Supplement Plan C is not available for new enrollees. Learn about coverage here." width="800" height="800" />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.
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.
Supplement Plan C is not available for new enrollees. Learn about coverage here." width="800" height="800" />
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.
Supplement Plan C comparison chart" width="1200" height="956" />
The chart below compares Medicare Supplement Plan C’s benefits to those that the other Medicare Supplement plans provide.
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 insurance agent to determine the right fit for your healthcare and budget.
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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.
Your monthly Medigap Plan C premium in 2024 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 2024, the average cost of Medicare Supplement Plan C can cost around $140-$420 per month.
As the plan is phased out, fewer eligible beneficiaries 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 2024, 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. | |
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.
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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| Medigap Plan C Pros | Medigap Plan C Cons |
|---|---|
| Offers some of the most comprehensive coverage of all Medigap plans | Only available if eligible for Original Medicare before January 1, 2020 |
| Plan C can be used at any doctor accepting Original Medicare nationwide | High premium costs compared to other Medicare Supplement plans |
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 agent is a great way to identify your needs as well as the right carrier to deliver your benefits.
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.
