Medicare

Medigap Plan F

Medigap Plan F provides first-dollar coverage with zero out-of-pocket costs for covered services, but is only available to those who became Medicare-eligible before 2020.

Last reviewed: May 2026 · Editorial methodology

Definition

Medigap Plan F was historically the most popular Medicare Supplement policy because it covered every Original Medicare cost-sharing gap — including the Part B annual deductible — leaving beneficiaries with virtually no out-of-pocket costs for covered services other than the monthly premium. Congress eliminated Plan F (and Plan C, which also covered the Part B deductible) for new Medicare beneficiaries as of January 1, 2020, under the MACRA legislation, based on the theory that first-dollar coverage encourages overutilization. Beneficiaries who became eligible for Medicare before January 1, 2020 may still enroll in Plan F if they have not yet done so, and those already enrolled may keep it indefinitely. Plan F premiums tend to be higher than Plan G and have increased at a faster rate as the Plan F pool ages and becomes less healthy — a phenomenon called 'closed pool risk.' New Medicare enrollees looking for maximum coverage should consider Plan G, which offers equivalent protection minus only the $283 Part B deductible.

Where this term matters

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Tip

Glossary definitions are educational. Always check your own policy language — insurers can define common terms differently from one another. When in doubt, request a written explanation from your agent.

Related terms

MedigapPrivate Medicare supplement insurance that fills gaps in Original Medicare's coverage.Medigap Plan GMedigap Plan G is the gold standard supplemental coverage for new Medicare beneficiaries, leaving only the $283 Part B deductible as out-of-pocket exposure.Medigap Plan NMedigap Plan N offers strong coverage at a lower premium than Plan G by requiring modest copays and leaving excess charge exposure in place.Medicare Part BMedicare Part B charges a monthly premium — $202.90 in 2026 for most beneficiaries — and covers the outpatient medical services that Part A does not.Original MedicareOriginal Medicare provides broad provider access nationwide with no referrals required but lacks an out-of-pocket maximum, making supplemental coverage important.

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Source: Cover Forge USA editorial team|Last verified: May 2026|Methodology
Definitions are educational and may be simplified. Always refer to your policy contract and consult a licensed agent for terms that affect coverage decisions.
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Cover Forge USA Editorial Team

Editorial Lead

This article was researched and written by the Cover Forge USA editorial team against federal sources (NAIC, CMS, FEMA, DOL, SSA, state DOIs) and standard policy forms. Bylines organize content by topic — they do not assert individual licensure. See our editorial-policy for details.

Reviewed June 2026

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