Medicare Supplement Plan F vs Plan G for New Enrollees

If you are turning 65 or newly eligible for Medicare, you have probably seen advertisements for Medicare Supplement Plan F and Plan G. These two Medigap plans have been the most popular choices for decades, but a major rule change in 2020 altered the landscape for new enrollees. Understanding the difference between Medicare Supplement Plan F vs Plan G for new enrollees is critical because choosing the wrong plan could cost you hundreds of dollars per year in unnecessary premiums or leave you with unexpected out-of-pocket costs.

The good news is that the decision is simpler than it used to be. For most people who are newly eligible for Medicare, Plan G is the clear winner. However, there are exceptions and nuances you need to know before you enroll. This guide breaks down the coverage differences, premium trade-offs, and long-term cost implications so you can make an informed choice with confidence. If you would like personalized help comparing plans in your area, you can request a complimentary Medigap comparison from NewMedicare.com.

The 2020 Rule Change That Reshaped Medigap Choices

Before January 1, 2020, Medicare Supplement Plan F was the gold standard. It covered nearly every out-of-pocket cost associated with Original Medicare, including the Part B deductible. However, Congress passed the Medicare Access and CHIP Reauthorization Act (MACRA) in 2015, which included a provision to phase out first-dollar coverage plans for new beneficiaries. Starting January 1, 2020, insurance carriers were prohibited from selling Plan F (and Plan C) to anyone who was newly eligible for Medicare on or after that date.

This means that if you turned 65 on or after January 1, 2020, or if you first became eligible for Medicare due to a disability after that date, you cannot buy Plan F. You are restricted to other Medigap plans, including Plan G, which has become the most popular choice for new enrollees. The rule does not apply to people who were already enrolled in Plan F before 2020; they can keep their plan and even switch between Plan F carriers, though they cannot add new benefits.

For new enrollees, the question of Medicare Supplement Plan F vs Plan G is somewhat moot because Plan F is off the table. However, understanding why Plan F was closed and how Plan G fills the gap is essential for making a smart decision. It also helps you avoid scams or misinformation from agents who might claim they can still sell you Plan F as a new enrollee. They cannot, and any attempt to do so is a red flag.

Coverage Comparison: What Plan F and Plan G Actually Pay For

Both Plan F and Plan G are high-deductible Medigap plans that cover the gaps in Original Medicare. They pay for Part A coinsurance and hospital costs, Part B coinsurance and copayments, the first three pints of blood, Part A hospice care coinsurance, skilled nursing facility coinsurance, and foreign travel emergency care. The only difference between the two plans is the Part B deductible.

Plan F covers the Part B deductible. In 2026, the Part B deductible is $283 per year. Plan G does not cover this deductible, which means you must pay the first $283 of your Part B services each year before your Plan G coverage kicks in. After you meet that deductible, Plan G pays the same benefits as Plan F. This single difference is the reason Plan G premiums are often lower than Plan F premiums.

Here is a quick breakdown of the coverage gaps between the two plans:

• Part B deductible: Plan F pays it; Plan G does not.
• Part B coinsurance: Both plans pay 100% after the deductible is met.
• Part A hospital coinsurance: Both plans pay 100%.
• Skilled nursing facility coinsurance: Both plans pay 100%.
• Foreign travel emergency: Both plans pay 80% up to a lifetime limit.

Because the only difference is the Part B deductible, the coverage is nearly identical for most people. The decision between Plan F and Plan G for new enrollees comes down to cost: is the higher premium for Plan F worth the $283 deductible savings? In most cases, the answer is no, especially because Plan F is no longer available to new enrollees anyway.

Premium Differences and Long-Term Cost Trade-Offs

Plan F premiums are typically higher than Plan G premiums because Plan F covers the Part B deductible and because the risk pool for Plan F is older and potentially sicker. Since new enrollees cannot buy Plan F, the pool of Plan F policyholders is closed to new, younger entrants. Over time, this can lead to higher premium increases for Plan F as the pool ages and shrinks.

Plan G, on the other hand, is open to new enrollees and has a larger, more diverse risk pool. This tends to keep premium increases more stable over the long term. For a new enrollee, the premium savings from choosing Plan G often exceed the $283 Part B deductible you must pay out of pocket. For example, if Plan G premiums are $30 per month less than Plan F premiums, you save $360 per year, which more than covers the $283 deductible.

However, the trade-off is not always that simple. If you have very low healthcare usage, you might not meet the Part B deductible in a given year, which means you could pay less overall with a high-deductible Plan G. But for most people with regular doctor visits and prescriptions, the standard Plan G is the most cost-effective choice. It is also important to consider that Plan F premiums may increase faster than Plan G premiums because of the closed risk pool, making Plan G a safer long-term bet.

To get a clear picture of your options, you can use the tools at NewMedicare.com to compare Medigap plans side by side. Their licensed agents can help you estimate your total annual costs, including premiums and out-of-pocket expenses, so you can see which plan offers the best value for your health profile.

