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CJ Karrer
Writer · Reviewed by Richard ChanUpdated Jun 12, 2026
8 min read
Medicare Plan F is the most comprehensive Medigap plan, covering all Medicare-approved out-of-pocket costs including the Part B deductible.
Due to federal legislation, Plan F is no longer available to beneficiaries who became eligible for Medicare on or after January 1, 2020.
Individuals who were eligible for Medicare before 2020 can still remain enrolled in or purchase Medigap Plan F if available.
Key Takeaways
Comprehensive Coverage: Medicare Plan F has long been considered the gold standard of Medigap plans, stepping in to cover all deductibles, copayments, and coinsurance that Original Medicare leaves behind.
Eligibility Restrictions: Unfortunately, Plan F is no longer open to new enrollees. You can only take advantage of its robust benefits if you were eligible for Medicare before January 1, 2020.
Viable Alternatives: If you missed the cutoff, don't worry. Medicare Plan G and Plan N offer excellent, highly comparable benefits with just a bit more cost-sharing on your end.
Navigating the transition to Medicare can feel like walking into a maze without a map, especially when you start adding up the out-of-pocket costs that Original Medicare doesn't cover. For years, Medicare Plan F stood as the ultimate safety net, stepping in to sweep up nearly every deductible and copay left behind. However, the rules changed on January 1, 2020. Enrollment in this highly sought-after plan was permanently discontinued for new beneficiaries, meaning Plan F is now strictly reserved for those who were eligible for Medicare before that critical deadline.
If you're wondering whether you can still unlock these benefits, or if you're searching for the next best thing, we've got you covered. This guide breaks down exactly what Medicare Plan F entails, who can still claim a spot, and the most reliable alternatives waiting for newly eligible enrollees.
Thanks to its sweeping, almost absolute coverage, Medicare Plan F has rightfully earned its reputation as the "Cadillac" of Medigap policies. It was intentionally designed to reduce—and in many cases entirely eliminate—the stress of beneficiaries' out-of-pocket spending. When health issues arise, the last thing you should have to worry about is an avalanche of unexpected bills.
Here is a detailed look at the safety net Medicare Plan F provides:
Deductibles: Plan F completely handles both your Part A (Hospital Insurance) and Part B (Medical Insurance) deductibles, so you don't have to pay a dime before your coverage kicks in.
Copayments and Coinsurance: It wipes out the standard copayments and coinsurance you would otherwise owe under Original Medicare. This includes covering your Part A coinsurance and essential hospital costs for up to an additional 365 days after your standard Medicare benefits run dry.
Excess Charges: Occasionally, a doctor will legally charge more than the standard Medicare-approved amount for a Part B service. Plan F swoops in to cover these frustrating excess charges entirely.
Foreign Travel Emergencies: Health scares don't check your itinerary. Plan F has your back globally, covering up to 80% of emergency care costs if you experience a medical crisis while traveling abroad.
At its core, Medicare Plan F is built for peace of mind. It allows you to focus strictly on your health, secure in the knowledge that your insurance will shoulder the heavy lifting of your medical expenses.
This plan is an absolute lifeline for beneficiaries who find themselves frequently visiting the doctor, as well as anyone who simply prefers the comfort of knowing exactly what their healthcare will cost month to month without surprise invoices.
When stacked up against other Medigap plans, Plan F consistently translates to the lowest amount of direct, point-of-service spending. While it does command a higher monthly premium, many find that the trade-off for zero out-of-pocket medical bills is well worth the upfront cost.
The short answer is no—at least not for everyone. Medicare Supplement Plan F is no longer available to new Medicare enrollees as of January 1, 2020. You can only secure this plan if you officially became eligible for Medicare prior to that date.
This legislative change was implemented to encourage a more cost-conscious use of the healthcare system, specifically by requiring newer beneficiaries to have some "skin in the game" by paying their own Part B deductibles.
If you meet the eligibility cut-off, Medicare Plan F remains one of the most powerful, protective policies you can hold. It is uniquely suited for individuals who value predictability over lower monthly premiums:
People Seeking Extended Coverage: Because it dutifully pays all your deductibles, copays, and coinsurance, Plan F is the definitive choice for anyone who wants the most comprehensive safety net available.
