For years, Medicare Supplement Plan F was the go-to choice for people who wanted almost no out-of-pocket costs. Since 2020, however, it’s been closed to most new Medicare enrollees.
This guide explains what Plan F covers, who can still buy it in 2026, what it costs, and how it compares with Plan G.
1. What Is Medicare Supplement Plan F?
Medicare Plan F is a standardized Medigap insurance policy that covers nearly all out-of-pocket costs left by Original Medicare (Parts A and B), including deductibles, coinsurance, copayments, and Part B excess charges.
Standard Plan F generally leaves you with no out-of-pocket costs for Medicare-covered services, although you still pay your Medicare and Medigap premiums.
Unlike Medicare Advantage, Plan F works alongside Original Medicare, allowing you to visit any U.S. healthcare provider that accepts Medicare.
Important: Plan F is available only to people who became eligible for Medicare before January 1, 2020. Its benefits are standardized across insurers in most states, but premiums vary.
2. What Does Medicare Supplement Plan F Cover?
According to Medicare.gov’s standardized Medigap chart, Plan F pays:
| Benefit | Plan F Coverage |
| Part A deductible and coinsurance, plus hospital costs up to 365 extra days | 100% |
| Part B deductible ($283 in 2026) | 100% |
| Part B coinsurance or copayments | 100% |
| Part B excess charges | 100% |
| Skilled nursing facility coinsurance | 100% |
| Hospice care coinsurance or copayments | 100% |
| First three pints of blood | 100% |
| Foreign travel emergency care | 80%, up to plan limits |
Plan F generally doesn’t include prescription drug coverage, routine dental care, hearing aids, or routine vision services. Many people pair it with a separate Part D drug plan.
3. Is Medicare Supplement Plan F Still Available in 2026?
Yes, Medicare Plan F is still available in 2026, but only to people who became eligible for Medicare before January 1, 2020. Those newly eligible on or after that date cannot purchase Plan F.
Under the Medicare Access and CHIP Reauthorization Act (MACRA), newly eligible beneficiaries cannot buy Medigap plans covering the Part B deductible.
- Existing Plan F members: Can generally keep their coverage by continuing to pay premiums.
- Eligible before 2020: May still purchase Plan F if an insurer offers it.
New applicants may face medical underwriting unless they have guaranteed-issue rights or other enrollment protections.
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4. How Much Does Medicare Supplement Plan F Cost?
Medicare Plan F costs about $271 per month at age 65 in 2026, according to MoneyGeek. Actual premiums vary by insurer, location, age, and pricing method.
Monthly Premiums and Other Expenses
Plan F costs include:
- Plan F premium: Approximately $271 per month on average at age 65.
- Medicare Part B premium: $202.90 per month in 2026 for most beneficiaries, paid separately.
- Other expenses: Services not covered by Original Medicare may require additional payments.
Standard Plan F covers nearly all Medicare-approved cost-sharing, but higher premiums can increase your overall healthcare spending.
High-Deductible Plan F
High-deductible Plan F offers lower monthly premiums but requires more upfront spending. You must meet a $2,950 deductible in 2026 before the policy begins paying benefits. The deductible increases to $3,050 in 2027.
This option is available only in certain states to people who became eligible for Medicare before January 1, 2020.
5. Medicare Supplement Plan F vs. Plan G: What’s the Difference?
Plan G is the closest alternative to Plan F. The two Medicare Plan F vs Plan G cover the same benefits, except Plan G doesn’t pay the Part B deductible.
| Feature | Plan F | Plan G |
| Part B deductible ($283 in 2026) | Covered | Not covered |
| All other standard Medigap benefits | Covered | Covered |
| Part B excess charges | Covered | Covered |
| Available if new to Medicare in 2020 or later | No | Yes |
| High-deductible version | Yes (pre-2020 eligibility only) | Yes |
| Premiums | Varies; often higher | Varies; often lower |
Since the only coverage gap is the $283 Part B deductible, premiums matter most. If Plan F costs less than about $23.58 per month more than Plan G, Plan F may come out ahead for the year.
6. Is Medicare Plan F Worth It?
Whether Medicare Supplement Plan F is worth it depends on your eligibility and how its premium compares with other plans.
When Plan F May Be a Good Choice
- You already have Plan F and value predictable out-of-pocket costs.
- You’re eligible and the Plan F premium is close to Plan G’s in your area.
- You prefer the most comprehensive supplemental coverage available.
When Plan G May Be Better
- You became eligible for Medicare in 2020 or later and can’t buy Plan F.
- You’d save more on yearly premiums than the $283 Part B deductible.
- You want nearly identical benefits with a potentially lower premium.
Plan G isn’t always cheaper, so compare actual quotes in your ZIP code.
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7. How to Enroll in or Switch Medicare Plan F
To buy or switch to Medicare Supplement Plan F:
- Confirm eligibility. Make sure you were eligible for Medicare before January 1, 2020.
- Compare policies. Get quotes from several insurers in your state.
- Check your rights. See whether you’re in your Medigap Open Enrollment Period or have a guaranteed-issue right.
- Apply and wait for approval before canceling any existing coverage.
Outside those protected periods, insurers may use medical underwriting, depending on your state’s rules and your circumstances.
8. FAQs
How much does Medicare Plan F cost per month?
It varies by insurer, state, and age. MoneyGeek’s 2026 national average is about $271 per month at age 65. High-deductible Plan F costs much less.
Which is better, Plan G or Plan F?
It depends. Plan G is the only option for people newly eligible since 2020. If you can buy either plan, compare the yearly premium difference with the $283 Part B deductible.
Why is Plan F no longer available?
A 2015 federal law, MACRA, banned Medigap plans that cover the Part B deductible for people newly eligible for Medicare starting January 1, 2020.
9. Final Thoughts
Medicare Supplement Plan F still offers the most complete Medigap coverage, but only people eligible for Medicare before 2020 can buy it. If you have it or qualify, compare its premium with Plan G’s, factor in the $283 Part B deductible, and choose the plan with the lower total yearly cost.
