Medicare Supplement Plan F pays for costs that Original Medicare leaves you responsible for

Plan F is a Medigap (Medicare Supplement) policy sold by private insurance companies. It covers the gaps in Original Medicare — the deductibles, copayments, and coinsurance amounts that Medicare Part A and Part B do not pay. Plan F is one of the most comprehensive Medigap options available, which is why it has historically been popular with people who want predictable out-of-pocket costs.

Plan F is no longer sold to people who became may be able to access for Medicare on or after January 1, 2020. If you became may be able to access before that date, you can still purchase or keep Plan F. If you became may be able to access after that date, you can choose from Plan D, G, N, or other available options instead.

Key Takeaways

  • Plan F covers Medicare Part A deductibles, Part B deductibles, copayments for hospital stays and doctor visits, and coinsurance for skilled nursing facilities.
  • Plan F does not cover dental, vision, hearing aids, or long-term care — those require separate coverage or out-of-pocket payment.
  • You pay a monthly premium to the insurance company selling the Plan F policy, separate from your Medicare Part B premium.
  • Plan F is closed to new enrollees who became Medicare-may be able to access on or after January 1, 2020; Plan G is the closest alternative for newer enrollees.
  • You can switch to Plan F during the open enrollment period (October 15 to December 7 each year) or during a may have access to life event.

What Plan F actually covers

Plan F covers the Part A deductible — the amount you pay before Medicare hospital insurance kicks in. It also covers the Part B deductible — the amount you pay before Medicare doctor and outpatient services begin. Once those deductibles are met by Plan F, you still have copayments and coinsurance for specific services, and Plan F covers those too.

For hospital stays, Plan F covers copayments for days 61 through 90 of a hospital stay and for up to 60 additional "lifetime reserve days" if you stay longer. For skilled nursing facilities (like rehabilitation centers after a hospital stay), Plan F covers coinsurance for days 21 through 100. For doctor visits and outpatient services covered by Part B, Plan F covers your coinsurance — typically 20 percent of the Medicare-approved amount after the Part B deductible is met.

Plan F also covers blood transfusions (the first three pints per year) and the Part B excess charge — an amount some doctors charge above what Medicare allows, though this applies only in certain states and situations.

What Plan F does not cover

Plan F does not cover dental work, vision care, hearing aids, or routine foot care. It does not cover long-term care (nursing home or in-home care for non-medical reasons), prescription drugs, or medical equipment like wheelchairs or oxygen unless Medicare itself covers it. Plan F also does not cover care outside the United States, except in limited circumstances during travel.

If you need prescription drug coverage, you must enroll in a separate Part D plan through Medicare. Dental and vision coverage must come from a standalone policy or be paid out of pocket.

How much Plan F costs

Plan F premiums vary by insurance company, your age, your location, and whether the company uses age-based or community-rated pricing. Some companies charge more as you age; others charge the same rate to all enrollees regardless of age. You will pay the premium monthly to the insurance company, not to Medicare.

Because Plan F is closed to new enrollees, premiums for existing Plan F holders have risen over time as the pool of enrollees ages. If you are considering Plan F, ask for quotes from multiple insurers in your state — rates can differ significantly. You can also compare Plan G, which is open to all new Medicare enrollees and covers nearly everything Plan F does (the main difference is that Plan G does not cover the Part B deductible).

When you can enroll in or switch to Plan F

If you are may be able to access for Plan F (became Medicare-may be able to access before January 1, 2020), you have the best chance of being accepted without medical underwriting during your Medigap Open Enrollment Period. This period is six months long and begins the month you turn 65 and enroll in Medicare Part B.

Outside that window, insurance companies can deny you coverage or charge higher premiums based on your health history. You can also switch to Plan F during the annual Medicare open enrollment period (October 15 to December 7), though the insurance company may still require medical underwriting if you are switching from a different Medigap plan.

If you experience a may have access to life event — such as losing employer coverage or moving to a new state — you may have a special enrollment period that allows you to switch plans outside the regular windows.

Plan F versus Plan G: which is the better choice

Plan G covers almost everything Plan F does, with one key difference: Plan G does not cover the Part B deductible (currently $240 per year). In exchange, Plan G premiums are often lower than Plan F premiums, especially for people under 75. For many people, the monthly savings on Plan G outweigh the annual Part B deductible.

If you are already enrolled in Plan F and happy with it, there is no requirement to switch. If you are newly may be able to access for Medicare and cannot enroll in Plan F, Plan G is the closest alternative. Run the numbers with quotes from the same insurance company for both plans to see which makes sense for your situation.

How to find and compare Plan F policies

Use Medicare.gov's Plan Finder tool to see which Medigap insurers in your state offer Plan F. You can enter your zip code and see available plans, premiums, and customer ratings. Contact each company directly for a quote — do not assume the lowest premium is the best deal if the company has poor customer service ratings.

You can also contact your State Health Insurance information Program (SHIP), a free counseling service funded by Medicare. SHIP staff can explain the differences between plans, help you understand what you will pay out of pocket, and answer questions about enrollment important date. Find your state's SHIP by calling 1-800-MEDICARE or visiting shiptalk.org.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I keep Plan F if I already have it?

Yes. Plan F is closed to new enrollees, but people who already have it can keep it for life. You can also switch to Plan F if you became Medicare-may be able to access before January 1, 2020, though you may face medical underwriting outside your Medigap Open Enrollment Period.

Does Plan F cover prescription drugs?

No. You must enroll in a separate Medicare Part D prescription drug plan. You can do this when you first become may be able to access for Medicare or during the annual open enrollment period (October 15 to December 7).

What happens if I use Plan F and then move to a different state?

Your Plan F coverage ends when you move. You will need to enroll in a new Medigap plan offered by insurers in your new state. You may have a special enrollment period that waives medical underwriting during the move, so contact your state's SHIP office right away.

Is Plan F better than Original Medicare alone?

That depends on how much medical care you use. Plan F costs a monthly premium but caps your out-of-pocket costs. Original Medicare alone has no monthly Medigap premium but leaves you responsible for deductibles and coinsurance, which can add up quickly if you have a hospital stay or see specialists regularly.

Can I switch from Plan F to Plan G later?

Yes, during the annual Medicare open enrollment period or if you have a may have access to life event. Outside those windows, the new insurance company may require medical underwriting and can charge higher premiums based on your health.