Posted by MedEd at MHI
A: There is a bit of a ruckus about the Plan F Medicare Supplement. There are rumors that this very popular plan is “going away”. Don’t you believe it!
Congress passed legislation that prohibits anyone becoming eligible for Medicare on or after January 1, 2020 from purchasing Plan F or Plan C supplements. This law only affects people who become eligible for Medicare after January 1, 2020.
Nothing changes for those of you who have one of these plans now or purchase one prior to January 1, 2020. Keep your current plan as long as you like. It will continue to pay the same way it has paid in the past. You will not be responsible for the Part B annual deductible or any coinsurance.
Let’s try a little quiz. Which of the following people are able to purchase Plan F after January 1, 2020?
1 - Paul’s eligibility for Medicare is based on disability. His Medicare effective date is 10/1/19. His 65th birthday is 2/18/2021.
2 - Betty’s Medicare eligibility is based on age; she will turn 65 in November 2020.
3 - Sherry turns 65 in 2018 but is delaying Part B because she will rely on her large employer group health plan until she retires in 2022.
4 – Dave purchased Plan N in 2018. He decides in 2023 that he’s interested in getting a plan that pays the Part B annual deductible.
If you answered Paul and Sherry “for sure” and “perhaps” for Dave, go to the head of the class!
Paul can buy the F plan after January 1, 2020 because he became eligible for Medicare in October 2019. It makes no difference that he turns 65 after January 1, 2020 since he was eligible for Medicare prior to that date.
Betty will not be able to purchase Plan F because she does not become eligible until November 1, 2020. She might want to look at Plan G since it is just like the F plan except the G plan does not cover the Part B annual deductible.
Sherry will be able to purchase the F plan. Although she plans to delay Part B until after January 1, 2020, she was eligible for Medicare prior to that date.
Dave’s ability to purchase Plan F depends on whether he can pass medical underwriting. Since he wants to move up to a plan with more benefits, he will be required to answer medical questions. If he passes underwriting, he can purchase the F plan because – well, you know it – he was eligible for Medicare prior to January 1, 2020.