If you’re approaching Medicare or helping a parent navigate their options, you’ve probably come across Medicare Supplement Plan F. For years, Plan F was the most popular Medigap policy in America, chosen by more than half of all Medigap enrollees. It offered something no other plan could: zero out-of-pocket costs for any Medicare-approved service.
But Plan F’s story changed in 2020, and understanding what happened, who can still get it, and whether it’s still the best choice requires looking at the full picture. This guide breaks down everything you need to know about Medicare Plan F in 2026.
Reviewed by Karl Bruns-Kyler, founder of The Big 65 Medicare Insurance Services, a licensed Medicare broker with 20+ years of experience helping beneficiaries across 33 states.
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What Is Medicare Supplement Plan F?
Medicare Supplement Plan F (also called Medigap Plan F) is a standardized insurance policy sold by private insurers that covers 100% of the gaps in Original Medicare (Parts A and B). When Medicare approves a service but doesn’t pay the full cost, Plan F picks up the remainder, including deductibles, coinsurance, copayments, and excess charges.
Because Medigap plans are federally standardized, every Plan F policy offers identical benefits regardless of which insurance company sells it. The only differences between carriers are the monthly premium, customer service, and rate increase history.
Plan F is often called “first-dollar coverage” because after you pay your monthly premium, you pay nothing else for Medicare-covered services. No deductibles to meet, no copays at the doctor’s office, no surprise bills from the hospital.
What Does Medicare Plan F Cover?
Plan F provides the most comprehensive coverage of any Medigap plan. Here’s a complete breakdown of benefits for 2026:
| Benefit | Plan F Coverage | 2026 Amount |
|---|---|---|
| Medicare Part A hospital coinsurance | ✓ 100% | Up to 365 extra days after Medicare ends |
| Medicare Part A deductible | ✓ 100% | $1,736 per benefit period |
| Medicare Part B coinsurance (20%) | ✓ 100% | 20% of approved outpatient costs |
| Medicare Part B deductible | ✓ 100% | $283 per year |
| Part B excess charges | ✓ 100% | Charges above Medicare-approved amounts |
| Skilled nursing facility coinsurance | ✓ 100% | $217/day for days 21-100 |
| First 3 pints of blood | ✓ 100% | Cost of first 3 pints annually |
| Foreign travel emergency care | ✓ 80% | After $250 deductible, up to $50,000 lifetime |
The bottom line: With Plan F, you pay your monthly premium and nothing else for any Medicare-approved service. It’s the only Medigap plan that covers the Part B deductible, which is the key distinction from Plan G.
Plan F Is No Longer Available to New Medicare Enrollees
This is the most important fact about Plan F in 2026: if you became Medicare-eligible on or after January 1, 2020, you cannot enroll in Plan F.
Congress passed the Medicare Access and CHIP Reauthorization Act (MACRA) in 2015, which prohibited Medigap insurers from selling plans that cover the Part B deductible to new Medicare beneficiaries starting January 1, 2020. Since Plan F and Plan C both cover the Part B deductible, neither plan is available to anyone who became Medicare-eligible after that date.
This means:
- You CAN get Plan F if you turned 65 before January 1, 2020 (your 65th birthday was on or before December 31, 2019) or became Medicare-eligible due to disability before that date
- You CANNOT get Plan F if you turned 65 on or after January 1, 2020 or became Medicare-eligible due to disability after that date
- You CAN keep Plan F if you’re already enrolled, regardless of when you enrolled. Existing policyholders are grandfathered indefinitely
“The 2020 cutoff surprises many people,” notes Karl Bruns-Kyler of The Big 65. “If you became eligible even one day after the deadline, Plan F is permanently off the table. But for those who qualify, it remains an excellent coverage option.”
Who Can Still Get Medicare Plan F in 2026?
If you were Medicare-eligible before January 1, 2020, you can still shop for and enroll in Plan F, provided that:
- An insurance company in your area still sells Plan F policies
- You can pass medical underwriting (unless you’re within your Medigap Open Enrollment Period or qualify for guaranteed issue rights)
The best time to enroll in any Medigap plan is during your 6-month Medigap Open Enrollment Period, which begins the month you turn 65 and are enrolled in Part B. During this window, insurers cannot deny you coverage or charge more based on health conditions.
If you’re past your Open Enrollment Period, you may still apply for Plan F, but the insurer can use medical underwriting to decide whether to accept your application and what rate to charge.
