Medicare Supplement Plan C is one of the most popular Medigap plans because it covers most of the expenses for medical services not covered by Original Medicare – Parts A and B. Out of all plans, only Medicare Supplement Plan F offers more coverage. Plan C is one of the most comprehensive Medicare supplement insurance plans, the only expense not covered by Plan C is the Part B excess charges, meaning that only those are pocket costs. It is provided by private insurance companies, like Temmen Insurance.
Important notice: All first-dollar coverage plans were discontinued beginning on January 1, 2020, including Plan C and Plan F. CMS no longer allows any Medicare supplement plan to include first-dollar coverage. Beneficiaries who were already enrolled or who turned 65 prior to January 1, 2020, are still eligible for this plan.
Plan C is a great option for Medicare beneficiaries who semi-frequently visit the hospital or doctor’s office, like to travel outside of the United States, and can afford a higher monthly premium.
MEDIGAP PLAN C COVERAGE
Plan C, one of the most comprehensive Medigap plans, covers:
- Part A hospital coinsurance and up to an additional 365 days of hospital costs after Medicare benefits are exhausted
- Part B coinsurance and copayments
- First 3 pints of blood each year
- Part A hospice care coinsurance and copayment
- Skilled nursing facility care coinsurance
- Part A and Part B deductible
- 80% of foreign travel exchange
- No out-of-pocket limit
Medigap Plan C does not cover only Part B excess charges. Part B excess charges are considered doctor`s charges that can legally extend beyond the Medicare-approved amount for service payment. When excess charges do happen, the patient is directly responsible for paying them. And of course, as for all Medicare Supplement plans, prescription drug coverage is not provided.
PLAN C ELIGIBILITY
Individuals must already be enrolled in Medicare Parts A and B to be enrolled in any Medicare Supplement plan. Those who would like to enroll in Medigap Plan C must have been eligible for Medicare prior to January 1, 2020. If you already have Plan C, there is no need to worry – you can keep your plan.
MEDIGAP PLAN C COSTS
Beneficiary premiums for supplemental coverage will vary based on which state the individual is seeking coverage in, which supplement policy they choose, which health care provider they are purchasing from, and also individual factors like gender, age, tobacco use, medical history, and a few other details. The average cost for Plan C in monthly premiums ranges from $115-$220. In general, Medigap plan premiums are higher in states who have a higher cost of living.