Discontinued Medigap Plans Through the Years

Through the years, Medicare has discontinued several Medigap plans. Some of these plans have been notoriously popular among enrollees. One of the primary things to know about Medigap plans is that the different plan options vary by letters. The letter plans are A through N. Over the years, several letter plans are no longer available. 

• Plan F
• High Deductible Plan F
• Plan C
• Plan E
• Plan H
• Plan I
• Plan J

In 2010, Medigap Plans E, H, I, and J became no longer available on the market due to the Medicare Improvements for Patients and Providers Act of 2008 (MIPPA). In 2020, Plans C, F, and High Deductible F became unavailable to newly eligible beneficiaries per the Medicare Access and CHIP Reauthorization Act of 2015 (MACRA). We’ll go over the reasons these plans left and what it means for you.

MIPPA – Reduction of Standardized Medicare Supplement Plans

Beginning on June 1, 2010, Medigap Plans E, H, I, and J became no longer available. This came as a result of the Medicare Improvements for Patients and Providers Act of 2008 (MIPPA). The Act reduces the number of available plans. The federal government standardizes all Medigap plans.

Medicare Supplement Plan H, Plan I, and Plan J are no longer available. These plans were discontinued when the Medicare Modernization Act of 2003 became a law, introducing Medicare Part D.

The three plans went away because they duplicated existing letter plans but added a drug benefit. The drug benefit became unnecessary with the availability of Medicare Part D.

Medicare Supplement Plan E was essentially the same as Plan D but with preventive care. This plan is no longer available per MIPPA, as MIPPA also got rid of preventive care as a benefit available through Medigap plans.

An additional result of MIPPA was the introduction of Medigap Plan M and Plan N. Plan N remains on the list of what are considered to be the best Medicare Supplement plans today.

MACRA – Elimination of First Dollar Coverage Plans for the Newly Eligible

When a plan provides first-dollar coverage, that means it covers the Medicare Part B deductible. The Medicare Access and CHIP Reauthorization Act of 2015 (MACRA) became law to end first-dollar coverage for newly eligible beneficiaries.

Why Medicare Supplement Plan F Went Away?

MACRA made Medigap Plan C, Plan F, and Medicare Supplement High Deductible Plan F unavailable to new beneficiaries. This is in the Act’s attempt to limit medical overspending and pay doctors fair wages. If Medicare doesn’t pay doctors fairly, they won’t want to work in the program anymore, which can be a significant problem. If you’re newly eligible, you won’t be able to enroll in any of the three first-dollar coverage plans.

Luckily, there remain many other Medigap plan options to choose from. For example, Medicare Supplement Plan G provides all the same benefits as Plan F, except Medicare Part B deductible coverage. In the same way, Medicare Supplement Plan D can be an alternative for Plan C.

If you have any of the first-dollar coverage plans, you’ll be able to keep your plan. If you’re not newly eligible, you can also still enroll in Medicare Supplement Plan C, Plan F, or High Deductible Plan F.

FAQs

How Does a Discontinued Medigap Plan Impact You

You might not be eligible for all the Medigap options, but depending on the coverage you have and the date you Medicare starts for you, there are certainly plans available. Whether you're newly eligible or simply interested in a new plan, we're here to help with all your Medigap needs.

To compare plans today, call the number above. Or, fill out our rates form to see your rates. We've helped many navigate the Medicare maze and find the right plan for their needs and budget. We hope to do the same for you.

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