Medicare is a US federal health insurance program designed for people aged 65 or older and young individuals with disabilities. From ambulance services to hospital stays, it provides essential coverage.

However, this program doesn't cover everything, which is why Medigap plans F and G are available.

They help lower additional expenses and deductibles, reducing the financial burden. Continue reading as we explore Medicare Plan G vs Plan F in detail, along with their key features! 

What Is Medicare Supplement Insurance (Medigap)?

The Medicare supplement insurance plan, also known as Medigap, is sold by many private companies to cover medical costs not covered by Medicare. However, to be eligible for purchasing a Medigap policy, you must be part of the original Medicare plans A and B. 

Your Medicare plan will cover about 80% of your qualified medical expenses, with the remaining 20% potentially covered by a Medigap plan. Statistics show that it helps protect more than 14.5 million people from high out-of-pocket costs not covered by Medicare. However, know that it won't support your long-term vision, dental, and hearing care. 

There are typically up to 10 Medicare supplement plans offered in each state, ranging from A to N, and they are standardized by the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS). The two most comparable options are Medicare Plan G and Plan F, which cover copayments and deductibles. 

What Does Medicare Plan F Cover?

When it comes to Medicare plan G vs plan F, you should be aware of each plan's benefits, features, and eligibility criteria. To help you in this regard, here's an overview of what the Medigap plan F covers:

Part A

It covers hospital stays and associated costs for 365 days after Medicare benefits are exhausted. This includes part A deductibles and hospice care coinsurance. 

Part B

In Part B, Plan F covers your copayments, coinsurance, and Part B deductibles. On top of all this, it pays 100% of any charges from providers who do not accept Medicare assignment. 

Other Benefits 

Plan F can also be used for 80% of foreign emergency care, three pints of blood transfusion, and skilled nursing facility coinsurance. 

Who is Eligible for Plan F? 

You are eligible for Medigap plan F if you enrolled in Medicare before January 1, 2020. However, if you were ineligible for Medicare at that time, you can still apply for plan F by submitting an application explaining your health condition. The policy provider will analyze your request and decide whether you are approved for the plan. 

What Does Medicare Plan F Cost? 

In Medicare plan G vs plan F, the latter costs around $142 to $606 per month. Nonetheless, the exact number can vary depending on your age, gender, location, tobacco use, or the type of insurer. For instance, in California, the average monthly cost of plan F for a 65-year-old (non-tobacco user) ranges from $162 to $346. 

What Does Medicare Plan G Cover?

In Medicare plan G vs plan F, the former is almost the same as F. The only difference is that it doesn't cover the Part B deductible, which is around $283 in 2026. Once you meet this deductible, the plan will cover all eligible expenses, including outpatient care, doctor visits, and other preventive services. It actually supplements the original Medicare with its set of benefits and does not replace it. 

However, you should know that the monthly premiums for plan G can range from $100 to $280, depending on your age, location, and other factors. What's truly amazing is that the premium difference in Medicare plan G vs plan F ($30 to $80 per month) exceeds the annual Part B deductible. Plan F covers part H but has high monthly premiums, while plan G has lower premiums, which translate to lower annual costs. 

If you want more comprehensive healthcare coverage and don't mind paying extra, you should opt for the High-Deductible plan G. Its deductible is around $2,950, and Medicare-approved expenses are covered first. Then the plan pays for part A and part B for the rest of the year until the total reaches the deductible limit. 

Plan G vs Plan F: Side-by-Side Cost Comparison

Choosing a Medicare plan G vs plan F can be quite challenging if you aren't aware of the costs covered by both plans. Here's a table that gives you an overview of what's covered in each and what percentage for better decision-making: 

Here's an example that further shows you the break-even analysis of Medicare plan G vs plan F: 

Plan G monthly premium cost is = $120

Plan G's monthly premium is = $100 

Medicare part B deductible = $283

Step-by-Step Solution:

Calculate the Annual Premium Cost of Medicare Plan G vs Plan F

Plan F = $140 × 12 = $1,680 

Plan G = $100 × 12 = $1,200

Add Part B Deductible for Plan G 

$1200 + $283 = $1,483 

Medicare Plan G vs Plan F Cost Comparison

Plan F = $1,680

Plan G = $1,483

The annual premium savings on Plan G are about $197, making it slightly cheaper than Plan F, even when the Part B deductible is added. 

