
Why Plan F Closed for New Enrollees (and What That Means for You)
If you’ve talked to friends or family on Medicare, you may have heard about Plan F—the Medicare Supplement plan that “covered everything.” For years, it was one of the most popular options. But then, seemingly overnight, it disappeared for new enrollees.
So what happened? And what should you do if you were hoping to get Plan F?
Why Plan F Closed
Starting in January 2020, Medicare stopped allowing new beneficiaries to enroll in Plan F (and Plan C). The reason was simple:
Plan F covered the Part B deductible (a relatively small annual cost).
Congress decided that having “first dollar coverage” made people more likely to go to the doctor for minor things, which drove up Medicare’s overall costs.
As a result, anyone who turned 65 after January 1, 2020, could no longer enroll in Plan F.
Who Can Still Have Plan F
If you were eligible for Medicare before January 1, 2020, you may still be able to enroll in Plan F.
If you already have Plan F, you’re allowed to keep it.
But here’s the catch: since no new enrollees can join, the pool of members is aging—and as claims rise, premiums can increase faster than with other plans.
What’s the Alternative?
The plan that most people now choose instead is Plan G.
Plan G covers everything Plan F does, except the small Part B deductible (currently $240 in 2025).
In many cases, even after paying that deductible, Plan G can be more affordable than Plan F because of lower premiums.
Another option some people consider is Plan N, which offers lower premiums but comes with small copays for office and ER visits.
Bottom Line
Plan F isn’t gone—it’s just closed to new enrollees. If you’re new to Medicare, your closest alternative is Plan G. If you’re already on Plan F, it may still work for you—but it’s wise to compare rates and see if switching makes sense.
Call our team at 904-654-5450 or visit www.merebenefits.com to review your options and see if Plan G or N could help you save without sacrificing coverage.
Next Step: Read our blog on Do All Medicare Supplement Plans Pay the Same? to understand why comparing carriers matters, even if the benefits look identical.
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