Plan F Going Away – You don’t hear as much talk about Plan F as you did just a few years ago. That’s led many to believe Plan F is going away. But is it? Are the Medicare beneficiaries enrolled in Plan F going to lose their coverage? Not quite. However, anyone on Plan F may want to consider other options. Let’s talk about the changes to Plan F over the last couple of years.
What is Medigap Plan F?
You may hear Medigap Plan F, also called Medicare supplement Plan F, Medicare Plan F, or just plain old Plan F. (Some people also call it “Part” F, but the word “parts” only refers to the Medicare program, not Medicare supplements. First, what is a Medicare supplement plan? Supplements allow beneficiaries to add coverage to Original Medicare (Parts A and B). Since Original Medicare requires individuals to pay deductibles, copayments, and coinsurance costs, most people choose a secondary form of insurance. The two options to do so are Medicare supplements and Medicare Advantage (Part C) plans. Plan F provides first-dollar coverage for enrollees, which means that it takes care of all costs that remain after Original Medicare pays. Plan F includes payment for:- Part A deductible
- Part A hospital coinsurance, plus an extra 365 days of coverage
- Part A hospice copayments and coinsurance
- Part A skilled nursing coinsurance
- First 3 pints of blood
- Part B annual deductible
- Part B copayments and coinsurance
- Part B excess charges
- Foreign travel emergency (up to plan limits)