What Is Medicare Supplement Plan F? 2026 Coverage Updates
What Is Medicare Supplement Plan F?
Medicare Supplement Plan F, commonly known as Medigap Plan F, is a standardized insurance policy designed to fill the “gaps” in Original Medicare coverage (Parts A and B). This plan pays for nearly all out-of-pocket costs associated with Medicare-approved services, including deductibles, copayments, coinsurance, and even Part B excess charges-making it the most comprehensive Medigap policy available for those who qualify.
Plan F is often called first-dollar coverage because it leaves beneficiaries with zero out-of-pocket costs for covered medical expenses. Plan F is offered by private insurance companies, and its benefits are identical regardless of provider within the same state, due to federal standardization.
There is also a high-deductible Plan F option. With this variation, you are required to pay all Medicare-covered costs out of pocket up to an annual deductible ($2,950 in 2026) before plan benefits begin, typically resulting in a significantly lower monthly premium.
Medicare Supplement Plan F’s availability changed after January 1, 2020. Due to federal law (MACRA), it is not available to new Medicare beneficiaries whose eligibility began on or after this date, though existing enrollees may keep Plan F indefinitely.
If you’re interested in how Medigap plans coordinate coverage, explore the guide to how Medicare Supplements work.
What Does Medicare Plan F Cover? (Full Benefits List)
Plan F covers all the gaps left by Original Medicare for Medicare-approved expenses. Here is a summary table detailing every benefit:
| Coverage Category | Plan F Coverage Details | Your Cost |
|---|---|---|
| Part A Hospital | All coinsurance/copayments, 365 extra days after Medicare pays, Part A deductible ($1,736 in 2026), hospital costs | $0 |
| Part A Hospice | Coinsurance/copayments | $0 |
| Skilled Nursing Facility | All coinsurance up to benefit limit | $0 |
| Part B Medical | Coinsurance/copayments (20%), Part B deductible ($283 in 2026), Part B excess charges (up to 15% above standard Medicare amount) | $0 |
| The First 3 Pints of Blood | All costs | $0 |
| Foreign Travel Emergency | Emergency care (up to plan limits: $50,000/lifetime, 80% covered after $250 annual deductible) | Varies, typically 20% after $250 deductible |
- Part A deductible: $1,736 in 2026, fully covered by Plan F.
- Part B deductible: $283 in 2026, covered 100% under Plan F.
- Part B excess charges: Fees up to 15% above Medicare-approved amount are paid by Plan F.
- Skilled nursing facility coinsurance: Covered in full.
- Hospice care coinsurance/copayments: Fully covered.
- Blood (first 3 pints): Fully covered annually.
For example, if you face a $70,000 hospital bill, Medicare pays first, and Plan F covers all remaining qualified costs-including the deductible-leaving you with no out-of-pocket expense (not including drugs). For a doctor’s visit, where Medicare covers 80%, Plan F routinely covers the remaining 20% and any deductible or excess charge. Note: Plan F does not cover Medicare Part B premiums, prescription drugs (you’ll need a Part D plan), or any non-Medicare-approved services.
If you’re curious about coverage for specific equipment, learn how to get a hospital bed from Medicare.
Medicare Plan F Eligibility in 2026
Who Can Enroll in Plan F?
- Eligible for Plan F: Anyone who was first eligible for Medicare based on age, disability, or ESRD before January 1, 2020, even if you did not enroll in Plan F previously or delayed Medicare enrollment.
- Ineligible for Plan F: Individuals whose Medicare eligibility started on or after January 1, 2020-federal law prevents insurers from selling policies that cover the Part B deductible to these enrollees.
If you have Plan F now, you may keep your policy for as long as premiums are paid, regardless of policy changes or legislative news. Plan F plans remain guaranteed-renewable; insurers cannot drop you for health reasons. Certain states may impose additional rules or consumer protections, such as birthday rule switching.
To better understand how your needs fit in 2026, see which Medicare supplemental insurance is best for you in 2026.
Plan F Costs and Premiums
How Much Does Plan F Cost in 2026?
Because Medicare Plan F coverage is the most comprehensive, its monthly premiums are typically higher than those of other Medigap plans. Costs can vary widely depending on multiple factors:
- Where you live (state/county)
- Your age, gender, and tobacco use
- How the insurer prices policies (attained-age, issue-age, or community-rated)
- When you enroll (e.g., during Open Enrollment or with guaranteed issue rights)
- Additional discounts (e.g., household, online application)
2026 Plan F premiums vary but often range from $155 to $425 or more per month for standard plans, with the national average expected to slightly increase due to inflation and rising healthcare costs. Online application discounts up to 6% may be available in select states.
High-Deductible Plan F
The high-deductible Plan F may cost half as much (or less), with monthly premiums often $50-$100. However, you must pay the first $2,950 (2026) of covered expenses before benefits start. This offers financial protection for catastrophic events while keeping routine costs out-of-pocket until the deductible is met.
Other Out-of-Pocket Expenses
- Medicare Part B monthly premium: Around $185+ in 2026 (varies by income and COLA adjustments)
- Prescription drug coverage (Part D): Must be purchased separately
- Non-Medicare services: (e.g., dental, vision, hearing aids, medical alert systems)-not covered by Plan F; review Medicare coverage for medical alert systems for details on supplemental benefits.
Pros, Cons, and Alternatives to Plan F
Benefits and Drawbacks of Medigap Plan F
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
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Alternatives: Comparing Plan F vs. Plan G and More
| Plan | Differences from Plan F | Who Should Consider? |
|---|---|---|
| Plan G | No coverage for Part B deductible ($283 in 2026); otherwise identical, with often lower premiums | Anyone eligible after 2020 or existing Plan F holders wanting savings; popular for frequent doctor visits |
| High-Deductible Plan G | Same gap as regular G but with a similar high deductible (around $2,800 in 2026) | Healthy individuals seeking low premiums but catastrophic protection |
| Plan D | No Part B deductible/excess charge coverage, less robust than F or G | Those with focused hospital needs, rarely selected due to limited benefits |
Plan G is now frequently recommended for its balance of broad coverage and competitive premiums, especially since it is available to all new Medicare beneficiaries. Visit the 2026 Medigap comparison for a full side-by-side review and a custom calculator.
For a broader review of how Medicare coordinates with other insurance, read Who Pays First: Medicare or Medicaid?
How to Enroll in Medicare Plan F
If you meet the Plan F eligibility 2026 requirements, you can apply at any time. However, the optimal window to enroll is during your Medigap Open Enrollment Period-a six-month window starting when you are both 65 or older and enrolled in Medicare Part B. During this period, you have guaranteed issue rights: insurers cannot deny coverage or charge you more due to health conditions.
- Research and Compare: Check premiums in your zip code. Rates differ by age, gender, and insurer.
- Choose a Policy: Standard or high-deductible? Review your typical health expenses and risk tolerance.
- Contact Insurers/Brokers: Apply directly or via a licensed agent. Collect personalized premium quotes and confirm whether discounts are available for online applications or households.
- Submit Application: Complete required forms, including health questions if applying after Open Enrollment or without guaranteed issue rights.
- Renew Coverage: Existing Plan F holders should keep premiums current; coverage remains active regardless of health status.
Plan availability is confirmed for 2026 for all grandfathered enrollees. Some coverage options, such as the high-deductible Plan F, may not be available in certain states. Always check with your state insurance department or a trusted agent for final confirmation. For step-by-step guides and educational resources on the enrollment process-and to compare other coverage types-visit our article on how Medicare Supplements work.
