Is Medicare Plan F Still Available for New Enrollees?
If you’re exploring Medicare Supplement Insurance, you’ve likely heard about Plan F’s legendary reputation for comprehensive coverage. For years, it was the gold standard, offering the most complete set of benefits to fill the gaps in Original Medicare. But a significant federal law change has altered the landscape, leaving many to ask a critical question: is Medicare Plan F still available? The answer is nuanced and depends entirely on your enrollment status. Understanding the rules is essential to making an informed decision about your healthcare coverage and avoiding potential future gaps.
The End of an Era: Understanding the MACRA Legislation
To understand the current status of Plan F, we must look back to the Medicare Access and CHIP Reauthorization Act (MACRA) of 2015. This legislation brought about a pivotal change for Medicare Supplement (Medigap) plans. Specifically, MACRA prohibited the sale of Medigap policies that cover the Medicare Part B deductible to individuals who became newly eligible for Medicare on or after January 1, 2020. Since Plan F was the most popular plan that covered the Part B deductible in full, it was directly affected. The intent behind this change was to encourage more cost-consciousness among beneficiaries by having them pay the Part B deductible out-of-pocket before their Medigap coverage kicks in for other services. This means the availability of Plan F is now permanently tied to your Medicare eligibility date.
Who Can Still Buy Medicare Plan F Today?
The availability of Plan F is not universally gone; it is governed by a strict eligibility cliff. Your ability to purchase this plan hinges on a single date: when you first became eligible for Medicare Part A and Part B. If you were eligible for Medicare before January 1, 2020, you are considered “grandfathered” under the old rules. This group can still purchase Medicare Supplement Plan F, provided they can pass medical underwriting if applying outside of their guaranteed-issue rights period. This includes individuals who turned 65 before 2020 but delayed enrollment for various reasons, as long as their initial eligibility date (based on their 65th birthday) predates the cutoff. For this group, Plan F remains a viable, powerful option during annual enrollment or if they switch from a Medicare Advantage plan back to Original Medicare with a supplement.
Your Alternatives if You Cannot Enroll in Plan F
For the millions of Americans who became eligible for Medicare on or after January 1, 2020, Plan F is off the table. However, the insurance market has adapted by promoting a new, nearly identical plan as the comprehensive alternative: Medicare Supplement Plan G. Plan G is now the most comprehensive plan available to new enrollees. The only difference between Plan F and Plan G is the Part B deductible. With Plan G, you are responsible for paying the annual Medicare Part B deductible (which changes yearly) out of pocket. Once you meet that deductible, Plan G covers 100% of the remaining Medicare-approved costs for the rest of the year, just like Plan F did. For a detailed comparison of this popular alternative, our analysis of Medicare Plan G pros and cons breaks down the costs and benefits.
Other strong alternatives exist, each with different levels of coverage and premium costs. Plan N is another popular choice, offering lower premiums than Plan G in exchange for small copayments for some office and emergency room visits. High-deductible versions of Plan F and Plan G are also available in some states for those who prefer lower monthly premiums and are comfortable with a higher annual deductible before coverage begins. The best way to navigate these choices is to use a tool like the Medicare Plan Finder for 2026 to compare options specific to your location and needs.
Key Considerations for Current Plan F Holders
If you already have a Plan F policy, the law change does not require you to do anything. Your plan is not being canceled, and you can generally keep it for life as long as you continue to pay your premiums. This raises an important strategic question: should you keep it? There are several factors to weigh. First, consider premium stability. As the pool of Plan F enrollees shrinks over time (since no new, younger beneficiaries are joining), there is a risk that premiums could increase at a faster rate due to a stagnating, and potentially aging, risk pool. Insurance companies may spread costs across fewer, older individuals. Second, evaluate your needs. Plan F still offers excellent, predictable coverage. If you value the simplicity of having no out-of-pocket costs beyond your premium and the Part B deductible is not a financial burden, staying put may be perfectly reasonable.
Before making a switch, it is crucial to check your health status. Moving from Plan F to another plan like Plan G typically requires medical underwriting in most states (unless you have a guaranteed-issue right). If you have developed health conditions, you might be denied coverage or charged a much higher premium for a new plan, making staying with Plan F the safer choice. Conduct a thorough cost-benefit analysis comparing your current Plan F premium with the premium for Plan G plus the annual Part B deductible. Often, the savings on the monthly premium for Plan G can outweigh the cost of the deductible, but this must be calculated on an individual basis. For a broader perspective on choosing coverage, our resource on which Medicare plan is best for seniors explores various strategies.
Making an Informed Decision: Steps to Take Now
Navigating this decision requires a clear, step-by-step approach. Start by confirming your Medicare initial eligibility date. You can find this on your Medicare card or by calling the Social Security Administration. This date is the cornerstone of your options. Next, assess your current and anticipated healthcare usage. Do you have frequent doctor visits or expect upcoming procedures? This affects the value of comprehensive coverage. Then, shop and compare. Get quotes for Plan G, Plan N, and other available plans in your area from multiple insurers. Do not look at premium costs in isolation; factor in the potential out-of-pocket costs for each plan’s structure.
It is highly advisable to consult with a licensed Medicare insurance agent who can provide personalized quotes and explain the nuances of underwriting in your state. They can help you model different scenarios. Finally, remember that your Medigap Open Enrollment Period, the six-month window that starts when you are both 65 or older and enrolled in Medicare Part B, is the most critical time to secure a plan without medical underwriting. If you miss this window, your ability to change plans later may be limited. For a complete overview of the enrollment landscape, including key dates, our 2026 Medicare plan guide is an invaluable resource.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I be forced off my Plan F if I already have it? No. If you already have Plan F, you can keep it indefinitely. The law change only affects the sale of new policies.
Is Plan F better than Plan G? For those eligible for both, “better” is subjective. Plan F has slightly more coverage (it pays the Part B deductible), but Plan G often has lower premiums. The financial winner depends on your health usage and the specific premium difference.
What if I became eligible for Medicare due to disability before 2020? The same rule applies. If your Medicare eligibility date (due to age or disability) is before January 1, 2020, you can still purchase Plan F.
Are Plan F premiums going up because of the change? While not guaranteed, many experts predict Plan F premiums may rise faster over the long term as the risk pool ages without new, younger enrollees. It’s a trend to watch closely.
Can I switch from Plan F to Plan G later? Yes, but in most states, you will likely have to answer health questions and pass underwriting to be approved, unless you have a special guaranteed-issue right.
The landscape of Medicare Supplement insurance has evolved, but for those who plan carefully, excellent coverage remains accessible. Whether you are grandfathered into Plan F or evaluating Plan G as its robust successor, the key is to make a choice based on your personal health profile, financial situation, and need for predictable healthcare costs. By understanding the rules and actively comparing your options, you can secure a Medigap plan that provides the peace of mind and financial protection you deserve in retirement.
