Comparing Medicare Supplement Plan F vs. Plan G
Know the differences between Medicare Supplement Plan F and Plan G
Historically, Plan F has been the most popular Medigap plan among Medicare beneficiaries. Since it’s no longer available to those who turn 65 after January 1, 2020, Medigap Plan G is quickly becoming the most common Medigap plan.
Both plans are valued because they provide comprehensive coverage and virtually eliminate out-of-pocket costs. For example, with a Plan G, you won’t owe anything for Medicare-covered services once you meet your Part B deductible of $240 in 2024.
The differences between Plan F and Plan G are minimal, but we’ll dive into the details after going over what Medicare Supplement Plans are and how they work.
Key Takeaways:
Medicare Supplement (also called Medigap) plans help cover the 20% of costs that Original Medicare doesn’t pay.
Since Plan F isn’t available to those who turn 65 after January 1, 2020, Plan G is the most popular plan among new Medicare beneficiaries.
Medigap Plan G covers slightly less than Plan F. As such, the premiums for Plan Gs are lower.
Plan pricing will differ based on several factors, including where you live, your age, and your smoking status.
What are Medicare Supplement plans?
Medicare Supplement plans (also called Medigap plans) sit on top of your Original Medicare coverage to help cover the gaps in coverage. Because Original Medicare doesn’t cover about 20% of costs, Medigap plans cover many out-of-pocket expenses you’d otherwise be responsible for if you only had Original Medicare
In all but three states (Massachusetts, Minnesota, and Wisconsin), there are ten types of Medigap plans, labeled by letters A-N. Plan F and Plan G both also have high-deductible variations. These plans are all standardized, which means that all Plan Gs have identical coverage, even though prices will vary by insurance carrier.
Medigap plans help cover the gaps in costs not covered by Original Medicare. While their premiums are higher than those for Medicare Advantage plans, they pay for out-of-pocket costs like your deductibles and coinsurance—leading to more fixed costs and better financial predictability.
Like Original Medicare, Medigap plans allow you to see any doctor who accepts Medicare. They also don’t require prior authorization for covered services—a common complaint against Medicare Advantage plans.
Which Medicare Supplement plans are the most popular?
Plans G and F are the most popular Medigap plans, with Plan G being the likely selection for new Medicare beneficiaries. Plan G currently accounts for 32% of Medicare Supplement enrollees, and Plan F accounts for 40% (source). As more people age into Medicare and a larger percentage of Medicare-eligible individuals don’t have access to Plan F, Plan G will naturally rise as the most popular Medigap plan.
Medicare Supplement Plan F vs. Plan G
For individuals hoping for Medigap Plan F—which some call the “Cadillac” of Medicare—we often recommend Plan G because Plan F only covers one thing that Plan G doesn’t: Your Part B deductible.
Plan F vs. Plan G - Differences in Coverage
Both Plan F and Plan G cover almost all of your out-of-pocket expenses. The only thing Plan F covers that Plan G doesn’t is the Part B deductible. See this chart for full details on what each Medigap plan covers.
Plan F vs. Plan G - Differences in Cost
Medigap Plan F premiums are higher than Plan G premiums because Plan F covers more. The exact price you pay depends on various factors, like:
Where you live
Your smoking status
Your age
Your gender
The insurance carrier
Household discounts (offered by some Medigap plans)
Price ranges for a 65-year-old individual who doesn’t use Tobacco
If you live in Ohio, premiums for Plan G range from $105 to $647. For Plan F, the range is from $116 to $857.
In Montana, Plan G premiums range from $0 to $932. Plan F premiums range from $0 to $1,147.
Choosing between Plan F and Plan G
Both of these Medigap plans are popular for a reason. For many new Medicare beneficiaries, your decision is made for you because Medigap Plan F is unavailable for those who turn 65 after January 1, 2020. It’s worth noting that Medigap Plan N is another close alternative to Plan G or Plan F. You can learn more about how Plan N compares to Plan G here.
Our licensed Medicare Advisors provide free advice and support! Schedule a free consultation or call us at (855) 900-2427 to get your questions answered and feel confident in your Medicare decisions.
Note: If you live in one of the following states with a Medigap birthday or anniversary rule, you have an opportunity once a year to change from one Medigap plan to another without going through medical underwriting. These rules generally allow you to change from a Plan F to a Plan G, but not from a Plan G to a Plan F.