Medicare Supplement Plan F vs. Plan G: The Real Difference

When you choose the Traditional Medicare path, you're taking control of your healthcare. But Traditional Medicare (Parts A and B) doesn't cover everything. That's where a Medicare Supplement (Medigap) plan comes in. It fills the gaps by law.

For years, Plan F was the gold standard. It covered every single gap in Original Medicare. If Medicare approved a charge, Plan F paid the rest. You never saw a bill. But things changed. If you became eligible for Medicare on or after January 1, 2020, you can no longer buy Plan F.

Enter Plan G. Today, Plan G is the closest thing to Plan F available to new Medicare enrollees. The coverage is nearly identical, with one specific difference: the Medicare Part B deductible.

Here is the straight answer, no surprises: Plan F covers the Part B deductible. Plan G does not. That is the only difference in coverage. Once you pay the annual Part B deductible out of your own pocket, Plan G functions exactly like Plan F. It covers 100% of your remaining Medicare-approved costs for the year.

Because Plan F covers that deductible, the premiums are generally higher. Often, the extra premium you pay for Plan F is more than the cost of the deductible itself. That means you could be paying the insurance company more just for the convenience of not writing a small check to your doctor once a year.

Remember, benefits are standardized by federal law. A Plan G from one company has the exact same coverage as a Plan G from another company. The only difference is the price and the company's reputation.

You've worked hard to build your life. Protect what you've earned. Don't overpay for a letter. We can walk you through every option and show you the math. We're on your side of the table, and we'll help you find the right coverage for your specific situation.