
Medigap Plan C is one of the most comprehensive Medigap plans available, covering a wide range of healthcare costs. It offers the most extensive coverage of any Medigap plan, making it a popular choice for many Medicare beneficiaries.
Medigap Plan C covers 80% of Medicare Part B excess charges, which can help reduce out-of-pocket costs for doctor visits and other medical services. This can be a significant cost savings for those who see specialists or require frequent medical care.
Medigap Plan C also covers skilled nursing facility care, which can be a costly expense for those who require extended care after a hospital stay. This coverage can provide peace of mind and financial protection for those who need ongoing care.
The annual deductible for Medigap Plan C is $203, which is the same as the annual deductible for all Medigap plans. However, the maximum out-of-pocket limit for Medigap Plan C is $6,700, which is higher than some other Medigap plans.
Discover more: High Deductible Medicare Supplement Plans
What Is Medigap Plan C Overview

Medigap Plan C is a popular supplement to Original Medicare, offering comprehensive coverage for medical expenses. It's a great option for those who want to minimize out-of-pocket costs.
Medigap Plan C covers 80% of hospital costs, which is a significant portion of the total bill. This can help reduce the financial burden on individuals and their families.
Medigap Plan C also covers 80% of skilled nursing facility care, which can be a costly expense for those who require ongoing care. This coverage can help alleviate some of the financial stress associated with long-term care.
The plan does not cover Medicare Part D prescription drug coverage, so it's essential to consider a separate prescription drug plan. This is because Medigap plans are designed to supplement Original Medicare, not replace it.
In addition to hospital and skilled nursing facility care, Medigap Plan C also covers other medical expenses, such as foreign travel exchange, and excess charges. These benefits can be a significant advantage for individuals who travel abroad or receive care from out-of-network providers.
Broaden your view: Medicare Supplement Plans in Sc
Eligibility and Enrollment

You're eligible to enroll in Medigap Plan C if you're 65 or older and have Medicare Part B. Your Medigap Open Enrollment Period starts the first month you have Medicare Part B and lasts for 6 months.
To qualify for a Medigap Plan C policy during this period, the insurance company must accept your application, and you won't be charged more due to health problems or pre-existing conditions. However, if you have a pre-existing condition, it may limit coverage or be excluded from coverage.
You can enroll in Medigap Plan C at any time of the year when you have Original Medicare, but it's best to do so during your initial Medigap open enrollment period to ensure the widest selection and lowest premiums. This period starts the month you enroll in Medicare Part B and continues for 6 months.
If you're disabled and under 65, Medigap eligibility depends on your state. Some states have limited or no Medigap plans available for those under 65, and you may have to pay a higher premium.
For more insights, see: Medicare Part C vs Medigap

Here are the basic eligibility criteria for Medigap Plan C:
- Enrolled in Medicare Parts A and B
- Not enrolled in Medicare Advantage
- Born in or before 1954 (or became eligible for Medicare before January 1, 2020)
- Not turned 65 after January 1, 2020 (if you became eligible for Medicare before 2020)
You can find a Medigap Plan C plan by directly contacting an insurance company in your state offering the plan, working with your State Health Insurance Assistance Program (SHIP), or connecting with a licensed insurance agent.
For another approach, see: Governmental 457 B Plan
Benefits and Coverage
Medigap Plan C is a comprehensive plan that offers a wide range of benefits to help cover out-of-pocket costs not included in Original Medicare.
Medicare Supplement Plan C is only available to those who qualified for Medicare before 2020, typically individuals born in or before 1954, with some exceptions.
This plan covers a variety of costs, including Part A coinsurance and hospital costs up to an additional 365 days after Medicare benefits are used up, Part B coinsurance or copayment, blood transfusion (first 3 pints), and Part A hospice care coinsurance or copayment.
Plan C also covers skilled nursing facility care coinsurance, Part A deductible, and Part B deductible.
Curious to learn more? Check out: Advantages of a 457 Plan

You'll also get international coverage, providing medical care for the first 60 days when traveling out of the country, with a lifetime limit of $50,000.
Here's a breakdown of the key benefits and coverage of Medigap Plan C:
Overall, Medigap Plan C is a comprehensive plan that offers a wide range of benefits to help cover out-of-pocket costs not included in Original Medicare.
Costs and Premiums
Medigap Plan C premiums can vary depending on several factors. Your premium is determined by where you live, your smoking status, your age, your gender, the insurance carrier, and household discounts offered by some Medigap plans.
To give you a better idea, here are the factors that affect your premium:
- Where you live
- Your smoking status
- Your age
- Your gender
- The insurance carrier
- Household discounts (offered by some Medigap plans)
It's worth noting that some Medigap plans use a pricing structure that doesn't increase your premium as you age. For example, community-rated plans charge the same premium to everyone with the same policy, regardless of age.
See what others are reading: Medigap Premium Increases
How Much Does Medigap Plan C Cost

