% that Medicare Part B normally leaves for you to pay. Medicare Plan F covers all Part B excess charges. You will never pay the standard 15% excess charges that doctors under Medicare are allowed to charge for Part B services.

Why do people like Plan F?

People like the Plan F because there are no network restrictions, and no copays for all medical services covered by Medicare.

What is the difference between a F and G insurance plan?

The only difference between Plan F and Plan G is that you pay the $166 deductible. The premium savings more than covers this cost. Plan G or Plan N are good alternatives to consider in the coming years, if you decide to replace your Plan F.

How much is the difference between Plan F and Plan G?

The kicker is, that in MOST cases (in most zip codes), when you compare quotes, the difference between plan F and the next lowest plan (Plan G) is far more than $166!

Will eliminating the SGR reduce Medicare?

Eliminating the SGR will greatly reduce the risk that physicians will get fed up with the ongoing threat of reduced payments and stop accepting Medicare patients. According to CaliforniaHealthAdvocates.org, the bill could’ve been worse.

Is Plan G the best?

Why plan G is the best, even now. One solution is to enroll in a Plan G while you can qualify; (either enroll when first eligible for Medicare, or switch while you are able to qualify based on health). Not only does Plan G have a history of the lowest rate increases NOW, but you’ll be in a better position come 2020, ...

Is Part B deductible covered by Medicare?

Due to recently passed legislation, the Part B deductible will no longer be covered by insurance, (by 2020). Since Plan F (and the lesser known Plan C) are the only Medicare Supplements (Medigap Plans) that cover this deductible, by default, this eliminates the ever popular Plan F. However, if you have Plan F when 2020 rolls around, ...

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