Medicare Supplement Plan F vs. Medicare Supplement Plan G

These 2 Medicare Supplement Insurance plans (also known as “Medigap” plans) are the only Medicare Supplement insurance plans that cover the Part B allowed excess charges. An "excess charge" is the difference between the amount Medicare allows and what a doctor or provider charges.

Many doctors and providers do not charge above what Medicare will allow and a few states actually prohibit the practice. Remember what Medicare Allows, and what Medicare pays (usually 80%) are two different issues. Generally the individual is responsible for the diference between what is "allowed" and what Medicare actually pays. The important thing to remember is these two Medicare Supplement Insurance plans pay both the 20% above what is allowed, and also, the 15% "excess charge" if/when this were to be billed by a provider.

But that is today. With all the discussion about changes and cuts to Medicare it’s impossible to predict what might happen in the next 10 years.

What is the difference between Medicare Supplement Plan F and Plan G?

Medicare Supplement Plan F and Medicare Supplement Plan G are the most popular of the 10 available Medicare supplemental insurance (Medigap) plans. Further adding to the popularity of Medicare Plan F is that it is the most comprehensive of all available plans.

But Medicare Supplement Plan G is not that far behind and is exactly the same as Medigap plan F except the insured/individual is responsible for the Medicare Part B deductible. Said another way Medicare Supplement Plan F covers the cost and Medicare Supplement Plan G DOES NOT. Thats it after that the two plans are exactly the same.

Medigap Plan F therefore pays all the copayments, coinsurance, and deductibles that would be part of the Medicare covered Health care costs not paid by original Medicare. With Medicare Supplement Plan F there are no additional out of pocket costs for Medicare covered healthcare, no copayments, no deductibles, no coinsurance and no surprises. Medicare supplement is the same except the individual pays ONLY the Partb B deductible. (Currently only $147 in 2015)

Other Medicare Supplement Options

There are, of course, 10 Medigap options, plus Medicare Select and High deductible F. A few have only slightly less coverage than the most comprehensive Medicare Supplement Plan F (see the Medicare Supplement Comparison Chart). Many of these are very popular – In fact Medicare Supplement Plans F, Plan G, and Medicare Supplement Plan N represent about 94% of all new plans purchased in 2012.

Since 2010 Medicare Supplement Plan G has become increasingly more popular as is Medicare Supplement plan N. These are close in coverage to Plan F and offer slightly lower premiums with only 1 difference as in Plan G or just a few differences in Plan N. These are great choices for those looking to closely manage health insurance costs. The savings of these other plans over Plan F can be enough to make them financially sensible choices over time, without sacrificing choice of service.

For more help understanding all of your Medicare Insurance options one of the Senior Advisors Group Medicare Insurance Advisors would be happy to assist you in finding a plan that fits both your pocketbook, and your health insurance needs.

Fill out any of the forms at "Get Medicare Supplement Quotes" or "Medicare Supplement Consultation" page and one of our trained Medicare Advisors will call you withing 60 minutes (usually much sooner)

Medicare

Medicare Supplement Insurance

Enrolling In Medicare Insurance

Medicare Advantage

What Medigap Plan F covers:

Basic Medicare benefits including:

Hospitalization: Pays Part A coinsurance plus coverage for 365 additional days after Medicare benefits ends.
Medical Expenses: Pays Part B coinsurance – generally 20 percent of Medicare-approved expenses – or copayments for hospital outpatient services.
Blood: Pays for the first three pints of blood each year.
Hospice Care: Pays Part A coinsurance.

In addition to the basic benefits, Plan F also provides coverage for:

Skilled Nursing Facility Care
Medicare Part A Deductible for Hospitalization
Medicare Part B Deductible for Medical and Hospital Outpatient Expenses (Covered)
Medicare Part B Excess Charges (This is the difference between what a doctor or provider charges and the amount Medicare will pay up to Medicare’s limiting amount.)
Travel-Abroad Medical Emergency Help

What Medigap Plan G covers: