Which is better: Medigap Plan F or Plan G. While they are very similar, the answer really comes down to price. With no new Medigap Plan F’s offered to those who turn 65 after 2020, we are constantly asked if Medicare Supplement F or G is the right way to go. See below for your answer.
What is the difference between Plan F and G?
This part is easy to answer because there is only one benefit difference between Medigap plan G and F. Plan F covers the Medicare Part B deductible and Plan G doesn’t.
The Part B deductible is a one-time deductible you must pay each year when you see the doctor for non-preventive visits. The current part B deductible cost is $240. This means Medigap Plan F pays the $240 while Plan G does not. The other difference is the monthly price. Often called the monthly premium, the monthly price can be a considerable difference between plan F and Plan G (Plan G usually is much less expensive!)
Click to see our Plan F and Plan G Prices Apply for Medigap
Medigap Plan G Vs F Benefit Details
We put together a chart with the main benefits covered by Medicare Supplement Plans G and F. As you will see, they mirror each other in all benefits except for how they handle the Part B deductible cost. Check it out then meet us at the bottom for our recommendations.
Benefits | Original Medicare Alone | Original Medicare With Medigap Plan G | Original Medicare With Medigap Plan F |
---|---|---|---|
Doctor Network | All Doctors that accept Medicare | All Doctors that accept Medicare | All Doctors that accept Medicare |
Part A Hospital Benefit Period Deductible | You pay $1,632* | You pay $0 | You pay $0 |
Hospital days Coinsurance | You pay $408 per day for days 61-90, $816 per day for 60 lifetime reserve days | You pay $0 | You pay $0 |
Skilled Nursing Facility Coinsurance | You pay $204 per day from Day 21-100 | You pay $0 | You pay $0 |
First 3 Pints of Blood | You pay 100% | You pay $0 | You pay $0 |
Part B Annual Deductible | You pay $240 | You pay $240 | You pay $0 |
Part B Copays/Coinsurance | You pay 20% (Part B deductible applies) | You pay $0 after Part B deductible | You pay $0 |
Part B Excess Charges | You pay 100% (Part B deductible applies) | You pay $0 after Part B deductible | You pay $0 |
Foreign Travel Emergency | You pay 100% | You pay 20%*** | You pay 20%*** |
Who Should Choose Medigap F?
Everyone looking into Medigap policies should consider Plan F since it offers the most benefits. But who should pick F over G?
- Anyone who can find a Medigap Plan F with an annual premium that is not $240 more than Plan G’s annual premium. So if the best-priced F is only $100 more a year than the best-priced G then it’s probably a good deal.
- Anyone who lives in a state such as CA, MO, NY and OR that allows you to switch plans without medical review. Going with a Plan F can give you more options than G should you want to switch in the future.
- Anyone who has guaranteed issue rights for Plan F but not for Plan G.
Who Should Choose Medigap G?
Everyone considering enrolling in a Medicare Supplement Insurance who does not fall under the three bullets above should consider Plan G. Basically if you can find a Plan G that will save you more than $240 a year over the best-priced Plan F plan, Plan G is right for you.
That is usually not hard to find. Often Plan G can save you $30 or more a month. That would mean you would save $360 a year ($30 x 12), which would more than pay for the $240 the plan requires.
Next Steps
Compare prices for yourself. If you need assistance or are ready to enroll, give us a call.
There is never a charge or hidden fee to work with Senior65.com. Since Medicare Insurance prices are regulated, no one can sell you the same plan for less than we can.
*Medicare Part A deductible is broken down into 60 day benefit periods. You have to pay the deductible if you reenter the hospital after 60 days from discharge. Example: If you enter the hospital March 1st you’ll pay the Part A deductible. If you leave the hospital 5 days later and return to the hospital on July 6th, you will be charged the Part A hospitalization benefit again.
**For Skilled Nursing you must have a 3-day qualifying stay in the hospital to qualify for Skilled Nursing Facility care AND you’ll still pay the benefit period Part A deductible ($1,632).
***Foreign Travel Emergency requires a deductible of $250. You will have to have your emergency within the first 60 days of travel, and the plan has a lifetime coverage amount of $50,000.