Medigap Plan F and Plan G cover nearly identical benefits — the only difference is who pays the Medicare Part B deductible. In 2026, that deductible is $257. If Plan G premiums are more than $257 per year cheaper than Plan F, Plan G saves you money.
Plan F vs Plan G: Side-by-Side Coverage
| Benefit | Plan F | Plan G |
|---|---|---|
| Medicare Part A coinsurance and hospital costs | ✓ | ✓ |
| Medicare Part A deductible ($1,676 in 2026) | ✓ | ✓ |
| Medicare Part A hospice care coinsurance | ✓ | ✓ |
| Medicare Part B coinsurance or copayment | ✓ | ✓ |
| Medicare Part B excess charges | ✓ | ✓ |
| Medicare Part B deductible ($257 in 2026) | ✓ | ✗ |
| Skilled nursing facility coinsurance | ✓ | ✓ |
| Foreign travel emergency (up to plan limits) | ✓ | ✓ |
| Blood (first 3 pints) | ✓ | ✓ |
The only difference: Plan F pays the Part B deductible. Plan G does not.
Who Can Enroll in Plan F?
Plan F was eliminated for new Medicare enrollees effective January 1, 2020, under the Medicare Access and CHIP Reauthorization Act (MACRA). You can still enroll in Plan F if:
- You became Medicare-eligible before January 1, 2020 (i.e., you turned 65 before January 2020, or qualified via disability before that date)
- A Plan F policy is available in your state and from a participating insurer
If you first became Medicare-eligible on or after January 1, 2020, Plan F is not available to you. Plan G is the most comprehensive plan available for newer enrollees.
Premium Comparison: Plan F vs Plan G
Average monthly premiums vary significantly by age, location, gender, and insurer. These are approximate 2026 ranges for a 65-year-old non-smoking female:
| State | Plan F (avg/mo) | Plan G (avg/mo) | Monthly savings with G |
|---|---|---|---|
| Florida | $185 | $150 | $35 |
| Texas | $175 | $140 | $35 |
| California | $210 | $165 | $45 |
| New York | $290 | $235 | $55 |
| National average | $195 | $155 | $40 |
Annual savings with Plan G: $35–$55/month × 12 = $420–$660/year, minus the $257 Part B deductible = net savings of $163–$403/year.
The Math: Which Plan Saves More?
Example: 65-Year-Old Florida Enrollee
- Plan F premium: $185/month = $2,220/year. Covers all cost-sharing including Part B deductible.
- Plan G premium: $150/month = $1,800/year. You pay $257 Part B deductible.
- Plan G total annual cost: $1,800 + $257 = $2,057
- Plan G saves $163/year in this scenario.
If the premium difference is less than $257/year (less than ~$21/month), Plan F would technically break even or save money — but this is rare. In most markets, Plan G saves $100–$500 annually.
High-Deductible Plan G: The Budget Option
| Plan | Monthly Premium | Annual Deductible | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Standard Plan G | $155 | $0 (after Part B ded.) | Predictable costs, frequent healthcare |
| High-Deductible Plan G | $40–$60 | $2,870 | Healthy seniors, low healthcare use |
| Standard Plan F | $195 | $0 | Pre-2020 enrollees |
Pricing Structures: Community vs Issue-Age vs Attained-Age
Medigap insurers use three pricing methods that affect long-term costs:
| Method | How Premium Is Set | Rate Increases Over Time |
|---|---|---|
| Community-rated | Same premium regardless of age | Only general increases |
| Issue-age-rated | Based on age when you buy | Only general increases |
| Attained-age-rated | Based on current age | Increases as you age |
Attained-age-rated plans start cheapest but become the most expensive over time. Community-rated plans in states like New York, Connecticut, and Massachusetts offer the most predictability.
Key Decision Factors
Choose Plan G if:
- You first became Medicare-eligible on or after January 1, 2020 (only option)
- Plan G premiums are more than $21/month cheaper than Plan F in your area
- You want the same comprehensive coverage at a lower cost
Stay on Plan F if:
- You enrolled before 2020 and your Plan F premium is already competitive
- You value the convenience of zero out-of-pocket beyond your premium
- Your Plan F premium difference vs. Plan G is less than $257/year
Consider High-Deductible Plan G if:
- You are in good health and rarely use healthcare
- You want very low premiums and can absorb up to $2,870 in annual costs
- You have savings to cover the deductible if needed
When to Shop for Medigap
The best time to enroll is during your Medigap Open Enrollment Period — the 6-month window that starts the month you turn 65 and enroll in Medicare Part B. During this period, insurers cannot deny you coverage or charge higher premiums due to pre-existing conditions.
Outside open enrollment, insurers in most states can use medical underwriting and may decline to cover you or charge more. Guaranteed issue rights are available in specific circumstances (losing other coverage, insurer leaving your area).
For the Plan G vs. Plan N comparison, see Medigap Plan G vs. N. For the overall Medigap cost analysis, see Medigap cost. For the health insurance hub, see health insurance hub.
The content on Wealthvieu is for informational purposes only and should not be considered financial, tax, or investment advice. Consult a qualified professional before making financial decisions. Full disclaimer · Editorial policy