A Medicare beneficiary turning 65 in 2026 (newly eligible) is comparing standardized Medicare Supplement Plans. Which statement about Plan F versus Plan G is correct?

Explanation

Under the Medicare Access and CHIP Reauthorization Act of 2015 (MACRA), Medigap plans that cover the Medicare Part B deductible (Plan F and Plan C) cannot be SOLD to people who become NEWLY eligible for Medicare on or after January 1, 2020. Beneficiaries who were already eligible before that date may keep or buy Plan F or Plan C, but newly eligibles must choose another standardized plan. Plan G is now the most comprehensive available to newly eligibles; it pays everything Plan F pays except the Part B deductible, with Plan N as the other common alternative. California Insurance Code §10192 et seq. mirrors federal Medigap standardization and adds California-specific protections (e.g., the birthday rule under §10192.11). Saying Plan F remains available to every newly eligible beneficiary and must be offered on request overstates Plan F's availability. Saying Plan G provides exactly the same benefits as Plan F including full payment of the Part B deductible is wrong; Plan G expressly excludes the Part B deductible. And restricting Plan G to under-65 beneficiaries who qualify through end-stage renal disease is fabricated.