Popularity Trends: Plan F, Plan G, and Plan N
Many people ask which Medicare Supplement plan is the most popular. From the late ’90s through 2018, Plan F was the clear favorite by a wide margin.
However, the 2020 MACRA law changes affected who can buy Plan F. Since then, Plan G has taken the lead as the most popular plan.
Plan G has been a personal favorite of mine for most of my career. It offers comprehensive coverage at competitive rates and has gained popularity recently because of its strong value compared to the cost.
Keep in mind, the 2020 MACRA changes are also impacting Plan G’s rates, so it’s important to discuss these details with a professional.
Plan N is the newest option of the three and has rapidly grown in popularity since 2019—now holding over 30% market share. Like Plans F and G, Plan N offers excellent coverage, but with a different cost-sharing structure.
Choosing the right plan depends on what matters most to you. Let’s break down what each of these three plans covers.
Plan F
Plan F has long been considered the Cadillac of Medicare Supplements.
With Plan F, it’s hard to argue you don’t have one of the top-rated plans available. It’s fully comprehensive and offers first-dollar coverage—you pay nothing out of pocket for approved Medicare claims.
Important: Since January 1, 2020, Plan F is only available to people who were eligible for Medicare before that date. Both Plans C and F are no longer available to new Medicare recipients.
If Medicare approves a charge, Plan F covers the 20% coinsurance Medicare doesn’t pay. It also covers “excess charges”—the amounts providers can charge above Medicare-approved fees (up to 15%).
Because of its extensive coverage, Plan F has higher premiums. Consider all pros and cons before deciding.
Plan F covers:
- Part A and Part B deductibles
- Part A and Part B coinsurance (no copays)
- Hospital coinsurance for up to 1 year after Medicare Part A benefits expire
- Part B excess charges
- Hospice care coinsurance
- Skilled nursing coinsurance
- First 3 pints of blood annually (for approved procedures)
- Foreign travel emergency care (80% coverage, up to plan limits)
Plan F is the most expensive but offers peace of mind with minimal hassle. It’s ideal for those who prefer convenience and are comfortable paying higher premiums.
Plan G
Medigap Plan G is outselling almost all other plans in 2023, offering coverage nearly identical to Plan F—except for the annual Part B deductible ($226 in 2023).
When you compare Plans F and G side by side, the only difference is that Plan G requires you to pay the Part B deductible each year. After that, both plans provide identical coverage.
Though that deductible may increase over time, Plan G remains a comprehensive, cost-effective Medicare Supplement option.
Plan G strikes a solid balance between full benefits and affordability, arguably making it the best value plan.
One important but often overlooked benefit of Plans F and G is coverage for Part B excess charges.
These charges occur when a provider doesn’t accept Medicare assignment and bills you up to 15% more than Medicare’s approved amount. While it’s not common for most doctor visits, ambulance rides, airlifts, or oxygen providers may not accept assignment, leading to potentially substantial bills.
Plan G is available to new Medicare recipients and has quickly become the most recommended Medicare Supplement plan.
Plan G covers:
- Part A deductible
- Part A and Part B coinsurance (no copays)
- Hospital coinsurance for up to 1 year after Medicare Part A benefits expire
- Part B excess charges
- Hospice care coinsurance
- Skilled nursing coinsurance
- First 3 pints of blood annually (for approved procedures)
- Foreign travel emergency care (80% coverage, up to plan limits)
Plan G offers near top-tier benefits at a more affordable premium and tends to have moderate rate increases over time.
Plan N
Medicare Supplement Plan N has recently become a strong contender, offering a good balance between out-of-pocket costs and lower premiums.
While it’s not as comprehensive as Plans F and G, Plan N provides solid protection with minimal, long-term rate increases.
Under Plan N, many of the same benefits as Plan F are included, except for these key differences:
- No coverage for the Part B deductible ($226 in 2023)
- No coverage for Part B excess charges
- Up to $20 copay for doctor visits and outpatient treatments
- Up to $50 copay for emergency room visits that don’t result in hospital admission
Plan N is a newer option, introduced in 2010, and unlike Plan F, it is still available to new Medicare beneficiaries post-2020.
Plan N covers:
- Part A deductible
- Part A and Part B coinsurance (copayments required: $20 for office visits, $50 for emergency room visits without admission)
- Hospital coinsurance for up to 1 year after Medicare Part A benefits expire
- Hospice care coinsurance
- Skilled nursing coinsurance
- First 3 pints of blood annually (for approved procedures)
- Foreign travel emergency care (80% coverage, up to plan limits)
Plan N generally experiences the lowest annual rate increases, making it a great option if you’re budget-conscious and want solid coverage alongside Original Medicare.
