Medicare Supplement Plan C: Quick Reference
| Average Monthly Premium | $150-$280/mo (varies by age, location, insurer) |
|---|---|
| Coverage Summary | Legacy plan, not available to new enrollees |
| Best For | See recommendation below |
| Available to New Enrollees? | No — legacy plan only |
| Standardized? | Yes — same benefits from every insurer, only price differs |
What Does Medicare Supplement Plan C Cover?
Comprehensive coverage except Part B excess charges (not available to new Medicare enrollees after Jan 1, 2020).
Medicare Supplement (Medigap) plans are standardized by federal law — every insurer offering Plan C must provide identical benefits. The only difference between insurers is the premium you pay. This means you should always shop multiple insurers before enrolling, as premiums for the same plan can vary by 50% or more depending on the company and your location.
Medicare Supplement Plan C vs. Other Plans
| Plan | Part A Deductible | Part B Deductible | Part B Excess | Avg Premium |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Plan A | No | No | No | $80-$150 |
| Plan B | Yes | No | No | $100-$180 |
| Plan D | Yes | No | No | $120-$220 |
| Plan C | Yes | Yes | Yes | $150-$280/mo |
| Plan G | Yes | No | Yes | $140-$280 |
| Plan N | Yes | No | No | $100-$200 |
Who Should Buy Medicare Supplement Plan C?
Medicare Supplement Plan C is best suited for beneficiaries who want the most comprehensive coverage available and enrolled in Medicare before January 1, 2020. Before choosing, compare premiums from at least 3-5 insurers in your state using Medicare’s Plan Finder tool at medicare.gov.
How to Enroll in Medicare Supplement Plan C
The best time to enroll in any Medigap plan is during your Medigap Open Enrollment Period — the 6-month window that begins the month you turn 65 and are enrolled in Medicare Part B. During this period, insurers cannot deny you coverage or charge higher premiums due to pre-existing conditions. After this window closes, insurers can use medical underwriting in most states, which may result in higher premiums or denial of coverage.
To enroll: (1) Choose a plan letter (Plan C), (2) Compare premiums from multiple insurers in your state, (3) Contact the insurer directly or use a licensed Medicare broker. There is no annual enrollment period for Medigap — you can apply at any time, but underwriting may apply outside your Open Enrollment Period.
Medicare Supplement vs. Medicare Advantage: Which Is Better?
Medicare Supplement plans like Plan C work alongside Original Medicare (Parts A and B) and cover your out-of-pocket costs. Medicare Advantage (Part C) replaces Original Medicare with a private plan that typically includes prescription drug coverage but uses networks and prior authorizations. Medigap is generally better for people who travel frequently, see specialists regularly, or want the freedom to use any Medicare-accepting provider nationwide without network restrictions.
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