Choosing a Medicare Supplement Plan in Florida: Plan G vs. Plan N vs. Plan F

Medigap (Medicare Supplement) plans fill the gaps in Original Medicare -- covering the deductibles, coinsurance, and copays that Medicare leaves to you. In Florida, dozens of insurance companies offer Medigap plans, but the plans themselves are standardized by the federal government. Here is how to choose the right plan and find the best price.

Every Medigap Plan G from every insurer offers identical coverage -- the only difference is the premium. This means you can shop purely on price once you've decided which plan letter is right for you.

The most popular Medigap plans in Florida are Plan G, Plan N, and (for those eligible) Plan F.

Plan F covers everything -- including the Part B deductible ($283 in 2026). It is the most comprehensive Medigap plan available.

The catch: Plan F is no longer available to people who became eligible for Medicare on or after January 1, 2020. If you were already enrolled in Medicare before 2020, you can keep Plan F or switch to it. New Medicare enrollees must choose Plan G or another plan.

Why it's being phased out: Congress determined that first-dollar coverage (no cost-sharing at all) encourages overutilization of healthcare services.

Plan G covers everything Plan F covers -- except the Part B deductible ($283 in 2026). Once you've paid the Part B deductible for the year, Plan G covers 100% of your Medicare cost-sharing.

What Plan G covers:

• Part A deductible ($1,736 in 2026)
• Part A coinsurance and hospital costs (days 61-90 and lifetime reserve days)
• Part A hospice coinsurance
• Part B coinsurance (20% of all Part B services)
• Skilled nursing facility coinsurance (days 21-100)
• Part B excess charges (when a provider charges more than Medicare's approved amount)
• Foreign travel emergency (80% up to plan limits)

What Plan G does NOT cover:

• Part B deductible ($283 in 2026) -- you pay this once per year
• Part D prescription drugs (need a separate Part D plan)

The math: If Plan G costs $30-$50/month less than Plan F, you save $360-$600/year -- more than the $283 Part B deductible. Plan G is almost always the better value for new enrollees.

Plan N offers similar coverage to Plan G with two differences:

• Copays: Up to $20 copay for office visits; up to $50 copay for emergency room visits (waived if admitted)
• No excess charge coverage: If a provider charges more than Medicare's approved amount (Part B excess charges), you pay the difference

Who Plan N is right for: People who see doctors infrequently and want a lower premium. The premium savings vs. Plan G can be $30-$60/month.

Florida consideration: Florida law prohibits balance billing (excess charges) by Medicare providers -- so the lack of excess charge coverage in Plan N is less of a concern in Florida than in other states.

Florida insurers use three pricing methods:

Community-rated: Everyone pays the same premium regardless of age. Premiums increase only due to inflation. Best long-term value for younger enrollees.

Issue-age rated: Premium is based on your age when you first enroll. Doesn't increase as you age (only for inflation). Good value if you enroll young.

Attained-age rated: Premium increases as you age. Starts lowest but becomes most expensive over time.

Since coverage is identical, shop aggressively on price. In Florida, premiums for the same Plan G can vary by $50-$150/month between insurers -- for identical coverage.

Work with an independent Medicare specialist who can compare rates from multiple insurers. Rates change annually, and the lowest-cost insurer today may not be the lowest next year.

We do not offer every plan available in your area. Please contact Medicare.gov or 1-800-MEDICARE to get information on all of your options.