Medicare Plan F vs. Plan G: The Key Comparison
For anyone eligible for Plan F, the biggest decision is whether Plan F or Plan G is the better value. These two plans are nearly identical, with one critical difference.
| Benefit | Plan F | Plan G |
|---|---|---|
| Part A hospital coinsurance | ✓ | ✓ |
| Part A deductible | ✓ | ✓ |
| Part B coinsurance | ✓ | ✓ |
| Part B deductible ($283/yr) | ✓ | ✗ |
| Part B excess charges | ✓ | ✓ |
| Skilled nursing coinsurance | ✓ | ✓ |
| Foreign travel emergency | ✓ | ✓ |
| Blood (first 3 pints) | ✓ | ✓ |
The only difference: Plan F covers the annual Part B deductible ($283 in 2026), and Plan G does not. In every other respect, the coverage is identical.
The Math That Matters
Here’s why this comparison matters: Plan F premiums are almost always more than $283/year higher than Plan G premiums. In many areas, the premium gap is $400-$800+ per year. That means you’re paying an extra $400+ to avoid a $283 deductible. The math simply doesn’t work in Plan F’s favor for most people.
Additionally, because Plan F is a “closed pool” (no new enrollees since 2020), the average age of Plan F policyholders rises each year. This typically drives Plan F premiums up faster than Plan G premiums over time.
“For most of my clients who qualify for both plans, Plan G is the better value,” says Karl Bruns-Kyler. “You pay the $283 Part B deductible yourself, but your monthly savings more than make up for it. The only exception is someone who strongly prefers the simplicity of zero out-of-pocket costs.”
Medicare Plan F vs. Plan N
Medicare Supplement Plan N is another popular alternative, especially for cost-conscious beneficiaries. Here’s how it compares:
| Feature | Plan F | Plan N |
|---|---|---|
| Part B deductible | Covered | Not covered |
| Part B excess charges | Covered | Not covered |
| Office visit copays | $0 | Up to $20/visit |
| Emergency room copay | $0 | Up to $50 (waived if admitted) |
| Monthly premium | Highest | Significantly lower |
Plan N can save you $50-$100+ per month in premiums compared to Plan F. The trade-off is small copays for office visits and no coverage for Part B excess charges. For beneficiaries who don’t visit the doctor frequently and whose doctors accept Medicare assignment, Plan N can offer substantial savings.
How Much Does Medicare Plan F Cost in 2026?
Plan F premiums vary significantly based on your age, location, gender, tobacco use, and which insurance company you choose. Because Medigap plans are standardized, shopping around between carriers for the best rate is one of the smartest moves you can make.
Typical Plan F monthly premium ranges in 2026:
- Age 65-69: $150-$300/month depending on location and carrier
- Age 70-74: $175-$350/month
- Age 75-79: $200-$425/month
- Age 80+: $250-$500+/month
These are general ranges. Your actual premium depends on your state, zip code, health history (if outside Open Enrollment), and the insurer’s pricing method (attained-age, issue-age, or community-rated).
For personalized rate comparisons in your area, connect with a licensed Medicare broker who can pull quotes from multiple carriers.
Why Plan F Premiums Are Rising Faster
Since January 1, 2020, no new enrollees have entered the Plan F risk pool. As existing enrollees age, the pool gets older and sicker on average, which drives claims costs, and therefore premiums, upward. Plan G, by contrast, continues to attract new 65-year-old enrollees, keeping its risk pool younger and premium increases more moderate.
This “closed pool effect” is the primary reason many Medicare experts recommend switching from Plan F to Plan G if you’re eligible for both.
High-Deductible Medicare Plan F
There’s also a High-Deductible version of Plan F (HD Plan F) available to those who qualify for standard Plan F. Here’s how it works:
- Annual deductible: $2,870 in 2026
- How it works: You pay all Medicare cost-sharing out of pocket until you reach $2,870. After that, Plan F covers 100% for the rest of the year
- Monthly premiums: Significantly lower than standard Plan F (often $40-$80/month)
- Best for: Generally healthy beneficiaries who want catastrophic protection at a low monthly cost
HD Plan F is only available to people who were Medicare-eligible before January 1, 2020, just like standard Plan F.
Pros and Cons of Medicare Plan F
| ✓ Pros | ✗ Cons |
|---|---|
|
Most comprehensive Medigap coverage available
Zero out-of-pocket costs for Medicare-approved services Covers Part B deductible (unique among available plans) Covers Part B excess charges Predictable costs: one monthly premium, nothing else Guaranteed renewable: insurer cannot cancel for health reasons |
Not available to anyone Medicare-eligible after Jan 1, 2020
Higher premiums than Plan G (often $400+/year more) Closed risk pool drives faster premium increases Does not cover prescription drugs, dental, vision, or hearing Premium savings rarely justify the extra cost vs. Plan G Shrinking carrier availability in some markets |
Should You Switch from Plan F to Plan G?
