Medicare Part F is a Medigap plan that fills the gaps left by Original Medicare, covering things like deductibles, copays, and coinsurance so you face fewer surprise bills.
If you want near-complete coverage to lower out-of-pocket costs, Part F gives the most protection of the Medigap options.
You’ll learn how Part F works, what it covers, what it costs, and why it may not be available if you’re new to Medicare.
The Modern Medicare Agency helps you compare options and connects you with a licensed agent who speaks with you one-on-one to find plans that match your needs without extra fees.
Understanding Medicare Part F
Medicare Part F usually refers to Medigap Plan F, a supplemental policy that fills gaps left by Original Medicare.
It covers most out-of-pocket costs so you pay little or nothing for many Medicare-covered services.
The Modern Medicare Agency can help you check eligibility and compare options with a licensed agent.
Definition of Medicare Part F
Medicare Part F is not a stand-alone part of Medicare like Part A or B.
It is a Medigap policy called Plan F that supplements Original Medicare.
Plan F pays the Medicare Part A deductible, Part A and B coinsurance, Part A hospice coinsurance, and Part B excess charges in full.
Plan F also covers the first 365 days of hospital costs beyond what Part A pays.
Standardized benefits mean every insurer must offer the same core coverage for Plan F, but premiums can vary by company and location.
If you were first eligible for Medicare after 2019, you generally cannot buy Plan F, so eligibility rules matter.
Purpose and Coverage
The main purpose of Plan F is to reduce or eliminate out-of-pocket costs from Original Medicare.
Typical covered items include:
- Part A deductible and coinsurance
- Part B coinsurance and excess charges
- Hospice and skilled nursing facility coinsurance
- Foreign travel emergency coverage (limited)
Plan F covers both Part A and Part B deductibles, which makes it the most comprehensive Medigap option when available.
Because of its breadth, premiums tend to be higher than other Medigap plans.
The Modern Medicare Agency offers licensed agents you can speak with one-on-one to find packages that match your budget and health needs without extra fees.
Key Features of Medicare Part F
Medicare Part F fills the gaps left by Original Medicare, covers almost all out-of-pocket costs, and has specific rules about who can buy it now.
The following details explain what Part F pays for, how it stacks up against other Medigap plans, and who can enroll.
Coverage Details
Plan F pays many costs that Original Medicare does not.
It covers the Part A deductible and coinsurance, Part B coinsurance, and Part B deductible.
It also covers skilled nursing facility coinsurance, hospice coinsurance, and Part B excess charges when providers bill over Medicare-approved amounts.
You still pay the Part B premium and any plan premium for Part F itself.
Coverage is standardized, so benefits are the same across insurers in most states.
That means once you find a plan, benefits won’t vary, but monthly premiums can differ by company, location, and sometimes your age or tobacco use.
Benefits Compared to Other Plans
Plan F offers the most complete Medigap coverage.
Unlike Plan G, which does not cover the Part B deductible, Plan F covers that deductible as well.
That makes Plan F the highest-benefit option for those who already qualify.
However, Plan F often has higher monthly premiums than other Medigap plans.
If you want lower premiums, plans like G can be cheaper while still covering nearly everything except the Part B deductible.
If you value predictable out-of-pocket costs and want minimal bills when you get care, Plan F provides that, provided you are eligible to buy it.
Eligibility Requirements
You cannot buy Plan F if you first became eligible for Medicare on or after January 1, 2020.
If you became eligible before that date and did not enroll, you may still qualify to buy Plan F depending on state rules and underwriting.
Some insurers require medical underwriting if you apply outside your initial eligibility window.
You keep guaranteed-issue rights in certain situations, such as losing other creditable coverage.
To check your options and whether you qualify, talk to a licensed agent.
The Modern Medicare Agency has licensed agents you can speak with one-on-one.
They will identify Medicare packages that match your needs and budget without charging extra fees.
Costs Associated With Medicare Part F
Medicare Part F covers most out-of-pocket costs for Medicare Part A and B services, but you still pay a monthly premium and may face price differences by insurer and location.
Premiums and Out-of-Pocket Expenses
Plan F usually carries higher monthly premiums than other Medigap plans because it covers the Part B deductible and many cost-sharing items.
