Medicare Supplement Plan F Cost Estimator: Is the Most Comprehensive Plan Worth It?
Medicare Supplement Plan F Cost Estimator: Is the Most Comprehensive Plan Worth It?
Plan F is the most comprehensive Medigap plan available—but only if you were eligible for Medicare before 2020. This guide helps you calculate its true cost and value.
Quick Answer
Plan F covers 100% of all Medicare-approved costs after Original Medicare pays its share.
Eligibility: Only available if you turned 65 or first enrolled in Medicare Part A before January 1, 2020.
Cost: Average premium $180-250/month for a 65-year-old; increases with age.
Use our Medicare Supplement Penalty Calculator to compare Plan F costs with alternatives.
Detailed Guidance
Plan F Coverage Summary
Plan F covers everything in all other Medigap plans combined:
| What Plan F Covers | Your Cost |
|---|---|
| Part A deductible | $0 |
| Part A coinsurance + 365 extra days | $0 |
| Part B deductible | $0 |
| Part B coinsurance (20%) | $0 |
| Part B excess charges | $0 |
| Skilled nursing coinsurance | $0 |
| Blood (first 3 pints) | $0 |
| Hospice coinsurance | $0 |
| Foreign travel emergency (80%) | $0 |
Result: With Plan F, you pay nothing for any Medicare-covered service.
Plan F vs. Plan F High Deductible
| Feature | Plan F | Plan F High Deductible |
|---|---|---|
| Deductible | $0 | $2,800 (2026) |
| Average Premium (65, non-tobacco) | $200 | $65 |
| After deductible | 100% coverage | 100% coverage |
| Best for | High healthcare users | Healthy, want low premiums |
Who Can Buy Plan F?
Eligible:
- Turned 65 before January 1, 2020
- First enrolled in Medicare Part A before January 1, 2020
- Already have Plan F (can keep it)
Not Eligible:
- Turned 65 on or after January 1, 2020
- First eligible for Medicare on or after January 1, 2020
Plan F Cost Breakdown
Monthly Premium Factors:
- Age: Premiums increase as you age (attained-age) or stay stable (issue-age)
- State: Varies 30-50% by location
- Tobacco: 10-20% surcharge
- Gender: Some states allow gender-based pricing
- Insurer: Shop around—prices vary significantly
Total Annual Cost Estimate (Age 65, Non-Tobacco):
| Cost Component | Amount |
|---|---|
| Annual Premium | $200 × 12 = $2,400 |
| Part B Deductible | $0 (Plan F covers) |
| Copays | $0 |
| Excess Charges | $0 |
| Total | $2,400 |
Compare to Plan G:
| Cost Component | Amount |
|---|---|
| Annual Premium | $145 × 12 = $1,740 |
| Part B Deductible | $240 |
| Copays | $0 |
| Excess Charges | $0 |
| Total | $1,980 |
Plan F costs $420 more per year but saves $240 in Part B deductible. Net difference: $180 more for Plan F.
When Plan F Makes Sense
Plan F is worth considering if:
- You’re eligible and have complex health needs
- You want zero out-of-pocket costs
- You frequently hit the Part B deductible
- You don’t want to track healthcare expenses
- Budget predictability is your priority
When Plan G Is Better
Choose Plan G instead if:
- You want lower premiums
- You rarely exceed the Part B deductible
- You’re cost-conscious
- You’re healthy and want to save money
Plan F Cost Checklist
- Verify your Medicare eligibility date (before Jan 1, 2020)
- Get quotes from at least 3 insurers
- Compare Plan F with Plan G premiums
- Calculate break-even vs. Plan G (Part B deductible = $240)
- Consider Plan F High Deductible for lower premiums
- Factor in tobacco surcharge if applicable
- Check household discount availability
- Review annual rate increase history
- Use our calculator for precise numbers
Frequently Asked Questions
Should I keep Plan F if I already have it?
It depends. Compare your current premium to Plan G options. If you can save significantly by switching to G, and you don’t mind paying the Part B deductible, consider switching during open enrollment.
Why was Plan F discontinued?
Congress discontinued Plan F (and Plan C) for new enrollees because they cover the Part B deductible, which the government felt discouraged price-conscious healthcare decisions.
Will Plan F premiums skyrocket as the pool shrinks?
There’s concern about adverse selection as healthy people leave Plan F. However, Plan F still has millions of enrollees, and premiums may stabilize. Monitor your premium increases annually.
Can I switch from Plan F to another plan?
Yes, but outside Medigap Open Enrollment, you’ll face medical underwriting. Some states have guaranteed issue windows. See our Switching Rules Checklist.
Is Plan F High Deductible worth it?
Plan F HD makes sense if you’re healthy, want low premiums, and can afford the $2,800 deductible if you have a major health event. It’s essentially catastrophic coverage.