Comparing plans
Choosing between Medigap Plan F and G
by Christian Worstell | Published September 14, 2023 | Reviewed by John Krahnert
Medigap Plan F is the only Medigap plan that provides coverage for all 9 benefit areas. However, Plan F is not available to Medicare beneficiaries who became eligible for Medicare on or after January 1, 2020.
If you are unable to get Plan F, Plan G provides similar coverage, and usually has lower monthly premiums.
The only difference is that Medigap Plan F includes coverage for the Medicare Part B deductible. Medigap Plan G does not include this coverage.
The Medicare Part B deductible is $233 per year in 2022.
If you're getting a quote for Medigap Plan F, it may be smart to also get a quote for Plan G. If the Plan F monthly premium is at least $19 higher than the Plan G monthly premium, you would be overpaying for the Part B deductible coverage, and Plan G may be the better deal.
Comparing plan benefits and cost
When comparing Medigap plans, benefits and premiums are two of the most important deciding factors.
Benefit differences
Both Medigap Plan G and Plan F provide high levels of coverage. The only Medigap benefit not included in Plan G is the Medicare Part B deductible. The following chart shows which Medigap plan covers the available benefits.
| Medicare Supplement benefits | F | G |
|---|---|---|
| Part A hospital care co-insurance & costs | √ | √ |
| Part A hospice care co-insurance or co-payment | √ | √ |
| Part B co-insurance or co-payment | √ | √ |
| First 3 pints of blood | √ | √ |
| Part A deductible | √ | √ |
| Part A skilled nursing care co-insurance | √ | √ |
| Part B deductible | √ | |
| Part B excess charges | √ | √ |
| Foreign travel emergency | √ | √ |
Cost differences
If you want a high-coverage Medigap plan, you should get a quote for both Plan F and Plan G since one plan may be less expensive.
For example, let's say you get a quote for both plans and the Plan F premium is $30 more per month than the Plan G premium. If you pay $30 more a month to have Medigap Plan F instead of Plan G, you'd be paying an extra $360 a year for an extra $233 in coverage (Part B deductible in 2022).
Keep in mind that the price gap between Plan F and Plan G will vary. The prices you are quoted will differ depending on the insurance company and your personal details.
On a national scale, Medigap Plan G is less expensive than Plan F, but premiums can vary widely depending on the insurance company and the state in which you live.
Despite the fact that Medigap Plan G can potentially save Medicare beneficiaries hundreds of dollars per year, more people choose Plan F compared to Plan G.
According to Melissa Simpson, senior program manager for the National Council on Aging, "The reason most people pick plan F is that it covers every row on the Medicare coverage chart. If you can afford it, why not pay a little extra money and not have to worry about paying for your health care?"
Compare both plans today
It's important to compare all your Medigap plan options. A licensed agent can help you compare plans and find one that makes sense for your unique health care needs.
Request your free quote online today or call the phone number at the top of this page.
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