Medicare Supplement Plan C is a first-dollar coverage Medicare Supplement (Medigap) plan available nationwide. This is one of the most comprehensive plans available to those with Original Medicare (Part A and Part B), second only to Medigap Plan F.
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However, like Medicare Supplement Plan F, not everyone on Medicare is eligible for Medigap Plan C. As first-dollar coverage, Medicare Supplement Plan C begins providing your benefits at the first dollar it spends on Medicare-approved services. Thus, your out-of-pocket costs are as low as possible with this plan.
Below, we review Medicare Supplement Plan C benefits, eligibility, price, and more.
What is Plan C Medicare Supplement?
Medicare Supplement (Medigap) Plan C offers the second-most comprehensive benefit level of the twelve-lettered Medigap plan options. These options include two high-deductible plan versions. Enrolling in Medicare Supplement Plan C reduces your out-of-pocket spending by covering the costs Original Medicare leaves behind.
Medicare Supplement Plan C coverage provides benefits for most Medicare-approved expenses except for excess charges. This makes Medicare Supplement Plan C an ideal choice for someone who frequently sees the doctor and lives in a state that does not allow excess charges.
Medicare Supplement Plan C Benefits
The benefits you receive with Medicare Supplement Plan C are second only to Plan F (and High Deductible Plan F). You’ll still need to cover your Medicare Part B excess charges (if applicable), along with your premiums, but otherwise, Medigap Plan C is comparable to Plan F.
This means that those who enroll have an overwhelming majority of their expenses covered, so long as the expenses are Medicare-approved. Below, we break this down further and compare Medicare Supplemental Plan C and Plan F, among the others available.
Medicare Supplement Plan C Comparison Chart for 2023
The chart below compares Medicare Supplement Plan C’s benefits to those that the other Medicare Supplement plans provide.
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When comparing coverage, it’s important to realize that because everyone has different healthcare needs, the best plan for someone else may not be the best plan for you. It’s always best to review your options with a licensed Medicare agent to determine the right fit for your healthcare and budget.
What Does Medicare Supplement Plan C Cover?
Medicare Supplement Plan C covers all Medicare-approved costs that Original Medicare does not pick up. This includes annual deductibles, copays, coinsurance, and more. Benefits Medigap Plan C covers include:
- Medicare Part A deductible
- Medicare Part A coinsurance and copays
- Medicare Part B deductible
- Medicare Part B coinsurance and copays
- First three pints of blood
- Skilled Nursing Facility coinsurance
- Foreign travel emergency care
What Does Medicare Supplement Plan C Not Cover?
As a first-dollar Medicare Supplement plan, Medigap Plan C offers some of the most comprehensive benefits available to those who are eligible. However, you’re still going to need to cover your Medicare Part B excess charges in states that allow them on top of your premium. But when it comes to comparing your coverage, Medicare Supplement Plan C is very similar to Plan F in benefits.
How Much Does Medicare Supplement (Medigap) Plan C Cost in 2023?
Your monthly Medigap Plan C premium in 2023 will vary based on your ZIP Code, age, tobacco usage, gender, and other factors. The full list of price factors will depend on the carrier you choose. However, in 2023, the average cost of Medicare Supplement Plan C can cost around $140-$420 per month.
As the plan is phased out, fewer seniors will enroll in Medicare Supplement Plan C. Thus, premium costs will continue to rise annually to compensate for lower plan enrollment. In other words, expect your costs to go up over time.
But in 2023, we’ve compared the costs of male and female beneficiaries that are aged 65 and 75. No one is a tobacco user throughout our comparison, per our methodology:
| Medicare Supplement Plan C Average Monthly Cost in Las Vegas, NV (88901)* | |
| Gender: Female, Age: 65 | $305.00 |
| Gender: Male, Age: 65 | $342.00 |
| Gender: Female, Age: 75 | $337.00 |
| Gender Male, Age: 75 | $377.00 |
| *Please note: the above are sample rates. These are subject to change. Call us for your accurate, personalized quotes today. You must be eligible for Medicare before 01/01/2020 to enroll in Medigap Plan C. | |
| Medicare Supplement Plan C Average Monthly Cost in New York, NY (10001)* | |
| Gender: Female, Age: 65 | $406.00 |
| Gender: Male, Age: 65 | $406.00 |
| Gender: Female, Age: 75 | $406.00 |
| Gender Male, Age: 75 | $406.00 |
| *Please note: the above are sample rates. These are subject to change. Call us for your accurate, personalized quotes today. You must be eligible for Medicare before 01/01/2020 to enroll in Medigap Plan C. | |
| Medicare Supplement Plan C Average Monthly Cost in Chillicothe, OH (45601)* | |
| Gender: Female, Age: 65 | $252.00 |
| Gender: Male, Age: 65 | $284.00 |
| Gender: Female, Age: 75 | $300.00 |
| Gender Male, Age: 75 | $342.00 |
| *Please note: the above are sample rates. These are subject to change. Call us for your accurate, personalized quotes today. You must be eligible for Medicare before 01/01/2020 to enroll in Medigap Plan C. | |
Who is Eligible for Medicare Supplement Plan C?