Does a Medicare Supplement Cover Part B Excess Charges?
You may have noticed that Plan N does not cover Part B excess charges, unlike Plans F and G. So, what are Part B excess charges?
These charges happen when Medicare approves a service, but the provider does not accept “assignment” of Medicare benefits. By law, such providers can bill you up to 15% above the Medicare-approved amount.
You are responsible for paying these excess charges if they occur.
Specialists, ambulance services, and oxygen providers are more likely not to accept Medicare assignment and may bill you the extra 15%.
While most Medicare-participating providers accept Medicare payment as full, you could encounter these excess charges. Plans F and G are the only Medicare Supplement plans available now that cover this risk.
The Top Medicare Supplement Insurance Companies
Let’s clear up a common rumor: no Medicare Supplement (Medigap) insurance company pays claims “better” than another. Medicare regulations ensure that all Medigap plans of the same letter pay claims identically.
Some companies dominate in certain states, but that doesn’t mean they provide superior claims service or benefits.
Keep in mind:
- Medicare standardized all plans in 1992
- All claims are electronically filed and regulated by Medicare and state authorities
- Company performance and pricing history matter more than brand recognition
New insurers sometimes attract customers with teaser rates, but they may surprise you later with larger rate increases. An experienced Medicare agent can guide you through finding reputable companies with competitive pricing and stable histories.
Your satisfaction often depends on:
- The Medigap plan you choose
- The cost of owning the plan
- The company’s history of rate increases
- The insurer’s financial strength (check A.M. Best)
Don’t waste time worrying about “top-rated” Medigap insurers. You’ll get the same coverage for less by comparing premiums and rates across companies.
Experienced Medicare specialists like those at Maple Valley Insurance Group can help you sort through the options and find the best plan and carrier for you.
The Takeaway When Comparing Plans F, G, and N
We’ve covered the three top Medicare Supplement plans to consider: Plans F, G, and N. While each has strengths, the “best” plan really depends on your personal situation and budget.
Value and affordability usually drive seniors’ decisions over time.
Remember, outside your initial Open Enrollment, you’ll typically need to qualify medically to switch plans. Health changes may limit your options, so choosing carefully upfront is crucial.
Some states offer a birthday-month annual enrollment allowing changes without medical underwriting, but benefits must be the same or lower than your current plan.
Medicare Supplements in Conclusion
In summary, Plans F, G, and N stand out as the top Medicare Supplement options, but the “best” one is the one that fits your needs and budget.
Plan F offers the most comprehensive coverage but is available only to those eligible before 2020 and generally has the highest premiums.
Plan G offers nearly identical benefits at a lower cost but requires paying the annual Part B deductible.
Plan N is well positioned to maintain the lowest rate increases moving forward. Some states require insurance companies to spread rate increases evenly across plans, so keep that in mind.
Most seniors find their best fit among these three plans based on feedback and years of experience.
If you’re unsure, speak with a Medicare specialist at Maple Valley Insurance Group to analyze your options and help you make an informed choice.
Buying the Best Medicare Supplement Insurance Policy
Remember, the Medicare Supplement plans are standardized—Plan F is Plan F, no matter which company offers it. The official Medicare & You guide stresses comparing costs for the same plan across companies.
Your independent agent will be your guide and advocate, helping you shop the market and find a company with a strong track record in your state.
Be aware that health conditions can affect your ability to qualify or may result in higher premiums (“rated up”). Working with someone who can shop multiple carriers and understand underwriting is crucial.
Big-name companies like United Healthcare (which licenses AARP-branded plans) are not automatically better. We work with multiple reputable carriers, including Mutual of Omaha, Aetna, and other serious insurers across the country.
There is no “best” Medicare Supplement company. All pay claims according to the plan letter you choose. Original Medicare and Medigap plans are strictly regulated with no room for insurers to deny approved claims unfairly.
Original Medicare and Medicare Advantage are very different; Medigap supplements only work with Original Medicare.
If you want more benefits beyond Medicare coverage—like vision, hearing, or dental—you may need additional policies designed for seniors.
Claims denied by Medicare will also be denied by your supplement; Medigap covers only what Medicare approves.
If you have questions or want a free consultation, call us at 269-244-3420. We’ll help you understand the plans, companies, and premiums so you can make the best decision for you.
Don’t wait—making your Medicare Supplement decision sooner often works to your advantage.
Hope this article helps! Feel free to leave comments or questions below. We’re here to help.