Is Medicare Plan F Still Available?

You won’t have medical underwriting during your initial Medigap Open Enrollment Period (OEP), so you won’t have to qualify for a Medicare Supplement Plan during that time.

This six-month OEP starts the first day of the month you turn 65 and you’re enrolled in Medicare Part B. For example, if your 65th birthday is in August, you can get the best price on a Medigap Plan by enrolling between August and January.

According to Medicare.gov , the best time to buy a Medigap policy is during a beneficiary’s six-month Medigap OEP because any current or pre-existing medical conditions do not affect price or eligibility during that time.

There are health conditions that can make you ineligible for purchasing a Medigap policy outside the OEP — like end-stage renal disease (ESRD) — and some insurance companies could deny you coverage.

An insurance company can also refuse to cover out-of-pocket costs for pre-existing health problems for up to six months. However, the Medicare Supplement plan may cover your pre-existing condition after these six months.

A health condition is considered pre-existing if it was treated or diagnosed seven months or longer after your Medigap policy starts. Original Medicare may still cover the condition — but you will be responsible for the coinsurance or copayment.

To get the best price on a Medigap policy, buy it during the six-month OEP. After that and until the following year’s OEP, your option to buy a Medigap policy could be limited or cost you more money.

You may not be able to buy a Medicare Supplement policy in certain states if you’re under age 65 or have certain health conditions. If you do have a chronic disease that qualifies you for Medicare under 65 and you’re in a state that offers you Medigap plans, you may end up paying more than an over-65 Medicare beneficiary would pay.

You may also find that only one or two Medicare Supplement plans are available to you. This is different from state to state.

Medicare Supplement Plan G is very similar to Medicare Plan F. The only difference is that Plan G doesn't pay Medicare's Part B annual deductible. After you meet this deductible, Plan G coverage is the same as Plan F.

Maybe you're considering Medicare Plan F vs. Plan G and asking yourself, "Should I buy Medicare Plan G?"

Get a side-by-side comparison of Plan F vs. Plan G to help you decide which Medicare plan is best for you. Then, find out how Medicare Plan G can save you by calling a Senior Healthcare Direct licensed agent at 1-833-463-3262, TTY 711, or get your quote.