Is Plan F Still Available
Plan F is available only to people who became eligible for Medicare before January 1, 2020 — everyone else is legally locked out, and Plan G is the replacement with one deductible difference.
| Your Situation | Plan F Available? |
|---|---|
| Medicare-eligible before 1/1/2020 | Yes — buy or switch in anytime |
| Eligible on/after 1/1/2020 | No — federal ban |
| Turning 65 now | No — use Plan G |
| HD Plan F variant | Same pre-2020 eligibility rule |
Why the ban exists
The 2015 MACRA law ended first-dollar coverage plans (F and C) for new eligibles to reduce first-dollar moral hazard — existing policyholders were grandfathered permanently. The full F history and current pricing paradox (F now costs more than G) is in the Plan F file.
What F-eligible people should do today
Run the F-to-G switch math: identical coverage except the $257 Part B deductible, for premiums often $30–60/month lower — the switch math file shows typical outcomes. Note switching to G from F usually skips underwriting at many carriers (same-letter-group moves).
FAQ
Is Plan F better than Plan G?
Only by the $257 deductible — and F premiums are higher; G wins for nearly everyone.
Will Plan F disappear entirely?
No — the grandfathered cohort keeps access indefinitely.
Related reading: FAQ library · Plan F file · Plans board