What Is Medigap Plan C? What You Need to Know
Medigap Plan C is no longer available for new Medicare enrollees, but Plan D is a nearly identical alternative.
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Medigap Plan C is one of 10 Medicare Supplement Insurance plans that assist with some out-of-pocket expenses not met by Original Medicare. Because it covers the Part B deductible, it’s not available to most new Medicare enrollees, but Plan D could be a good alternative.
How it works
After Medicare pays its approved amount, your Medigap coverage takes effect. These plans typically assist with copayments, coinsurance and some deductibles not covered under Original Medicare. You must be enrolled in Medicare Parts A and B to be eligible for a Medicare Supplement plan (it’s not available to Medicare Advantage enrollees).
Like Medigap Plan F, Plan C is no longer available to Medicare beneficiaries who became eligible on or after Jan. 1, 2020. If you already had Plan C before that date, you can keep your plan, and if you were eligible for Medicare before Jan. 1, 2020, but aren't yet enrolled, then you may still have the option to buy Plan C.
Compare Medigap plans
| Insurance company | NerdWallet rating | Plan types offered | NAIC complaint rate | Premium discounts available |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| A, C, D, F, G and N | Far fewer than expected | Below average | ||
| A, B, C, F, G, K, L and N | Far fewer than expected | Above average | ||
| A, F, G and N | Far more than expected | Above average | ||
| A, F, G and N | Far fewer than expected | Above average |
What Medigap Plan C covers
Medigap Plan C covers the following, according to Medicare.gov:
- Part A coinsurance and hospital costs up to an additional 365 days after Medicare benefits are used up.
- Part A deductible.
- Part A hospice care coinsurance or copayment.
- Part B coinsurance or copayment.
- Part B deductible. (Since 2020, new Medicare members can’t buy any plan that covers the Part B deductible. However, this coverage is available for Medicare beneficiaries currently enrolled in Medigap Plan C and Plan F.)
- Skilled nursing facility care coinsurance.
- Blood transfusion (first three pints).
- Medically necessary emergency health care services for the first 60 days when traveling outside the U.S. Deductible and limitations apply.
What Medigap Plan C doesn't cover
The only benefit Medigap Plan C doesn’t cover that’s included in some other Medigap options is Medicare Part B excess charges (if a provider is permitted to charge more than Medicare’s approved amount and does so).
Additionally, Medigap Plan C doesn’t cover the following, nor do any Medigap plans sold to new Medicare members:
- Long-term care (like non-skilled care you get in a nursing home).
- Private-duty nursing.
Shopping for Medigap plans? We have you covered.
| MEDICARE SUPPLEMENT, or Medigap, is private health insurance that covers “gaps” in traditional Medicare coverage. Compare options from our Medigap roundup. | |
| Best overall | Best for member satisfaction |
| Best for premium discounts | Best for extra benefits |
Medigap Plan C alternatives
If you aren't eligible for Medigap Plan C, but want similar benefits, Plan D is the closest option. Medigap Plan D covers all of the same benefits as Plan C except for the Part B deductible, since that coverage can’t be sold to new members anymore.
Compare Medicare Supplement plans' costs and coverage to see what might work for you.
All Medigap plans are sold by private health insurance companies. They're federally regulated and standardized across all states, except Massachusetts, Minnesota and Wisconsin.
To find out what Medigap Plan D or other alternatives would cost you, visit Medicare.gov.
The best time to enroll in Medigap is during your Medigap open enrollment period.
This period happens only once. It starts once you’re 65 and enrolled in Medicare Part B, and lasts for six months. (If you're still working after 65 and covered by a group employer plan that is deemed creditable coverage, your six-month period starts after you’ve ended active employment or no longer have that insurance.)
Medigap policies are cheapest and easiest to get during this open enrollment period because insurance companies aren’t allowed to factor your health or medical history into your price. After the period ends, the prices may go up or you may be denied coverage due to your health status or medical history.
In some states, insurance companies sell Medigap plans to those under 65 who are living with a disability and are eligible for Medicare. You can find more information through your State Health Insurance Assistance Program, or SHIP.
If you have additional questions about Medicare, visit Medicare.gov or call 800-MEDICARE (800-633-4227, TTY 877-486-2048).
| Get details on Medicare Supplement plan options | |
| If you want... | Consider... |
| Basic benefits | |
| Basics plus some extras | |
| Highest coverage | |
| Lower premiums, but higher copays | |
| Lowest premiums — partial coverage | |
| No longer for sale to new Medicare members | |
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Compare Medigap plans
| Insurance company | NerdWallet rating | Plan types offered | NAIC complaint rate | Premium discounts available |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| A, C, D, F, G and N | Far fewer than expected | Below average | ||
| A, B, C, F, G, K, L and N | Far fewer than expected | Above average | ||
| A, F, G and N | Far more than expected | Above average | ||
| A, F, G and N | Far fewer than expected | Above average |
