Medigap Plan C is one of several standardized Medicare Supplement Insurance plans available to help cover the "gaps" in Original Medicare (Part A and Part B)—such as deductibles, copayments, and coinsurance. All Medicare Supplement (Also known as Medigap) plans are standardized by the government, which means each individual plan type will offer the same benefits and coverage, no matter where in the country you're located.
Although it's no longer available to new Medicare enrollees, Plan C remains an important plan to understand, especially if you became eligible for Medicare before January 1, 2020.
What Does Medigap Plan C Cover?
Medigap Plan C offers one of the most comprehensive coverage options among the standardized Medicare Supplement plans—falling just short of Plan F in terms of total benefits.
Basic Benefits:
- Medicare Part A Coinsurance and Hospital Costs
- Medicare Part B Coinsurance or Copayment
- First 3 Pints of Blood
- Part A Hospice Care Coinsurance or Copayment
- Skilled Nursing Facility Care Coinsurance
- Medicare Part A Deductible
- Medicare Part B Deductible
- Foreign Travel Emergency (80%)
Medigap Plan C is notable because it covers both Medicare Part A and Part B Deductibles, while some plans such as Medigap Plan M may cover only a portion, or none of these deductibles.
That being said, Medigap Plan C does not cover Part B Excess Charges (Excess charges are when your doctor charges more than the approved Medicare amount), which are covered by Plan G and Plan F.
Who Can Still Enroll in Medigap Plan C?
As of January 1, 2020, Medigap Plan C is no longer available to newly eligible Medicare beneficiaries. However, if you were eligible for Medicare before 2020, you may still be able to purchase Plan C if it’s offered by insurers in your area.
You may still qualify if:
- You turned 65 before January 1st, 2020.
- You qualified for Medicare early due to disability or other conditions before January 1st, 2020.
If you don't qualify for Meciare Supplement Plan C, you might be interested in similar plans, Medigap Plan G or Medigap Plan N.
How Does Plan C Compare to Other Medigap Plans?
All Medigap plans are standardized by the government, which means each individual plan offers the same benefits across the Country, regardless of where you live or which carrier you choose.
The biggest difference between Medigap Plan C and other Medigap plans is that does not cover Part B Excess Charges, while Medigap Plans G or Plan F cover Part B Excess Charges.
How Much Does Medicare Supplement Plan C Cost?
Medigap Plan C costs will depend on your location, age, sex, health status, and when you buy but it is generally considered a more all-encompassing Medicare Supplement plan, which means Monthly Premiums may be higher than other plans which don't offer the same level of coverage.
Is Medicare Supplement Plan C Available in All States?
Although all Medigap plans are standardized by the Government, so each plan's coverage and benefits stay consistent, this doesn't guarantee that Plan C is available in your area.
Because Medigap Plan C is only available to Medicare Beneficiaries that have been around prior to January 1st, 2020, the overall availability of Plan C may be lower than more popular plans such as Plan G or Plan N.
Final Thoughts on Medicare Supplement Plan C
Medicare Supplement Plan C is no longer available to newly eligible Medicare beneficiaries, and only for those eligible for Medicare before January 1st, 2020.
Plan C is known as a more all-encompassing Medigap plan which offers strong coverage, but it doesn't not cover Medicare Part B Excess Charges.
You should ensure that you compare plans and rates that are available in your area!
Other Medigap Plans: