Plan C Medicare Supplement Coverage
What is Medicare Supplement Plan C?
Medicare Supplement Plan C is being phased out, meaning it won’t be available for new enrollees as of January 1st, 2020. (See Medicare Supplement Plan C 2020). However, if you already have Medicare Supplement Plan C, the good news is that you can still keep your coverage. This change was imposed because the Medicare Supplement Plan C Deductible for Original Medicare Part B is no longer being accepted.
Of all 10 standardized Medigap policies, Medigap Plan C is considered to be a relatively comprehensive policy. It is important to note that Supplemental Medicare Plan C is not the same as Medicare Part C.
Medicare Supplement Insurance Plan C Eligibility
Before getting into Medicare Supplement Plan C benefits, here are the general eligibility requirements for Plan C:
– You are at least 65 years of age, a U.S. citizen or a legal resident for at least five 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 (ALS)
Medicare Supplement Plan C Coverage
Medicare Supplement Plan C coverage options are:
– Hospital coinsurance and hospital costs for Medicare Part A up to 365 days after Original Medicare benefits are used up
– Hospice care coinsurance or copayments for Medicare Part A
– Copayments and coinsurance for Medicare Part B
– The first three (3) pints of blood
– Coinsurance for skilled nursing facility care
– Deductible for Medicare Part A
– Deductible for Medicare Part B
– Coverage for foreign travel emergency – 80% of approved costs up to the coverage limit
On the other hand, Plan C does not cover:
– Medicare Part B excess charges.
Part B excess charges come into play if a provider wants to be paid more for their services, which can be up an additional 15% of the original cost.
How much does Medicare Supplement Plan C cost?
The exact Medicare Supplement Plan C rates vary from one insurance carrier to another since these Medigap policies are sold by private insurance providers. However, the price is the only disparity between Medigap plans nationwide since they all have to offer the same base benefits, no matter who sells them or where they’re sold. For example, Plan C sold by Insurance Carrier X in Texas offers the same benefits as Plan C sold by Insurance Carrier Y in Georgia. The price difference could be due to the extra services offered by the insurance carrier.
Medicare Supplement Plan C copay for Medicare Part B will continue to be covered for active policyholders on or before January 1st, 2020. New enrollees after this date will not be permitted to purchase this policy. If you are a new enrollee and you want to know more about other comprehensive policies, our website can help you compare Medigap plans to find the best option for your needs.