Both Medicare Plan F and Plan G can help reduce your Medicare expenses. However, eligibility rules changed on January 1, 2020, and it is important to understand the current criteria.
Original Medicare (Parts A and B) covers many services, but not all costs. That is where Medicare Supplement (Medigap) plans step in, helping cover deductibles, copayments, coinsurance, and other out-of-pocket expenses.
This article explains the key differences between Medicare Plan F and Plan G. Both plans are among the 10 standardized Medigap options available in most states, each requiring a premium but reducing costs that Original Medicare does not cover.
The chart below provides a side-by-side comparison of all 10 Medigap plans, with an emphasis on how Plan F and Plan G differ.
Both Medicare Plan F and Plan G cover the following:
- Part A coinsurance and hospital costs
- Part B coinsurance or copayments
- First three pints of blood (for surgeries requiring transfusion)
- Part A hospice care coinsurance
- Skilled nursing facility care coinsurance
- Medicare Part A deductible
- Up to 80% of medically necessary foreign travel care
The major difference is that Plan G does not cover the Medicare Part B deductible. Plan F does. In 2025, the Part B deductible is $257.
For example, if you injured your arm and required an X-ray, Plan F would cover the $257 deductible and the 20% coinsurance. With Plan G, you would first pay the $257 deductible yourself, then the plan would cover the 20% coinsurance.
Eligibility rules also differ between the plans. If you became eligible for Medicare on or after January 1, 2020, you cannot enroll in Plan F. If you were eligible before that date, you may still apply if it is available in your area, and existing Plan F members may keep their coverage. Plan G remains open to all beneficiaries regardless of eligibility date.
Why the change? Federal law now prohibits Medigap plans from covering the Part B deductible, in an effort to reduce unnecessary doctor visits and overall healthcare costs. As a result, plans like F that include this coverage can no longer be sold to new beneficiaries.
Which plan is right for you? Neither plan is automatically better. The choice depends on your budget, expected medical needs, and local premium costs. If the premium difference between Plan G and Plan F is more than $257 per year, Plan G could save you money. High deductible options for Plan G may also be available.
If you became eligible for Medicare after January 1, 2020, Plan G offers the most comprehensive Medigap coverage available.
Before switching between plans, consider how often you visit doctors, the medications you take, and the premium difference. Ask yourself: Will the Plan G I’m considering save me more than $257 annually in premiums? If so, Plan G may be the better option.
If you rarely visit the doctor and take no medications, switching to Plan G could also be attractive, as its lower premiums might outweigh the occasional $257 deductible.
Need help deciding? Speaking with a licensed health insurance agent can help you evaluate Plan F versus Plan G for your situation.