Expect to pay differing rates by state and by insurer; premiums can vary by hundreds of dollars per year.
You pay the plan’s monthly premium on top of your Medicare Part B premium.
With Plan F, you generally have little or no copayments or coinsurance for Medicare-covered services.
That means fewer surprise bills for hospital stays, doctor visits, and most outpatient services.
If you travel outside the U.S., Plan F often includes some foreign travel emergency coverage, which can lower your risk of large overseas medical bills.
Talk with a licensed agent at The Modern Medicare Agency to get exact premium quotes and to learn if any plan variations affect your costs.
Cost Comparison With Other Medigap Plans
Compared with plans that do not cover the Part B deductible—like Plan G—Plan F’s premiums are usually higher.
Plan G often has lower monthly premiums but requires you to pay the Part B deductible when care starts.
Your break-even point depends on how much care you use in a year.
Some people save money with plans that have lower premiums and higher cost-sharing if they rarely use medical services.
Others prefer Plan F for predictable expenses and near-zero out-of-pocket costs after premiums.
The Modern Medicare Agency helps you compare estimated yearly costs side-by-side.
Our licensed agents speak with you one-on-one, match plans to your health needs, and show whether Plan F or an alternative will likely cost you less overall.
Availability of Medicare Part F
Medicare Part F used to fill almost all out-of-pocket costs for Original Medicare.
Recent law changes limit new sales, but some people can still get Plan F under specific rules.
Changes Due to Recent Legislation
Congress closed Plan F to new Medicare enrollees who became eligible after January 1, 2020.
That means insurers cannot sell Plan F or Plan C to anyone who first got Medicare Part A and B on or after that date.
The reason is to stop plans from covering the Part B deductible, which lawmakers wanted to phase out for new enrollees.
If you already had Plan F before 2020, your policy can continue.
Insurers must maintain your benefits under federal rules, though premiums can still change.
State rules and carrier practices may vary, so check your specific policy details.
Who Can Still Enroll
You can still enroll in Plan F only if you first became eligible for Medicare before January 1, 2020.
That includes people who turned 65 or otherwise qualified for Medicare before that date and then bought Plan F.
New Medicare beneficiaries after that date cannot buy Plan F.
If you had Plan F and later moved or switched carriers, you may be able to keep similar coverage through guaranteed issue rights or a policy replacement, depending on state rules.
Speak with a licensed agent from The Modern Medicare Agency to confirm your eligibility, compare costs, and see if Plan F or a close alternative fits your needs.
Our agents are real people who will help you one-on-one and aim to match plans to your budget without extra fees.
Alternatives to Medicare Part F
You can still get strong Medigap protection without Plan F.
Two common choices are a full-coverage style plan that skips the Part B deductible and a range of other Medigap options that trade some benefits for lower premiums.
Medicare Part G
Plan G covers almost everything Plan F did, except it does not pay your Medicare Part B deductible.
In 2026 that deductible is $240, so you would pay that amount yourself for the year before Plan G benefits pick up Part B cost-sharing.
Plan G typically has lower monthly premiums than Plan F for new enrollees.
You still get 100% of Medicare Part A coinsurance and hospital costs, skilled nursing facility coinsurance, Part A deductible, and Part B excess charges.
Choose Plan G if you want broad protection and can handle that single annual Part B deductible.
The Modern Medicare Agency can run quotes for Plan G and explain how the premiums compare in your state.
Our licensed agents speak with you one-on-one and match plan costs to your budget without hidden fees.
Other Medigap Policies
Several other Medigap plans give different mixes of coverage and lower premiums.
For example, Plan N covers most Part A and B costs but may charge small copays for office visits and emergency room care and does not cover Part B excess charges.
Plans K and L limit out-of-pocket exposure but share costs with you through coinsurance and caps.
High-deductible versions of Plan F and G exist in some states, which lower premiums but require you to meet a yearly deductible (the high-deductible amount changes each year).
Your choice should weigh monthly premium savings against possible out-of-pocket costs during the year.
Talk with The Modern Medicare Agency to compare these options side-by-side.
