Medicare Guide

Medicare Supplement Plan F

Plan F earned its reputation because it was the closest thing to a full Original Medicare cost-sharing wrapper in most states. That does not mean everyone can buy it today, and it does not mean it is always the smartest long-term premium decision. The real question is whether you are eligible for Plan F, what the premium looks like, and whether Plan G or another Medigap plan gives you a better tradeoff.

Reviewed by Jeremy Weiser, Licensed Insurance Agent since 2007 · Published May 15, 2026 · Last updated August 14, 2026

Quick answer

Medicare Supplement Plan F is a standardized Medigap plan that covers many Original Medicare cost-sharing gaps, including the Part B deductible.

Plan F is generally not available to people who were new to Medicare on or after January 1, 2020. People who were eligible for Medicare before that date, or who already have Plan F, may still be able to keep or buy it depending on their situation and state rules.

Key takeaways

Plan F is a Medicare Supplement, also called Medigap, so it works with Original Medicare.
Plan F is known for covering the Part B deductible, which is why access changed for people new to Medicare after January 1, 2020.
People newly eligible for Medicare on or after January 1, 2020 generally cannot buy Plan F.
People who already have Plan F can generally keep it as long as they pay the premium.
Plan G is often the closest modern comparison because it has similar benefits but does not cover the Part B deductible.
Premiums, rate history, household discounts, underwriting, and state rules matter as much as the plan letter.

Plan F snapshot

Why Plan F still gets attention

Plan F can be broad, but the availability rules and premium math matter. A person who can buy Plan F should still compare Plan G, Plan N, high-deductible options, and carrier pricing before assuming the richest benefit is the best long-term fit.

Part B deductible

CoveredStandard Plan F covers the Part B deductible for people eligible to buy it.

New-to-Medicare cutoff

Jan. 1, 2020People new to Medicare on or after this date generally cannot buy Plan F.

High-deductible option

$2,950High-deductible Plan F has this 2026 deductible in states where it is offered.

Part D drugs

Not includedModern Medigap policies do not include prescription drug coverage.

Renewability

AutomaticStandardized Medigap policies are generally renewable each year if premiums are paid.

The parts of Medicare

Start with the four Medicare parts

These are the core building blocks. Once you understand what each part does, the plan choices start to make more sense.

Part AHospital coverage

Inpatient hospital care, skilled nursing facility care, hospice, and some home health care.

Read morePart BMedical coverage

Doctor visits, outpatient care, preventive services, durable medical equipment, and many medical services.

Read morePart CMedicare Advantage

A private-plan way to receive Medicare benefits, with rules and availability that vary by county and plan.

Read morePart DDrug coverage

Prescription drug coverage through stand-alone plans or many Medicare Advantage plans.

Read more

Plan F is a Medicare Supplement plan

Medicare Supplement Plan F is a Medigap policy. That means it works with Original Medicare, not instead of it. Medicare pays its share first for covered Part A and Part B services. Then the Medigap policy helps pay the cost-sharing amounts the plan letter covers. Plan F does not replace Medicare, does not create a provider network like Medicare Advantage, and does not include modern Part D prescription drug coverage.

What Plan F covers

In most states, standard Plan F covers the major Original Medicare cost-sharing gaps: Part A coinsurance and hospital costs after Medicare benefits are used, Part B coinsurance or copayments, the first 3 pints of blood, Part A hospice coinsurance or copayments, skilled nursing facility coinsurance, the Part A deductible, the Part B deductible, Part B excess charges, and 80% of foreign travel emergency costs up to plan limits.

Why Plan F is not available to everyone

Medigap plans sold to people who are new to Medicare on or after January 1, 2020 are not allowed to cover the Part B deductible. Because Plan F covers that deductible, Medicare.gov says Plan F and Plan C are not available to people who were new to Medicare on or after January 1, 2020. People who were eligible for Medicare before January 1, 2020 but had not enrolled may still be able to buy Plan F.

If you already have Plan F

If you already have Plan F, you can generally keep it as long as you pay the premium. Medicare.gov says standardized Medigap policies are automatically renewed every year, even if you have health problems. An insurance company can only drop the policy for limited reasons, such as nonpayment, an untruthful application, or the company going bankrupt or out of business.

Plan F vs Plan G

Plan G is often the closest comparison for people who cannot buy Plan F or who want to test the premium difference. Modern Plan G generally covers the same Medigap benefit categories as Plan F except the Part B deductible. If Plan F costs much more than Plan G, the premium difference may be larger than the deductible savings. If the premium difference is small, Plan F may still be attractive for someone who is eligible.

High-deductible Plan F

Plans F and G may offer high-deductible versions in some states. Medicare.gov lists the 2026 high-deductible amount as $2,950. With high-deductible Plan F, you pay Medicare-covered coinsurance, copays, and deductibles up to that deductible before the Medigap policy starts paying. The lower premium can be appealing, but the deductible exposure should be comfortable.

