diff --git a/var/spack/repos/builtin/packages/phist/package.py b/var/spack/repos/builtin/packages/phist/package.py
index 6460e756ee..3253ad1799 100644
--- a/var/spack/repos/builtin/packages/phist/package.py
+++ b/var/spack/repos/builtin/packages/phist/package.py
@@ -192,7 +192,7 @@ class Phist(CMakePackage):
     # the phist repo came with it's own FindMPI.cmake before, which may cause some other
     # MPI installation to be used than the one spack wants.
     def patch(self):
-        if self.spec.satisfies("@1.9.6"):
+        if self.spec.satisfies("@1.9.6:"):
             filter_file("USE mpi", "use mpi_f08", "src/kernels/builtin/crsmat_module.F90")
             # filter_file('use mpi', 'use mpi_f08', -> Needs more fixes
             #            'fortran_bindings/phist_testing.F90')