If you currently have Plan F, you may be wondering whether switching to Plan G makes financial sense. Here are the key considerations:
Switching may make sense if:
- Your Plan F premium is more than $283/year higher than comparable Plan G premiums in your area
- You’re concerned about Plan F’s closed-pool premium trajectory
- You can pass medical underwriting (required outside of guaranteed issue situations)
- You want to lock in Plan G rates while you’re still relatively young and healthy
Staying with Plan F may make sense if:
- You have health conditions that could make passing Plan G underwriting difficult
- You strongly value the simplicity of zero out-of-pocket costs
- The premium difference in your area is small (less than $283/year)
- You qualify for a guaranteed issue right that allows switching without underwriting
“I always run the numbers for my clients,” says Karl Bruns-Kyler. “In most cases, the switch to Plan G saves money. But if you have significant health issues, staying with Plan F may be the safer choice since you could face underwriting to switch.”
Not sure whether to keep Plan F or switch to Plan G?
Get a free plan comparison from a licensed Medicare broker at The Big 65 →
What If You’re Not Eligible for Plan F?
If you became Medicare-eligible on or after January 1, 2020, your best options are:
- Medicare Supplement Plan G: The most comprehensive plan available to new enrollees. Identical to Plan F except it doesn’t cover the $283 Part B deductible. This is the top recommendation for most new Medicare beneficiaries seeking comprehensive coverage.
- Medicare Supplement Plan N: A strong mid-tier option with lower premiums and small copays for office visits. Good for healthy beneficiaries looking to save on monthly costs.
- Medicare Advantage (Part C): An alternative to Original Medicare + Medigap. These plans often include drug coverage, dental, and vision but use provider networks. Learn more in our Medicare Supplement decision guide.
Frequently Asked Questions About Medicare Plan F
Can I still buy Medicare Plan F in 2026?
Only if you were Medicare-eligible before January 1, 2020. If your 65th birthday was on or before December 31, 2019, or you qualified for Medicare due to disability before 2020, you can still apply for Plan F where it’s offered. Anyone who became Medicare-eligible after that date cannot purchase Plan F.
Is Medicare Plan F being discontinued?
Plan F is not being discontinued for existing enrollees. If you already have Plan F, you can keep it for life as long as you pay your premiums. However, Plan F is no longer sold to new Medicare beneficiaries who became eligible after January 1, 2020, per the Medicare Access and CHIP Reauthorization Act (MACRA) of 2015.
What is the difference between Plan F and Plan G?
The only difference is that Plan F covers the annual Medicare Part B deductible ($283 in 2026) and Plan G does not. All other benefits are identical. In most areas, Plan G premiums are low enough that paying the $283 deductible yourself saves money compared to the higher Plan F premium.
Does Plan F cover prescription drugs?
No. No Medigap plan covers prescription drugs. You need a separate Medicare Part D prescription drug plan for medication coverage. Plan F covers only the gaps in Original Medicare Parts A and B.
Can I switch from Plan F to Plan G?
Yes, you can apply to switch from Plan F to Plan G at any time. However, outside of specific guaranteed issue situations, you’ll likely need to pass medical underwriting. If you’re in good health, switching often makes financial sense due to Plan G’s lower premiums.
Does Plan F cover dental and vision?
No. Plan F covers only the cost-sharing gaps in Original Medicare (Parts A and B). Original Medicare does not cover routine dental, vision, or hearing services, so Plan F does not cover them either. You would need separate dental and vision coverage.
What is High-Deductible Plan F?
High-Deductible Plan F offers the same benefits as standard Plan F but requires you to meet a $2,870 annual deductible (2026) before the plan begins paying. In exchange, monthly premiums are significantly lower. It’s only available to people Medicare-eligible before January 1, 2020.
How much does Medicare Plan F cost per month?
Plan F premiums vary widely by location, age, gender, and carrier. Typical ranges in 2026 are $150-$300/month for ages 65-69, rising with age. Because Medigap plans are standardized, comparing quotes from multiple insurers in your area is essential to finding the best rate. Contact a licensed broker for personalized quotes.
The Bottom Line on Medicare Plan F
Medicare Supplement Plan F remains the most comprehensive Medigap plan available, covering every gap in Original Medicare. For those who were Medicare-eligible before 2020, it’s still an option worth considering, though Plan G increasingly offers better value due to lower premiums and a healthier risk pool.
If you became Medicare-eligible after 2020, Plan G is your closest alternative and provides nearly identical protection for a lower cost.
The right choice depends on your eligibility date, health status, budget, and personal preference for simplicity versus savings. An independent Medicare broker can help you compare Medicare Supplement costs and find the best plan for your specific situation.
Karl Bruns-Kyler is a licensed Medicare insurance broker and founder of The Big 65 Medicare Insurance Services. With 20+ years of experience, he helps Medicare beneficiaries across 33 states find the right coverage. The Big 65 does not offer every plan available in your area. Any information provided is limited to those plans offered. Contact Medicare.gov or 1-800-MEDICARE for information on all options.