Plan F does not include prescription drug coverage

Medigap policies sold after 2005 do not include prescription drug coverage. If you use Original Medicare with Plan F and want drug coverage, you usually need a separate Medicare Part D plan. That drug plan should be reviewed separately using the medication list, dosage, refill pattern, and preferred pharmacies.

Timing still matters

The best time to buy a Medigap policy is generally the 6-month Medigap Open Enrollment Period that starts when you are 65 or older and first have Part B. During that window, an insurance company cannot deny you a Medigap policy it sells because of health problems. After that window, switching or buying Plan F may require underwriting unless you have a guaranteed issue right or a state-specific protection.

State rules can change the answer

Most states use the familiar Medigap letter system, but Massachusetts, Minnesota, and Wisconsin standardize Medigap differently. Some states also have additional switching rights or rules for people under 65. Plan F availability, underwriting, and pricing should be checked against the person's state, eligibility date, current coverage, and health situation.

When Plan F can still make sense

Plan F can still make sense for someone who is eligible, wants broad Original Medicare cost-sharing protection, values predictable medical bills, and finds a premium that compares well against Plan G or Plan N. The decision should include both the benefit design and the carrier's premium pattern, because the richest benefit is not automatically the best long-term value.

Coverage paths

The two big Medicare paths people usually compare

The right answer is not the same for everyone. The better question is which path fits the way you use care.

Eligible for Plan F

If you were eligible for Medicare before January 1, 2020, Plan F may still be an option. The next step is comparing premiums, rate history, underwriting rules, and whether standard or high-deductible Plan F makes sense.

Medicare Supplement Plan Types Medicare Supplement Enrollment Periods Medicare Plan N vs Plan G

New to Medicare today

If you were new to Medicare on or after January 1, 2020, Plan F generally is not available. Plan G and Plan N are common comparison points for people who want Original Medicare with Medigap.

Medicare Supplement Plans Medicare Supplement Plan Types Medicare Costs Explained

Plan F vs other coverage

Plan F is not Medicare Advantage and does not include modern prescription drug coverage. It works with Original Medicare, and most people who want drug coverage need a separate Part D plan.

Medicare Advantage vs Medicare Supplement Medicare Part D How Medicare Works

Go deeper

Related Medicare guides

Use this page as your Medicare starting point, then jump into the specific topic that matches your situation.

Common questions

Questions people usually ask next

These answers are a starting point. Medicare details can change based on timing, other coverage, and where you live.

Can everyone buy Medicare Supplement Plan F?

No. People who were new to Medicare on or after January 1, 2020 generally cannot buy Plan F because Medigap policies sold to them are not allowed to cover the Part B deductible.

Who may still be able to buy Plan F?

People who were eligible for Medicare before January 1, 2020 may still be able to buy Plan F, depending on state rules, availability, underwriting, and their specific situation.

Can I keep Plan F if I already have it?

Generally yes, as long as you keep paying the premium. Standardized Medigap policies are renewable each year, even if you develop health problems.

What is the biggest difference between Plan F and Plan G?

Plan F covers the Part B deductible. Modern Plan G generally does not. Otherwise, Plan G is often very similar in the major Medigap benefit categories.

Does Plan F include prescription drug coverage?

No. Medigap policies sold after 2005 do not include prescription drug coverage. Most people using Original Medicare with Plan F need a separate Part D plan if they want drug coverage.

Is high-deductible Plan F the same as regular Plan F?

No. High-deductible Plan F has a lower-premium structure in some states, but you pay Medicare-covered costs up to the plan deductible before the policy starts paying. Medicare.gov lists the 2026 high-deductible amount as $2,950.

Can The Medicare Store compare Plan F with Plan G or Plan N?

Yes. We can compare eligibility, premiums, rate history, underwriting, household discounts, and how each plan fits the person's budget and comfort with out-of-pocket costs.

Official references

Sources checked for this guide

These guides are written in plain English, but the 2026 cost figures and coverage rules should stay tied to official Medicare and CMS source material.

Medicare.gov: How Medigap works Medicare.gov: Compare Medigap Plan Benefits Medicare.gov: Buying a Medigap policy Medicare.gov: Get ready to buy a Medigap policy Medicare.gov: When can I buy a Medigap policy?

About the reviewer

Jeremy Weiser · Licensed Insurance Agent since 2007 · Nevada license #566932

Jeremy Weiser is the CEO and a principal of The Medicare Store and has been a licensed insurance agent since 2007 (Nevada license #566932). With nearly two decades in health and Medicare insurance, he leads the standards behind the guidance The Medicare Store gives every client.

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