What Is Medigap Plan F High Deductible?

Understanding Medicare’s coverage can be complicated.  The federal health insurance plan targeted at the elderly and disabled demographics is made up of various parts and plans all indicated by letters.  Plan F is a Medigap policy, which is a plan designed to cover things not already covered under the original parts of Medicare.  Plan F on its own is one of the most comprehensive supplemental plans, but the premium cost can be prohibitive for some people.  There is also a high deductible version of the plan, Medicare Plan F High Deductible, which is more affordable for some. The basic pieces of Medicare are hospital coverage (Part A) and doctors’ coverage (Part B).  Many people also have a Part D plan that covers their prescription drug costs. Parts A and B have a number of deductibles, coinsurances, and copays that members are responsible for.  Some people don’t mind that they will have to pay a certain amount out of pocket for any hospital or doctor visit.  Others would rather pay a monthly premium and have these costs covered.

Part F and Part G leave members with very little costs outside of their premiums, but the premiums tend to be much higher than other supplemental plans.  One solution for some members is a Medicare Plan F High Deductible.  The high deductible plan covers everything Plan F does, but the member must pay a certain amount of cost out of pocket before the plan will pay for anything.  Once the out of pocket cost has been paid, the coverage is the same as the regular Plan F.

High Deductible Plan F Coverage Breakdown

High Deductible Plan F requires you to pay a yearly deductible of $2,490.  After that is paid, coverage can include:

•  The $1,556 coinsurance and deductible of Medicare Part A
• 365 days of hospital coverage after Part A stops paying
• Medicare Part B deductible
• Part B coinsurance
• Part B excess charges (the difference between what your doctor charges and what Medicare pays)
• Hospice care

Should you desire coverage in case of a disaster and don’t mind sharing certain health costs, the high deductible version might be ideal.