High Deductible Medicare Supplement Plan F (HD-F)

If you want the comprehensive coverage of Medicare Supplement Plan F but are looking for a way to lower your monthly premiums, High Deductible Plan F (HD-F) might be the solution. This plan offers the exact same benefits as standard Plan F, but it requires you to pay a deductible before the plan starts covering your out-of-pocket costs.

It is important to remember that the supplement decision comes AFTER you choose Traditional Medicare. A Medicare Supplement plan, like High Deductible Plan F, is a component of the Traditional path, not an alternative to Medicare Advantage. If you choose Traditional Medicare, a supplement fills the gaps by law. Benefits are standardized by federal law, meaning the coverage you get with High Deductible Plan F is exactly the same regardless of which insurance company you buy it from. The only difference is the price and the company's customer service.

How High Deductible Plan F Works

With standard Plan F, your Medicare Supplement plan pays your Medicare deductibles, copayments, and coinsurance from day one. With High Deductible Plan F, you are responsible for paying these costs out of your own pocket until you reach the plan's annual deductible. For 2024, the High Deductible Plan F deductible is $2,800.

Once you have paid $2,800 out-of-pocket for Medicare-approved services, your High Deductible Plan F kicks in and covers 100% of your remaining Medicare-approved costs for the rest of the calendar year. This includes your Part A hospital deductible, Part B medical deductible, and any copayments or coinsurance.

What Does High Deductible Plan F Cover?

After you meet the annual deductible, High Deductible Plan F covers:

• Medicare Part A coinsurance and hospital costs up to an additional 365 days after Medicare benefits are used up
• Medicare Part B coinsurance or copayment
• Blood (first 3 pints)
• Part A hospice care coinsurance or copayment
• Skilled nursing facility care coinsurance
• Medicare Part A deductible
• Medicare Part B deductible
• Medicare Part B excess charges
• Foreign travel exchange (up to plan limits)

Who is Eligible for High Deductible Plan F?

Because of changes to Medicare rules, Plan F and High Deductible Plan F are only available to people who became eligible for Medicare before January 1, 2020. If you turned 65 or became eligible for Medicare on or after January 1, 2020, you cannot buy High Deductible Plan F. Instead, you might consider High Deductible Plan G, which offers similar coverage.

Is High Deductible Plan F Right for You?

High Deductible Plan F is designed for people who want the peace of mind that comes with comprehensive coverage but are willing to take on some upfront risk in exchange for lower monthly premiums. If you are generally healthy and do not expect to have high medical bills, the lower premiums of HD-F can save you money over time. However, if you have a chronic condition or anticipate needing frequent medical care, a standard plan might be a better fit.

You have worked hard to build your life, and you deserve to protect what you've earned. Navigating Medicare doesn't have to be a headache. We are on your side of the table, ready to walk you through every option. We will help you compare High Deductible Plan F against other available plans to ensure you get the coverage you need at a price that makes sense. Straight answers, no surprises.