Who Can Still Get Plan F?

Now that you are aware of the key features of plan F and its benefits, you must wonder about the Medicare plan F availability. If yes, here's an overview of who can get it and alternative options: 

• People who were part of Medicare before 1 January 2020 but didn't enroll back then can easily qualify for the supplement insurance plans. 

• Plan F is no longer available to anyone who became eligible for Medicare on or after this date. If you are among them, you can try enrolling in other plans, such as Medicare Supplement Plan G 2025, which is quite similar to Plan F. 

The many Medigap plan G benefits include lower monthly premiums and easy availability to all new Medicare enrollees. In addition, since the Part B deductible is only a few hundred dollars per year, you can save more on this plan than you pay out of pocket. 

How to Choose Between Plan G and Plan F

In Medicare plan G vs plan F, making the right choice can be very confusing since both options offer strong coverage. Therefore, the final decision depends on factors such as cost, eligibility, and overall health status. Let's discuss these in detail: 

Check Your Eligibility First 

Start by evaluating your availability for both Medicare plan F and plan G. For instance, plan F is no longer available to enrollees who were onboarded on or after 1st January, 2020. So ask yourself whether you reached 65 years old or became Medicare-eligible before the mentioned date. If yes, you can go with plan F with some underwriting and application submission; if not, it's not an option. 

Run Premiums vs Deductible Math 

For individuals eligible for both plans, the next step is to run detailed premium-versus-deductible maths. The key difference between Medicare plan G vs plan F is: 

• Plan F covers all expenses not covered by initial Medicare, including the Part B deductible. 

• Plan G doesn't cover the Part B deductible. 

In case you choose plan G, you will have to pay the part B deductible yourself, and later it will be covered just like in plan F. However, sometimes the combined cost of premiums for Part B is still less than the overall plan F yearly premiums. 

Consider Your Health Status 

Your current health status also impacts your decision in Medicare plan G vs plan F. For instance, 

Choose Plan F If: 

• You have to visit the doctor frequently 

• Struggle to pay out-of-pocket expenses 

• Value convenience over saving money 

Choose Plan B If:

• You are relatively healthy and not suffering from multiple chronic conditions

• Don't mind paying a small deductible once a year 

• Looking for long-term premium savings 

Many people opt for plan G because it offers the best blend of protection and affordability. Nonetheless, if you seek stable, predictable monthly expenses, you should go with plan F. 

Evaluate the Insurance Carrier 

While choosing the right option between Medicare plan G and plan F is important, the insurance company's decision also plays a role. So look for strong financial ratings, transparent pricing, good customer service, and proper guidance. 

How an Aviator Health Advocate Can Help

Looking for a reliable medical advisor to help you make the right financial decision? Aviator Health Advocate is the one-stop shop.

We act as a guide, analyst, and support partner throughout your Medicare journey. One of the biggest advantages of working with us is that we provide you with multiple insurance quotes in one place. 

The advocates compare monthly premiums and analyze historical rate-increase trends so you can avoid overpaying for coverage. We also help you understand your Medigap open enrollment period and the right time to switch plans.

Takeaway

In Medicare plan G vs plan F, the right choice purely depends on your healthcare needs and financial stability. To get assistance, you can contact Aviator Health Advocate, who'll provide you with coaching and handle all appointments and disputes on your behalf. Visit us now! 

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I switch from Plan G to Plan F? 

Yes, you can switch from plan G to plan F if you enrolled in Medicare before January 1, 2020, and pass medical underwriting. 

Does Plan G cover dental/vision? 

No, Medicare plan G doesn't cover routine dental or vision appointments and treatment. 

What's the High-Deductible Plan G? 

The high-deductible plan G is actually a cost-effective option with lower monthly premiums and offers the same coverage as standard plan G. 

Are premiums tax-deductible? 

Yes, your Medicare premiums are tax-deductible if you itemize deductions on your federal income tax return. 

What if I have Medicare Advantage—can I add a Medigap plan?

No, you cannot have a Medicare Advantage plan and a Medigap (Medicare supplement) plan at the same time.