Medicare Plan F Is Gone. Here’s What You Need to Know About Plans G and N

When people ask me what’s changed in Medicare over the past few years, I always bring up Plan F. It used to be the gold standard for Medicare Supplemental Insurance—but it’s no longer available to anyone who became eligible for Medicare after January 1, 2020. If you’re trying to understand your options now, especially between Plans G and N, you’re not alone. Let me walk you through it.

What Supplemental Plans Actually Do

Original Medicare (Parts A and B) covers about 80% of your medical expenses, but that still leaves you responsible for 20%—and there’s no cap on what that 20% could be. That’s where Medicare Supplemental plans (also called Medigap) come in. They’re designed to plug those gaps, helping pay for things like deductibles, co-insurance, and excess charges. Compared to Medicare Advantage plans, Medigap plans give you more freedom—you can see any doctor in the country who accepts Medicare.

The Rise and Fall of Plan F

For years, Plan F was the most comprehensive Medigap option out there. It offered “first-dollar coverage,” meaning that once you paid your monthly premium, you paid nothing out-of-pocket for Medicare-approved services. But in 2015, Congress passed MACRA (the Medicare Access and CHIP Reauthorization Act), which phased out Plan F for anyone who became Medicare-eligible after January 1, 2020.

Why? Lawmakers were concerned that people with first-dollar coverage were going to the doctor more often than necessary, putting extra strain on the Medicare system. If you were already eligible before 2020, you can still buy Plan F—but for everyone else, it’s off the table.

Comparing Plan F, Plan G, and Plan N

Now, Plan G is the closest you’ll get to Plan F today. The only thing it doesn’t cover is the Part B deductible, which is $257 in 2025. Aside from that, it provides nearly identical benefits.

Plan N is a more budget-friendly option, with a few trade-offs. You’ll pay small copays—up to $20 for doctor visits and $50 for ER visits—and it doesn’t cover what’s called “Part B excess charges.” These are pretty rare and only happen if your doctor charges more than Medicare’s approved amount.

If you’re relatively healthy and don’t mind some small copays, Plan N can be a smart, cost-saving alternative to Plan G.

Let’s Talk Numbers

Here’s what I’m seeing in the field: Plan F premiums have skyrocketed, partly because no new members are joining, leaving an aging pool of policyholders. Some folks are paying over $400 a month.

By contrast, Plan G averages between $150 and $180 per month, and Plan N comes in even lower—around $122, depending on your age, gender, and where you live.

I recently worked with a client who switched from Plan F to Plan G and saved over $850 a year—even after accounting for the Part B deductible.

Can You Switch? Yes—With a Catch

Good news: You can switch between Medigap plans at any time during the year. There’s no official “enrollment season” like there is with Medicare Advantage. But—and this is important—you’ll likely need to go through medical underwriting. That means answering 20 to 25 health-related questions (no physical exam), and depending on your answers, the insurer can deny your application.

If that happens, don’t worry—you can keep your current plan. There’s no risk in applying to switch.

Flexibility Is Why I Still Recommend Medigap

One of the biggest perks of Medigap plans is freedom. You don’t need referrals. You can see any doctor who accepts Medicare, anywhere in the U.S. That’s a huge deal for people who travel or spend half the year in a different state. These plans are also guaranteed renewable—they can’t drop you as long as you pay your premiums.

Do You Travel Abroad? Plan G and N Have You Covered

Here’s something most people don’t realize: Certain Medigap plans, including G and N, include up to $50,000 in foreign travel emergency coverage. Medicare itself doesn’t work overseas, so that benefit can come in handy. That said, I still recommend separate travel insurance if you’re heading abroad for an extended trip.

Bottom Line

Plan F had its moment, but for most people today, Plan G offers the best comprehensive coverage, and Plan N offers strong benefits at a lower price. If you’re still on Plan F and you’re eligible to switch, it’s worth exploring whether Plan G or N could save you money—just be sure to work with someone who understands the underwriting process.

As always, the right Medicare plan depends on your unique health, travel habits, and financial goals. I help people navigate this maze every day, and I’d be happy to help you too.