Anyone eligible for Original Medicare before January 1, 2020, can enroll in Medicare Supplement Plan C. If you were not Medicare-eligible during this time, you cannot enroll in Medigap Plan C.
First-dollar Medigap plans are being phased out. While they are not discontinued, those new to Medicare cannot enroll in these plans. Medicare Supplement Plan C falls into this category. However, the plan is still a great option for eligible seniors who:
- Frequently visit the doctor and/or hospital
- Travel overseas
- Live in a state that does not allow excess charges
- Are switching to another Medigap plan with guaranteed issue rights outside of their Initial Enrollment Period
If you switch coverage from Medigap Plan C to another plan and wish to go back afterward, your eligibility is still valid, but you’ll need to pass medical underwriting and are not guaranteed coverage through any carrier.
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What Carriers Offer Medicare Supplement Plan C?
If you’re interested in Medicare Supplement Plan C benefits, there are several carriers providing this coverage. For those eligible, Medigap Plan C offers great benefits for lowering out-of-pocket costs. Here are some of the many top-rated carriers providing these benefits:
- Accendo
- Aetna
- Aetna Health and Life Insurance Company (An Aetna Company)
- American Continental Insurance Company (An Aetna Company)
- American Retirement Life Insurance Company (A Cigna Company)
- Anthem Blue Cross Blue Shield
- Bankers Fidelity
- Blue Cross Blue Shield
- Central States Indemnity (A Berkshire Hathaway Group Company)
- Cigna
- Combined Insurance
- Continental Life Insurance Company (An Aetna Company)
- Equitable
- ForeThought Life Insurance
- Gerber Life Insurance
- Government Personnel Mutual
- Heartland National
- Humana
- Individual Assurance Company
- Loyal American Life Insurance Company (A Cigna Company)
- Lumico
- Manhattan Life
- Medico
- Mutual of Omaha
- National General
- New Era Life Insurance
- Omaha Insurance Company (A Mutual of Omaha Company)
- Oxford Life
- Philadelphia American Life Insurance
- SilverScript (A CVS Caremark Company)
- Standard Life and Casualty
- Stonebridge Life Insurance (A TransAmerica Company)
- TransAmerica
- TransAmerica Premier (A TransAmerica Company)
- United American
- UnitedHealthcare
- UnitedHealthcare (AARP Medicare Supplement)
- United of Omaha (A Mutual of Omaha Company)
- United World (A Mutual of Omaha Company)
The list above isn’t every carrier, but it’s a great look at many top-rated options. Of course, it can be difficult going through all of these options alone. This is why working with a licensed Medicare agent is a great way to identify your needs as well as the right carrier to deliver your benefits.
Is Medicare Supplement Plan C Discontinued?
Medicare Supplement Plan C is not technically discontinued. However, there are restrictions on who is eligible to enroll.
Like other first-dollar coverage Medigap plans, Medigap Plan C is one of three plans being phased out. If you are newly eligible for Original Medicare as of January 1, 2020 or later, you will not be eligible to enroll in Medicare Supplement Plan C.
However, if you already have Plan C Medicare Supplement coverage, you can continue on your policy. Additionally, if you were eligible for Medicare before January 1, 2020, you can still apply to enroll in Medigap Plan C.
The only caveat in most states would be needing to pass the underwriting process, which could result in denial due to pre-existing conditions. Thus, this plan is only strictly off-limits for those new to Medicare.
How to Compare Medicare Supplement Plan C Premiums
Medigap Plan C is a great option, but it may not be the best choice for everyone. But comparing Medicare Supplement plans through several carriers can be a hassle. That's where we can help!
Working with a broker who has access to all the top plans in your area is essential when shopping for coverage. Our experts can help you find the best plan for your healthcare needs and budget, saving you time and money.
For a free side-by-side Medicare Supplement Plan C comparison, complete our online rate form or call us at the number above. Our licensed Medicare agents are here to help you every step of the way.
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Sources:
MedicareFAQ is dedicated to providing you with authentic and trustworthy Medicare information. We have strict sourcing guidelines and work diligently to serve our readers with accurate and up-to-date content.
- How to Compare Medigap Policies, Medicare. Accessed November 2022.
https://www.medicare.gov/supplements-other-insurance/how-to-compare-medigap-policies
