Medicare Plan F vs Plan G: An Expert Comparison with Tips, Advice & Insights
By Guy Shap | Senior Living & Retirement Planning Expert, Senior Reports Daily
When choosing a Medicare supplement, the “Medicare Plan F vs Plan G” debate is front and center for seniors, new Medicare beneficiaries, and their caregivers. Both plans offer robust coverage for out-of-pocket expenses, but their slight differences can impact your healthcare costs and peace of mind. As a Medicare advisor and contributor to Senior Reports Daily, I’ll break down the pros and cons, eligibility, fees, and key decision points to help you confidently compare the best option for your needs.
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Quick Tip Before Making Changes Regarding Medicare Plan F vs Plan G
Always check with your state’s insurance department or consult licensed agents before making a change. Plans and premiums can vary by location and provider.
Medicare Plan F vs Plan G at a Glance
Medicare Supplement Plan F and Plan G are Medigap policies designed to cover “gaps” left by Original Medicare (Parts A and B). These gaps include deductibles, coinsurance, and copayment costs that otherwise come out of your pocket.
Plan F: Pays all Medicare-approved out-of-pocket costs, including the annual Medicare Part B deductible.
Plan G: Covers everything Plan F does except the Medicare Part B deductible, which you pay yourself.
Medicare Plan F vs Plan G Eligibility & Availability
Plan F is only available if you became eligible for Medicare before January 1, 2020.
Plan G is available to anyone enrolled in Medicare Part A and Part B, regardless of when you became eligible.
Medicare Plan F vs Plan G Key Point:
If you’re turning 65 this year or retired after 2020, you can only purchase Plan G (or other available supplements like Plan N).
For a comprehensive intro to Medicare Guide, visit our Senior Reports Daily Medicare Supplement Guide.
Coverage Comparison Chart: Medicare Plan F vs Plan G Supplement
| Benefit | Plan F | Plan G |
|---|---|---|
| Part A Hospital Coinsurance | 100% | 100% |
| Part B Coinsurance/Copayment | 100% | 100% |
| Blood (First 3 Pints) | 100% | 100% |
| Part A Hospice Coinsurance | 100% | 100% |
| Skilled Nursing Facility | 100% | 100% |
| Part A Deductible | 100% | 100% |
| Part B Deductible | 100% | Not Covered |
| Part B Excess Charges | 100% | 100% |
| Foreign Travel (Up to Plan Limits) | 80% | 80% |
Source: Medicare.gov Plan Comparison
What’s the Real Difference?
- The only coverage difference is the Part B deductible (set at $240 in 2024 and $257 in 2025). Plan F pays it; Plan G doesn’t.
Medicare Plan F vs Plan G Cost Comparison
Both plans require a monthly premium, which varies by provider and location. Plan F premiums are typically higher than Plan G due to the additional coverage.
2025 Sample Monthly Premiums (National Averages):
| City | Plan F | Plan G |
|---|---|---|
| Atlanta, GA | $150–$250 | $100–$200 |
| Chicago, IL | $137–$215 | $106–$170 |
| Houston, TX | $148–$180 | $124–$150 |
| San Francisco, CA | $162–$250 | $144–$210 |
Medicare Plan F vs Plan G Premiums may vary based on age, gender, tobacco use, and insurance company.
High-Deductible Versions
Both plans may offer “high-deductible” variants with lower monthly premiums but higher out-of-pocket costs before your coverage begins.
Medicare F Plan vs G Plan:
The essential decision is whether the higher premium of Plan F is worth the convenience of not paying the Part B deductible. For most, Plan G’s lower premiums more than make up for the small deductible you pay out-of-pocket each year.