People with Frequent Medical Needs: If you find yourself in the doctor's office frequently—whether for ongoing treatments, chronic illness management, or regular specialist visits—Plan F takes the sting out of those constant appointments.
Individuals with Chronic Conditions: Managing a prolonged health issue is exhausting enough without the added burden of medical debt. Plan F significantly shields you from the heavy out-of-pocket costs associated with continuous, long-term care.
Preference for Predictable Costs: If living on a fixed income means you need your budget to be ironclad, Plan F provides exactly that. You pay your premium, and the rest is virtually handled.
If you joined Medicare after the 2020 cutoff, take a deep breath: Plan G and Plan N are fantastic, widely accessible alternatives. While they do introduce a minor degree of cost-sharing, they still deliver incredibly robust coverage. Understanding the nuances of these Medigap options is the key to securing the protection you need.
Offered by private health insurance companies, Medicare Plan G steps up to cover nearly everything that Plan F does, with one single exception: the Medicare Part B deductible.
This means that once you pay your annual Part B deductible out-of-pocket, Plan G completely takes over, covering 100% of your copays, coinsurance, and any excess charges for Medicare-approved services for the remainder of the year.
Because of this near-identical protection, Plan G has quickly become the go-to recommendation for anyone seeking maximum coverage but blocked by the recent eligibility changes.
If you're comfortable taking on a bit more of the daily costs in exchange for a lighter monthly bill, Medicare Plan N is a highly cost-effective alternative. It features noticeably lower premiums than both Plan F and Plan G, though it requires you to pay minimal copays (usually up to $20 for doctor visits and $50 for emergency room trips that don't result in a hospital admission).
It is important to note that, unlike Plan G, Plan N will not cover Part B excess charges. If a specialized provider charges more than what Medicare approves, you'll be personally responsible for that difference. Additionally, like all modern Medigap policies, Plan N does not include prescription drug coverage, meaning you will still need to purchase a standalone Medicare Part D plan to cover your medications.
Ultimately, the cost-sharing structure of Plan N makes it an exceptionally smart fit for relatively healthy individuals who don't anticipate a high volume of medical visits.
Both Plan G and Plan N offer a solid, dependable shield against catastrophic healthcare costs, giving you the flexibility to choose a balance of premiums and copays that fits your lifestyle.
The cost of Medicare Plan F is anything but uniform; it can swing wildly depending on where you live and your personal circumstances. For instance, the monthly premium for a beneficiary residing in California might range from $178 to $1,368, whereas someone based in New York could see rates floating between $355 and $843.
Several critical factors will dictate your exact premium:
Age: Premiums often climb as you get older, reflecting the reality that advancing age typically brings a greater need for regular healthcare interventions.
Location: The baseline cost of living and regional healthcare demands heavily influence pricing. Generally, if you live in a bustling urban center where medical care is expensive, your premiums will reflect that premium pricing compared to rural areas.
Health Status: If you apply for a Medigap plan outside of your initial open enrollment window, insurers are allowed to review your medical history. Significant health issues can directly lead to steeper premiums or even coverage denial.
Insurance Company: Not all providers price their plans equally, even for the exact same coverage tier. Companies adjust their premiums based on internal administrative overhead, historical claims data, and their specific market strategies.
Selecting the perfect Medigap policy—whether that's Plan F, Plan G, or Plan N—is a deeply personal decision that relies on an honest assessment of your health and finances. Here is how to break it down:
Healthcare Needs: Honestly evaluate your day-to-day medical reality. Plan F is a tremendous asset if you are currently managing high medical costs, a chronic condition, or simply find yourself at the doctor's office on a regular basis.
Budget: You have to balance upfront costs against potential backend savings. Plan F demands higher premiums but practically eliminates unexpected out-of-pocket bills. Plan G offers almost the exact same peace of mind, provided you can cover the initial Part B deductible. Plan N offers the lowest premiums of the three but requires you to handle small copayments along the way.
Eligibility: Your options might be decided for you. If your Medicare journey began on or after January 1, 2020, Plan F is permanently off the table, and you should focus your attention squarely on Plan G or Plan N.
We know that weighing these trade-offs can be overwhelming. Health insurance is rarely a one-size-fits-all endeavor, and what worked beautifully for your neighbor might be a poor fit for your own fixed income or health profile.