The AARP Medicare Supplement Plan F Question

Many people ask about AARP Medicare Supplement Plan F because AARP has been a trusted name in Medigap for decades. If you already have an AARP Medicare Supplement Plan F, you can keep it. The 2020 rule only prevents new enrollees from buying Plan F; it does not force existing policyholders to switch. However, you should review your plan annually to make sure it still meets your needs and that the premium is competitive.

If you are a new enrollee, you cannot buy AARP Medicare Supplement Plan F. You can, however, buy AARP Medicare Supplement Plan G, which is offered through UnitedHealthcare. AARP Plan G provides the same coverage as any other Plan G, but it may include extra benefits like a fitness program or nurse hotline. It is worth comparing AARP Plan G with other carriers to see which offers the best premium and customer service for your situation.

If you already have Plan F and are considering switching to Plan G, you will need to go through medical underwriting in most states unless you qualify for a guaranteed issue right. This means you could be denied coverage or charged a higher premium based on your health history. For this reason, many people who already have Plan F choose to keep it, even if the premium is higher, because they do not want to risk losing coverage. If you are in this situation, it is wise to speak with a licensed agent who can help you evaluate your options and understand the risks.

Why Plan G Is Usually the Better Choice for New Enrollees

For most new enrollees, Plan G is the better choice for several reasons. First, it is available to you, while Plan F is not. Second, it often has lower premiums than Plan F, and the savings typically exceed the Part B deductible. Third, Plan G has a larger risk pool, which can lead to more stable premium increases over time. Finally, Plan G is widely available from many carriers, giving you more options to compare and find the best rate.

When you are shopping for Plan G, it is important to compare quotes from multiple carriers. The coverage is standardized, so the only difference between carriers is the premium and customer service. You can request a free quote comparison from NewMedicare.com to see which carriers offer the most competitive rates in your ZIP code. Their licensed agents can also help you understand any additional benefits or discounts that might be available.

If you are considering life insurance as part of your overall financial plan, you might also want to explore options through LifeAgency, which provides personalized life insurance quotes to help protect your family. While life insurance is separate from Medicare, it is an important piece of a comprehensive retirement plan.

Enrollment Steps and Avoiding Penalties

Enrolling in a Medigap plan is a straightforward process, but timing matters. The best time to buy a Medigap policy is during your Medigap Open Enrollment Period, which begins the month you are 65 or older and enrolled in Medicare Part B and lasts for six months. During this period, you have guaranteed issue rights, meaning you cannot be denied coverage or charged more because of your health history. If you miss this window, you may face medical underwriting and higher premiums.

Here are the steps to enroll in Plan G:

1. Enroll in Medicare Part A and Part B. You can do this through Social Security.
2. Compare Plan G quotes from multiple carriers in your area.
3. Choose a carrier and complete the application during your Medigap Open Enrollment Period.
4. Pay your premium and receive your policy.
5. Use your Plan G card alongside your Medicare card when you receive healthcare services.

It is also important to understand that Medigap plans do not include prescription drug coverage. If you need drug coverage, you should enroll in a standalone Part D plan. You can compare Part D plans on NewMedicare.com as well.

For more detailed information on recent changes to Medigap plans, you can read our guide on Medicare Supplement Updates 2026: What's New and What It Means for You.

Making the Decision: A Quick Framework

When deciding between Plan F and Plan G for new enrollees, the decision is largely made for you by the 2020 rule. Plan F is not available, so Plan G is the natural choice. However, you still need to choose a carrier and decide whether Plan G is right for your budget and health needs. Here is a simple framework to help you decide:

• Check your eligibility: If you are newly eligible for Medicare after January 1, 2020, you cannot buy Plan F.
• Compare Plan G premiums: Get quotes from at least three carriers to find the best rate.
• Estimate your annual costs: Add your annual premium to the Part B deductible ($283 in 2026) to estimate your total out-of-pocket costs.
• Consider your health usage: If you rarely see the doctor, a high-deductible Plan G might save you money. If you have regular medical needs, standard Plan G is usually best.
• Review additional benefits: Some carriers offer extra perks like fitness memberships or telehealth services. Compare these to see if they add value for you.

If you are still unsure, speaking with a licensed insurance agent can help. NewMedicare.com connects you with certified agents who can answer your questions and help you enroll in the plan that fits your needs. Their service is free and there is no obligation to buy.

Remember that Medicare Supplement Plan F vs Plan G for new enrollees is not really a choice between two available options; it is a choice between Plan G and other Medigap plans. Plan G offers comprehensive coverage at a competitive price, and it is the most popular choice for a reason. By understanding the rules and comparing your options, you can enroll with confidence and avoid costly mistakes.

Take the next step today by requesting a complimentary Medigap comparison from NewMedicare.com. Their team can help you find the right Plan G policy for your budget and healthcare needs.