Medigap Plan C premiums are determined by several factors, including where you live. Your location can significantly impact the cost of your premium.
Your smoking status is another factor that affects your premium. If you're a smoker, you can expect to pay more for your Medigap Plan C coverage.
Your age also plays a role in determining your premium. As you get older, your premium may increase.
Medicare determines your Plan C premium based on your gender as well. While this may seem unfair, it's a factor that insurance carriers consider when setting their rates.
The insurance carrier you choose is also a crucial factor in determining your premium. Different carriers offer varying rates for the same coverage.
Household discounts are offered by some Medigap plans, which can help reduce your premium. Not all plans offer these discounts, so it's essential to research and compare different options.
Here's a summary of the factors that affect your Medigap Plan C premium:
Premium Over Time

Your Medicare Supplement premium can change over time, and the amount of change depends on the pricing structure of your plan.
There are three main pricing structures to consider: Community-rated, Issue-age-rated, and Attained-age-rated.
With Community-rated plans, your premium stays the same as everyone else with the same policy, regardless of age.
Issue-age-rated plans base your premium on the age you were when you first enrolled, so your premium can increase due to inflation and other factors, but not due to age.
Attained-age-rated plans base your premium on your current age, so your premium will increase as you get older.
Expand your knowledge: Uc 457 B Plan
Comparison and Decision
Medigap Plan C offers comprehensive coverage, including 80% of Medicare's approved costs for hospital stays, which can be a significant advantage.
You'll also get 100% coverage for Medicare Part A deductible and coinsurance, as well as skilled nursing facility care.
Medigap Plan C also offers foreign travel emergency coverage, which can be a lifesaver if you're traveling abroad.
What's the Difference Between Plans

Choosing the right Medigap plan can be overwhelming, especially with so many options available. There are 12 different Medigap plans to consider, each with its own unique features and benefits.
Medicare Supplement Plan F is often considered one of the most comprehensive plans, covering most Medicare-approved expenses. Plan G is similar, but with a lower premium. On the other hand, Plan N has a higher deductible and copays for doctor visits and hospital stays.
Some plans, like High Deductible Plan F and High Deductible Plan G, have higher deductibles than the standard plans, but lower premiums. These plans may be a good option for those who can afford the higher upfront costs.
Here's a quick comparison of the 12 Medigap plans:
Ultimately, the best plan for you will depend on your individual needs and budget. Be sure to research and compare the different plans to find the one that works best for you.
Pros and Cons
When considering Medigap plans, it's essential to weigh the pros and cons of each option. Here's a closer look at the advantages and disadvantages of Medigap plans.
Medigap Plan C offers some of the most comprehensive coverage of all Medigap plans, providing a wide range of benefits to its users.
One of the significant cons of Medigap Plan C is that it's only available if you're eligible for Original Medicare before January 1, 2020, making it a limited option for some individuals.
High premium costs are another significant con of Medigap Plan C, which can be a substantial burden for those on a fixed income.
Medigap Plan C can be used at any doctor accepting Original Medicare nationwide, providing flexibility and convenience for those who value freedom in their healthcare choices.
Here's a summary of the key pros and cons of Medigap Plan C:
Frequently Asked Questions
Why was Medigap Plan C discontinued?
Medigap Plan C was discontinued due to a 2015 law change that prohibited Medigap plans from covering the Part B deductible. This change, part of the Medicare Access and CHIP Reauthorization Act of 2015, effectively made Plan C no longer viable.
Is Medigap Plan C being phased out?
Medigap Plan C was removed from new enrollments starting in 2020, but existing policyholders can keep their plan. It's still available for those eligible before 2020, with a limited window to enroll in 2025.
Is Medigap considered part C?
No, a Medigap policy is not considered a Medicare Advantage Plan (Part C), but rather a supplement to Original Medicare coverage. It's a separate type of coverage that fills gaps in Original Medicare, not an alternative to it.
Sources
- https://www.ehealthinsurance.com/medicare/parts/medicare-supplement-plan-c/
- https://coveragehaven.com/medicare/medigap/supplement/plan-c/
- https://www.gohealth.com/medicare/medicare-supplement/medigap-plan-c/
- https://www.medicarefaq.com/medicare-supplements/plan-c/
- https://askchapter.org/magazine/senior-health-wellness/medicare-resources/understanding-medicare-supplement-plan-c-coverage-and-costs
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