I’m on Medicare Supplement Plan F. What’s Going to Happen to my Coverage?

Medicare Supplement Plan F is one of the most popular Medicare Supplement Insurance options. However, it’s being phased out. Beginning January 1, 2020, people who are newly-eligible for Medicare will not be able to select a Medicare Supplement plan that covers the Part B deductible. This includes Medicare Supplement Plan F and Plan C.
What does it mean to be “newly eligible”?

In this case, you’re considered newly eligible for Medicare if your 65th birthday is on or after January 1, 2020. It also applies if you’re first eligible to receive Medicare benefits due to age, disability or end-stage renal disease (ESRD) on or after January 1, 2020.

What if I’m already eligible for Medicare?

If you’re eligible for Medicare before January 1, 2020, Medicare Supplement Plan F and Plan C will still be options for you even after that cutoff date. If you’re already enrolled in one of these plans, the first and most important thing to know is that you aren’t going to lose coverage from your plan. This change only affects people who are newly eligible for Medicare on or after January 1, 2020 – not current plan holders. You will keep it and continue to receive benefits as long as you continue to pay your monthly premium. You also won’t have to change providers or change plans.

Why are Medicare Supplement Insurance Plan F and Plan C going away?

These two plans are being discontinued because of The Medicare Access and CHIP Reauthorization Act of 2015 (MACRA) signed into law on April 16, 2015.¹ This law states that Medicare Supplement policies that cover the Medicare Part B deductible can no longer be offered to people who become eligible for Medicare on or after January 1, 2020.

How does Medicare Supplement Insurance work?

Your Medicare Supplement plan is used alongside your Original Medicare (Part A and Part B) plan to help cover out-of-pocket costs that Original Medicare doesn’t. These costs may include copays, coinsurance and deductibles. You can apply for Medicare Supplement plans year-round, although it may be best to apply during your initial enrollment period. There are 10 different plans to choose from, all with different coverage that may help give you the cost-efficient health care that you need.

What about people who don’t have Medicare?

If you have friends or family who won’t be eligible for Medicare until after the Plan F and Plan C cutoff date, they still have options. In fact, there are two plans in particular that provide close coverage to the departing plans. They might be worth considering for those who aren’t eligible for Medicare before the cutoff date.

• • Medicare Supplement Plan G: Plan G has all the same features as Plan F, but doesn’t cover the Part B deductible.
  • Medicare Supplement Plan D: Plan D has all the same features as Plan C, but doesn’t cover the Part B deductible.

There are a variety of Medicare Supplement plans you can choose from that can help provide the coverage you need while helping cut down health care costs. If you’re interested in Plan C or Plan F and are eligible now, you can sign up with no problem. But if you won’t be eligible before the 2020 cutoff date, you’ll need to consider an alternate plan. Don’t worry if you still have questions about Medicare. Our online resources are available to help you choose the Medicare coverage that’s right for you.

SOURCES:
¹ Congress.gov (April 16, 2015). Web page: H.R.2 – Medicare Access and CHIP Reauthorization Act of 2015. October 29, 2018, from https://www.congress.gov/bill/114th-congress/house-bill/2

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