Our licensed agents explain the trade-offs, show estimated yearly costs, and help you pick the Medigap policy that fits your needs and wallet.
How to Choose the Right Medigap Policy
Choosing a Medigap plan means weighing cost, coverage, and timing so you get protection that fits your health needs and budget.
Focus on which charges the plan covers, how much the monthly premium will be, and whether you have guaranteed rights to buy a plan.
Factors to Consider
Look at covered benefits first.
Plan F (if available to you) pays full Part A and B cost-sharing, while other plans cover different combinations of deductibles, coinsurance, and foreign emergency care.
Check whether the plan pays the Part B deductible, Part B excess charges, and skilled nursing facility coinsurance.
Compare premiums and premium types.
Some insurers offer community-rated, issue-age, or attained-age pricing.
Ask how often premiums can rise and whether the insurer offers discounts for spouses or multi-policy holders.
Verify provider access and customer service.
Confirm that any doctors you use accept Medicare assignment and that claims are processed quickly.
Contact The Modern Medicare Agency for a fast, free quote and to speak 1 on 1 with a licensed agent who matches plans to your needs without extra fees.
Enrollment Tips
Buy during your six-month Medigap Open Enrollment Period when you first have Part B and are 65 or older.
During this time, insurers must sell you any plan they offer and can’t use health underwriting to deny coverage or charge higher rates for preexisting conditions.
If you miss open enrollment, know state laws.
Some states offer additional protections or guaranteed issue rights in certain life events like losing employer coverage.
Always ask for written explanations of any medical underwriting decisions.
Work with The Modern Medicare Agency before you apply.
Our licensed agents explain enrollment windows, check state rules, and submit applications accurately.
You can talk to a real person who helps avoid costly timing mistakes and finds plans that match your budget.
Frequently Asked Questions
Below you will find clear answers about what Medicare Plan F covers, how it differs from similar options, who can enroll, costs for 2026, and key limitations to consider.
What does Medicare Plan F cover?
Medicare Plan F fills almost all gaps left by Original Medicare Parts A and B.
It pays Part A and B deductibles, coinsurance, and copayments, plus excess charges and 80% of certain foreign travel emergency costs.
You get first-dollar coverage for Medicare-approved services, meaning little to no out-of-pocket costs for covered items after you pay the plan premium.
What is the difference between Medicare Plan F and Plan G?
Plan F covers the Part B deductible; Plan G does not.
Both plans pay most other Part A and B cost-sharing, including coinsurance and excess charges.
Because Plan F pays the Part B deductible, its premiums are usually higher than Plan G’s for the same insurer and location.
If you’re new to Medicare and want lower premiums, Plan G often costs less but you must pay the Part B deductible when needed.
Can I still enroll in Medicare Plan F?
Most people who first became eligible for Medicare on or after January 1, 2020 cannot enroll in Plan F.
Existing Plan F members who had coverage before that date can typically keep it, subject to their insurer’s rules.
If you qualify only in limited special cases, speak with an agent to confirm eligibility and options.
How does Medicare Plan F compare to Medicare Part C?
Medicare Part C (Medicare Advantage) replaces Original Medicare and often includes extra benefits like vision or prescription drug coverage.\ Plan F supplements Original Medicare; it does not replace Parts A or B and does not include Medicare Part D drug coverage.
Part C plans can have networks and prior authorizations.\ Plan F keeps Original Medicare’s provider access and adds predictable cost-sharing through the supplement.
What are the costs associated with Medicare Plan F in 2026?
You must pay the monthly Medigap premium for Plan F plus your Medicare Part B premium.\ Plan F premiums vary widely by insurer, location, age, and underwriting.
Some plans charge higher rates because they offer first-dollar coverage.\ Contact The Modern Medicare Agency to get exact premium quotes for your zip code and health profile.
What are the limitations and drawbacks of choosing Medicare Plan F?
New enrollees after January 1, 2020 cannot generally get Plan F, limiting its availability.
Plan F premiums tend to be higher than other Medigap options like Plan G because it covers the Part B deductible.
Plan F does not include prescription drug coverage, so you may need a separate Part D plan.
