Comparison of Medicare Plans F and J: Costs, benefits, and what they cover
In the ever-evolving world of Medicare, the landscape of Medigap plans has undergone significant changes. As of 2025, with the discontinuation of Medigap Plan F and Plan J to new enrollees, the current options centre primarily around Plan G and Plan N.
These two plans have emerged as the most popular and practical alternatives for new Medicare beneficiaries.
Plan G, now considered the most comprehensive plan available, covers almost all out-of-pocket costs for Medicare Part A and Part B services, except for the Medicare Part B deductible. It offers extensive coverage and competitive premiums, making it an attractive choice for many.
Plan N, another leading option, offers broad coverage similar to Plan G but with some cost sharing. It does not cover the Part B deductible nor excess charges over Medicare-approved amounts (where allowed), and requires copayments of up to $20 for some office visits and up to $50 for emergency room visits that don’t lead to hospital admission. While it may involve some out-of-pocket costs at the point of care, it is often more affordable.
Other plans remain available but generally have more limited coverage or are less commonly chosen. Plans like A are available but cover less than G or N.
It's important to note that some states do not allow excess charge billing, which can make Plan N a better value than Plan G in those states.
In summary, Medigap Plan G and Plan N are the primary options for new enrollees in 2025 after the discontinuation of Plan F and Plan J. Plan G offers the most comprehensive coverage short of Plan F, while Plan N offers a lower-premium alternative with some copays and limitations on excess charges.
As of 2025, there are 10 different Medigap plans available, in addition to Plan F. The cost of a Medigap Plan F varies significantly across states. For instance, in New York for a 65-year-old male nonsmoker, the cost ranges from $251 to $711, while in North Carolina for an 80-year-old female smoker, it ranges from $215 to $651.
The State Health Insurance Assistance Program (SHIP) office can provide impartial advice on which Medigap plan would best suit a person's needs. All Medigap plans cover the Medicare Part A coinsurance and any approved but uncovered hospital costs for an additional 365 days.
The changes to both plans were due to implementations from the Medicare Prescription Drug, Improvement, and Modernization Act of 2003, which saw more comprehensive coverage and the introduction of prescription drug plans. The Act also led to the discontinuation of Medigap Plan J for new enrollees as early as 2010.
Medicare supplement insurance plans, known as Medigap, help people with the out-of-pocket expenses associated with Medicare. They are designed to fill the gaps in Original Medicare coverage, which are administered by private insurance companies.
Resources are available to help guide people through this complex world of medical insurance. By understanding the key differences between the available plans, individuals can make informed decisions to meet their healthcare needs.
- Health organizations have emphasized the importance of understanding Medigap plans, given the significant changes in the landscape.
- The healthcare industry has witnessed a shift, with health insurance primarily focusing on Medigap Plan G and Plan N as of 2025.
- Plan G, now a popular choice, offers near-comprehensive coverage for Medicare Part A and Part B services, except for the Part B deductible.
- Plan G's extensive coverage and competitive premiums make it an attractive option for many new Medicare beneficiaries.
- Plan N offers broad coverage similar to Plan G, but with some cost sharing and copayments.
- Plan N does not cover the Part B deductible nor excess charges over Medicare-approved amounts.
- Plan N requires copayments for some office visits and emergency room visits that don’t lead to hospital admission.
- Some out-of-pocket costs come with Plan N, but it is often more affordable compared to Plan G.
- Other Medigap plans remain available, but they have more limited coverage or are less commonly chosen.
- In states that don't allow excess charge billing, Plan N can provide better value than Plan G.
- Plan G offers the most comprehensive coverage short of Plan F, while Plan N offers a lower-premium alternative with some copays and limitations on excess charges.
- As of 2025, there are 11 different Medigap plans available, excluding Plan F.
- The cost of a Medigap Plan F varies significantly across states.
- In New York, for a 65-year-old male nonsmoker, the cost of Plan F ranges from $251 to $711, while in North Carolina, for an 80-year-old female smoker, it ranges from $215 to $651.
- The State Health Insurance Assistance Program (SHIP) office can provide impartial advice on which Medigap plan would best suit a person's needs.
- All Medigap plans cover the Medicare Part A coinsurance and any approved but uncovered hospital costs for an additional 365 days.
- The changes to both plans were due to implementations from the Medicare Prescription Drug, Improvement, and Modernization Act of 2003.
- The Act led to the discontinuation of Medigap Plan J for new enrollees as early as 2010.
- Medicare supplement insurance plans, known as Medigap, help people with the out-of-pocket expenses associated with Medicare.
- They are designed to fill the gaps in Original Medicare coverage, which are administered by private insurance companies.
- Resources are available to help guide people through this complex world of medical insurance.
- By understanding the key differences between the available plans, individuals can make informed decisions to meet their healthcare needs.
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