Medicare Supplement Plan F is Available Until 2020

Because of the Medicare Access and CHIP Reauthorization Act (MACRA) of 2015, Medicare Supplement Plan F will no longer be sold starting in 2020.  Congress decided to do away with plans that fully cover all deductibles.  Plan F (presently the most popular plan sold) covers all of Medicare’s deductibles and co-pays. The elimination of Plans F (and C) are thought to decrease claims and ease the financial strain on Medicare.

The theory is that if a Medicare recipient doesn’t have to pay anything for a doctor visit, they’ll see a doctor more frequently.  On the contrary, if Medicare recipients become more responsible for their out-of-pocket medical expenses they’ll see their doctor less. While Medicare’s actual cost-savings from this change can’t be calculated, it is “projected” to save billions each year. 

If You Have Plan F Prior to January 1, 2020 You Can Keep It Indefinitely

If you have Plan F when January 1, 2020 comes around you don’t have to do anything as your coverage and plan continue. 

For people who have Medicare Part A before January 1, 2020, they will still be able to purchase Plan F if they obtain Medicare Part B after January 1, 2020.

For people who join Medicare Part A on or after January 1, 2020, unfortunately will not have the ability to purchase Plan F.

If Plans F and C are Unavailable to You After January 1, 2020, Consider Plan G

Those who can no longer obtain Plan F should consider Plan G. Plan G works similar to Plan F with one exception: it does not cover Part B’s annual deductible. This means that all post 2020 Medicare beneficiaries will spend at least their Part B deductible annually if they see a doctor.   Furthermore, Part B’s annual deductible is expected to increase significantly each year.
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Margy Wenham has been working as an independent insurance agent for over twenty (25) years in Redding, California.  She can be reached at 530.221.0955, by email at Margy@MargyWenhamInsurance.com or through her Websites, www.InsuredByMargy.com, www.MedicareSupplementsByMargy.com.

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