Medicare Supplement Plan F — Complete 2026 Guide
Plan F was historically the most comprehensive Medigap plan, covering all Medicare cost-sharing including the Part B deductible. However, the Medicare Access and CHIP Reauthorization Act (MACRA) prohibited new Medicare beneficiaries who became eligible on or after January 1, 2020, from enrolling in Plan F. If you became eligible for Medicare before that date, you may still enroll in Plan F if it is available in your state.
What Plan F Covers
Below is the complete coverage table for Plan F. This is the federally standardized benefit chart — every insurer selling Plan F must provide these exact benefits.
| Medicare Cost | Plan F Covers? | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Part A coinsurance & hospital costs (up to 365 days after Medicare) | Covered | — |
| Part A deductible ($1,676 in 2026) | Covered | — |
| Part A hospice care coinsurance or copayment | Covered | — |
| Part B coinsurance or copayment (20% of outpatient costs) | Covered | — |
| Part B deductible ($257 in 2026) | Covered | — |
| Part B excess charges (above Medicare-approved amount) | Covered | — |
| Skilled nursing facility care coinsurance | Covered | — |
| Foreign travel emergency coverage (up to plan limits) | Covered | — |
Source: CMS standardized Medigap benefit chart. CMS Publication 02110.
Who Should Choose Plan F?
Beneficiaries who became Medicare-eligible before January 1, 2020, and want zero-cost-sharing on all covered services.
Average Plan F Premiums by State (2026)
Premiums for Plan F vary significantly by state due to differences in rating laws, local healthcare costs, and insurer competition. The table below shows estimates for a 65-year-old non-smoking female. Your actual premium will depend on your age, gender, tobacco use, and the specific insurer you choose.
Always get multiple quotes before choosing an insurer. Use the official Medicare Plan Finder or a licensed broker who represents multiple companies.
| State | Est. Monthly Premium (Age 65) | Rating Method | Special Protections |
|---|---|---|---|
| California | ~$165/mo | community | ✓ Birthday Rule ✓ Community Rated |
| Florida | ~$175/mo | attained age | Federal standard |
| Texas | ~$138/mo | attained age | Federal standard |
| New York | ~$260/mo | community | ✓ Community Rated |
| Pennsylvania | ~$152/mo | attained age | Federal standard |
| Ohio | ~$124/mo | attained age | Federal standard |
| Illinois | ~$140/mo | attained age | Federal standard |
| North Carolina | ~$132/mo | attained age | Federal standard |
| Michigan | ~$132/mo | attained age | Federal standard |
| Georgia | ~$125/mo | attained age | Federal standard |
* Estimates based on Medicare.gov plan finder data sampling, April 2026. Premiums vary by insurer, age, gender, and tobacco use. Verify current rates at Medicare.gov.
How Plan F Compares to Other Plans
The right Medigap plan depends on your health, how often you use medical services, and how much premium you're comfortable paying. Here are the key comparisons for Plan F:
Compare all Medicare Supplement plans side by side to understand how Plan F fits within the full range of options.
How to Enroll in Plan F
You can enroll in a Medicare Supplement plan through any private insurance company that sells Medigap plans in your state. Here's the process:
- Confirm eligibility: You must be enrolled in Medicare Parts A and B. Most people are first eligible at age 65. Note that Plan F requires a Medicare Part A effective date before January 1, 2020.
- Enroll during your Open Enrollment Period: Your 6-month OEP begins when you're both 65 and enrolled in Part B. During this window, you have guaranteed issue rights — insurers cannot deny you coverage or charge more based on your health.
- Get quotes from multiple insurers: Because benefits are standardized, the only variable is the premium. Use Medicare.gov or a licensed broker.
- Complete the application: Outside your OEP, insurers can require medical underwriting in most states (exceptions: CA, NY, NJ, OR, FL birthday rules; MA, WI, MN unique rules).
- Pair with a Part D plan: Medigap does not cover prescription drugs. You'll need a separate Part D plan for drug coverage.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I still enroll in Plan F in 2026?
Only if you became eligible for Medicare before January 1, 2020. If your Medicare Part A start date is January 1, 2020 or later, you cannot enroll in Plan F.
Will Plan F be cancelled?
Existing Plan F policies are grandfathered and will not be cancelled. However, as the pool of eligible enrollees shrinks, premiums for Plan F may increase faster than other plans over time.
This site provides general information about Medicare Supplement insurance and medical alert devices. It is not affiliated with or endorsed by the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) or any government agency. This is not medical or insurance advice. Always consult a licensed insurance professional for personalized guidance.
Medicare rules, premiums, and plan availability change annually. Always verify current information with Medicare.gov, your State Insurance Department, or a licensed insurance advisor. For free, unbiased help, contact your State Health Insurance Assistance Program (SHIP) at shiphelp.org.
Sources
- Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services. Medicare Supplement Insurance (Medigap). medicare.gov. Retrieved June 2026.
- CMS. Choosing a Medigap Policy: A Guide to Health Insurance for People with Medicare. Publication 02110. cms.gov. Retrieved June 2026.
- CMS. 2026 Medicare Parts A & B Premiums and Deductibles. cms.gov. Retrieved June 2026.