Plan F vs Plan G Pros and Cons
| Feature/Factor | Plan F | Plan G |
| Comprehensive Coverage | Pays all Medicare cost-sharing, with zero out-of-pocket for approved services | Pays almost all Medicare cost-sharing (except Part B deductible) |
| Monthly Premium | Higher | Lower |
| Part B Deductible | Covered by Plan F | Not covered; you pay it ($257 in 2025) |
| Eligibility | Only for those eligible before January 1, 2020 | Available to all new and current Medicare participants |
| Long-term Savings | Not always; you may pay more in premiums than you save | Likely to save if the premium difference > Part B deductible |
| Availability | Limited/declining | Broad, widely available with new insurer competition |
Medicare Plan F Pros
- Zero out-of-pocket once premiums are paid
- Simplicity for budgeting
Medicare Plan F Cons
- Not available to new Medicare beneficiaries post-2020
- Often, significantly higher premiums may not justify savings
Medicare Plan G Pros
- Lower monthly premiums
- Only pay the small Part B deductible out of pocket
- Accessible to new enrollees
Plan G Cons
- You must pay the annual Part B deductible yourself
- “High-deductible” Plan G requires you to spend more before benefits apply
Who Should Choose Which Plan?
Plan F Might Be Best If:
- You were eligible for Medicare before 2020, prefer zero out-of-pocket costs, and can find a premium that is ≤$21/month more than Plan G.
Plan G Might Be Best If:
- You’re newly eligible for Medicare, or
- You prefer lower premiums, or
- The difference in annual premiums between Plan F and Plan G is more than the Part B deductible ($257/year in 2025).
Medicare Plan F vs Plan G Insider tip:
If Plan F premiums in your area are >$21/month more than Plan G (since $257/12 ≈ $21), Plan G will likely save you money over the year, even after you pay the deductible yourself.
For advice tailored to your situation, compare local Medigap quotes and check our comprehensive Medicare Advantage Plans Guide.
Medicare Plan F vs G vs N
Some beneficiaries also ask about Medicare Plan N. Plan N has the same basic benefits as Plan G, but you’ll pay copays for doctor and emergency room visits. It typically comes with lower premiums than both F and G.
| Feature | Plan F | Plan G | Plan N |
|---|---|---|---|
| Part B Deductible | Covered | Not covered | Not covered |
| Copays | None | None | Yes ($20 per office visit, $50 per ER) |
| Premium | Highest | Moderate | Lowest |
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is better, Medicare Plan F or Plan G?
There’s no universal answer. Plan G is usually best for new beneficiaries due to broad eligibility and long-term premium savings. For those “grandfathered” into Plan F, carefully compare premium differences to the Part B deductible.
I have an AARP Medicare Supplement Plan F. Should I switch to Plan G?
AARP Medicare Supplement Plan F vs Plan G comes down to cost. Compare your current premium to new Plan G quotes. A switch may save you money if the difference exceeds the deductible. Always check for underwriting requirements before switching.
Can I switch from Plan F to Plan G?
Yes, but depending on your state and provider, you may undergo medical underwriting. Consult with a reputable agent for details.
Are Medicare supplement plans standardized?
Yes! Coverage for Medicare plan F vs. G is identical across all companies; only the price and service differ. Review the insurer’s reputation before buying.
Expert Tips for Comparing Medicare Supplement Plan F vs G
- Use Medicare’s official plan finder to compare current prices in your area.
- Prioritize your comfort with deductibles vs. higher monthly costs.
- Ask insurers about household discounts or other premium reductions.
- Review your coverage every few years alongside your care requirements.
Next Steps
Bottom Line Medicare Plan F vs Plan G: For most seniors and new enrollees, Plan G provides comparable coverage at a more affordable price, while Plan F may benefit those grandfathered in if the cost is correct. Still unsure which plan fits your needs? Stay informed with Senior Reports Daily and make confident, expert-backed decisions for your future. Have questions about senior healthcare or want guidance from a trusted source? Leave a comment or browse our featured guides for more expert insights.
Related Resources
Guy Shap
Senior Living & Retirement Planning Specialist at Senior Reports Daily, providing Expert advice for seniors, retirees, and caregivers
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