What is Medicare Supplement Plan C?

Medicare Supplement Plan C is being phased out, which means you won’t be able to purchase it if you become eligible for Medicare on or after January 1st, 2020. If you already have Medigap Plan C coverage, you will be able to continue renewing your plan as long as you pay your premiums. This change was enacted because the Medicare Supplement Plan C deductible for Medicare Part B is no longer accepted.

Supplemental Medicare Plan C is considered to be a relatively comprehensive plan in comparison with other Medigap plans. It is important to not confuse Medicare Supplement Insurance Plan C with Medicare Part C.

Medicare Plan C Eligibility Requirements

Before getting into Medicare Supplement Plan C benefits, here are the eligibility requirements for Plan C:

– You are at least 65 years old and have been a U.S. citizen or legal resident for at least five (5) consecutive years.
– You are currently receiving retirement benefits

OR
– You are disabled and therefore receiving disability benefits
– You have End-Stage Renal Disease (ESRD)
– You have Lou Gehrig’s disease, also known as ALS

Medicare Supplement Plan C Coverage

Medicare Supplement Plan C coverage options include the following benefits:

– Hospital costs for Medicare Part A up to 365 days after Original Medicare benefits are used up, as well as Hospital coinsurance
– Hospice care coinsurance or copayments for Medicare Part A
– Copayments and coinsurance for Medicare Part B
– The first three (3) pints of blood
– Medicare Part A deductible
– Medicare Part B deductible

– Skilled nursing facility care coinsurance

On the other hand, Medicare Supplement Plan N does not cover:

– Medicare Part B excess charges.

This extra cost comes into play if a medical provider wants to be paid more for their services, in such a case, your medical bill amount could increase by up to an additional 15%  of the original cost.  If you do not want to risk being subject to paying such an expense, we suggest taking a look at all plans and comparing all of them before you decide which one you will go with.

Medicare Supplement Plan C Cost

While Medigap policies offer uniform benefits nationwide, regardless of which insurance carrier sells these policies, the key difference between these policies is the premium. Some insurance carriers prefer to charge more for extra benefits offered with their Medigap policies. Therefore, Medicare Supplement Plan C rates will differ from one insurance carrier to another.

Medicare Supplement Plan C copay for Medicare Part B will continue to be covered for active policyholders on or before January 1st, 2020. If you had your policy before that date, you shouldn’t worry about that aspect. New enrollees after this date will not be permitted to purchase Plan C.