High-Deductible Plan F
Review eligibility and the tradeoff between lower premiums and a higher annual deductible.
How the high deductible works
High-deductible Plan F has the benefit schedule of Medigap Plan F after its separate policy deductible is met. In 2026 you pay up to $2,950 in Medicare-covered coinsurance, copayments and deductibles before the policy begins paying. This threshold is not the same thing as the Part B deductible or Part B premium.
Official source: Medicare: Medigap plan benefits ↗
Benefits after the threshold
Medigap Plan F covers the listed Part B deductible and excess charges once the policy threshold is met. Review the complete Medicare benefit grid and the carrier’s policy. Charges for services outside Medicare’s coverage do not become eligible through this Medigap design.
Official source: Medicare: Medigap plan benefits ↗ · Medicare: Medigap coverage ↗
Do not confuse two premiums
You still pay the monthly Part B premium and a separate Medigap policy premium. Add the expected policy premium for 12 months to Medicare cost sharing up to the 2026 high-deductible threshold, and compare it with a standard Medigap Plan F quotation for the same person. Premium alone cannot show the annual tradeoff.
Official source: Medicare: Medigap costs ↗ · Medicare: 2026 costs ↗
Purchase rights
Only people first eligible for Medicare before January 1, 2020 can generally buy Plan F, including its high-deductible form. Confirm the grandfathering rule before comparing rates. The six-month federal Medigap open-enrollment window begins at age 65 or later upon Part B enrollment. Outside it, ask about state-specific rights and medical underwriting.
Official source: Medicare: Medigap plan benefits ↗ · Medicare: Buying Medigap ↗
Practical quote comparison
Request both standard and high-deductible Medigap Plan F rates where available, plus the actual deductible calculation, household discounts and renewal rating method. Include Part D separately if prescriptions matter. Verify the plan letter, high-deductible designation, state, carrier and effective year in the policy.
Official source: Medicare: Medigap plan benefits ↗ · Medicare: Medigap costs ↗ · Medicare: How Medigap works ↗