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Learn about Medicare Supplement Plan C with SelectQuote
It’s important to know that beneficiaries who became eligible for Medicare on or after January 1, 2020, aren’t able to buy Plan C. Let SelectQuote’s licensed insurance agents help answer your questions about Medicare plans.
Medicare Supplement Insurance Plan C (Medigap) Coverage and Costs
Medicare Supplement Insurance Plan C, often called Medigap Plan C, is a type of private insurance that helps pay for costs that Original Medicare (Part A and Part B) doesn't cover. Think of it as a way to "fill the gaps" in your healthcare coverage.
It is important to remember that Medicare Supplement Plan C is not the same as Medicare Part C (also known as Medicare Advantage). While Medicare Advantage is an alternative way to get your Medicare benefits, Medigap Plan C works alongside your Original Medicare to lower your out-of-pocket costs.
Learn more about the difference between Medigap and Medicare Advantage.
Important Medicare Supplement Plan C Eligibility Update
As of January 1, 2020, Medigap Plan C is no longer available to people newly eligible for Medicare.
If you were eligible for Medicare before January 1, 2020: You can still keep your Plan C or apply for it if it is available in your area.
If you became eligible on or after January 1, 2020: You cannot purchase Plan C.
Why Plan C is No Longer Available to New Enrollees
A federal law was passed to discourage "first-dollar coverage." This means the government wanted seniors to share some of the initial costs of their care—specifically the Part B doctor deductible—to encourage more mindful use of medical services.
Because Plan C covers that deductible, it was closed to new members. Many seniors who aren't eligible for Plan C now choose Plan G instead. Plan G offers almost the same great coverage but requires you to pay the small annual doctor deductible yourself.
What Medicare Supplement Plan C Covers in 2026-2027
Medicare Supplement Plan C covers all the basic benefits as Medicare Supplement Plans A and B, plus additional benefits.
Plan C is one of the most comprehensive Medigap plans. It covers nearly every out-of-pocket cost associated with Original Medicare. Here is what is covered at 100%:
Part A Hospital Deductible: You won’t have to pay the $1,736 deductible if you are admitted to the hospital.
Part B Doctor Deductible: Covers your full annual Part B deductible ($283 in 2026).
Part A Coinsurance: Covers hospital costs for up to an additional 365 days after Medicare benefits are exhausted.
Part B Coinsurance/Copayment: Covers the 20% you usually owe for doctor visits.
Skilled Nursing Facility Care: Covers the coinsurance for days 21–100.
Blood Transfusions: Covers the first three pints of blood needed for a medical procedure.
Hospice Care: Covers Part A coinsurance or copayments.
Traveling Abroad: While not covered 100%, Plan C also covers 80% of medical emergency expenses when you are traveling outside the U.S. (up to plan limits).
What Medicare Supplement Plan C Does Not Cover
While Plan C is very thorough, it does not cover everything. You will still be responsible for:
Part B Excess Charges: If a doctor charges more than the Medicare-approved amount, you must pay the difference.
Prescription Drugs: You will need a separate Part D plan for your medications.
Routine Care: This includes most dental, vision, and hearing aid care, as well as long-term nursing home care.
Who Should Consider Medicare Supplement Plan C
Monthly premiums are set by the private insurance companies that offer Medicare Supplement Insurance plans and are based on factors like location, age, health status, gender, and various other factors. Depending on these factors, insurance companies may charge different premiums for the same Medicare Supplement Plan C. Companies may not cancel your coverage unless you don’t pay the plan premium, you weren’t truthful on the application, or the Medigap insurance company becomes bankrupt or insolvent.
This plan is best for people who value peace of mind. If you are eligible, Plan C is excellent because it eliminates surprise bills. You pay one monthly premium, and your hospital and doctor deductibles are covered.
Advantages of Medicare Supplement Plan C
Many seniors prefer Plan C because it offers a "set it and forget it" approach to healthcare. When you have this plan, you don't have to worry about the math every time you visit a clinic or hospital.
No Networks: You have the freedom to see any doctor or specialist in the country, as long as they accept Medicare patients. You never need a referral to see a specialist.
Zero Copays: For most covered services, you won't have to reach for your wallet at the doctor's office. Plan C picks up the tab left by Original Medicare.
Predictable Budgeting: Because both your hospital and doctor deductibles are covered 100%, you know exactly what your healthcare costs will be each month. Your only major medical expense is your monthly premium.
Disadvantages of Medicare Supplement Plan C
Because Plan C is so comprehensive, it comes with certain trade-offs in terms of cost and long-term availability. It is important to weigh these factors against the benefits before deciding to keep or switch your plan.
Higher Monthly Premiums: Because Plan C pays for your annual Part B deductible, insurance companies usually charge a higher monthly rate compared to plans like Plan N or Plan G.
Closed to New Members: Because people new to Medicare cannot join Plan C, the group currently in the plan is aging. As medical needs increase for this group, insurance companies often raise the prices faster than they do for open plans.
No Coverage for Excess Charges: Plan C does not cover "Part B Excess Charges." If you visit a doctor who does not accept "Medicare Assignment" (the Medicare-approved price), they can charge up to 15% more, which you would have to pay out of pocket.
Medicare Supplement Plan C Costs in 2026-2027
Your monthly Plan C price depends on where you live and which insurance company you choose. Because Plan C is a closed plan, many insurance companies have raised rates to keep up with the medical needs of the existing aging membership.
How Pricing Works For Supplement Plan C
Pricing for Medicare Supplement Plan C varies by company. Medigap policies can be priced in three ways: community-rated, issue-age-rated, and attained-age-rated.
Community-Rated: Everyone in the same area pays the same price, regardless of age.
Issue-Age-Rated: Your price is based on your age when you first bought the plan. It won't go up just because you get older.
Attained-Age-Rated: Your premium starts lower but increases every year as you age.
Medicare Supplement Insurance vs. Medicare Advantage Open Enrollment
It is easy to get confused by the names. The Medicare Advantage Open Enrollment Period (January 1 to March 31) is for people with Part C, not Plan C.
If you currently have a Medicare Advantage plan and want to switch to Medigap Plan C, you must have been eligible for Medicare before 2020. You may also have to answer health questions to qualify, unless you have a "guaranteed issue right."
When to Enroll in Medicare Supplement Plans
The best time to buy any Medigap plan is during your Medigap Open Enrollment Period. This is a six-month window that starts the month you turn 65 and are enrolled in Part B.
During this time, you have a "guaranteed issue right." This means an insurance company cannot turn you down or charge you more because of any health conditions. If you wait until later, you may have to answer health questions, and a company could deny you coverage.
Read more about your Initial Enrollment Period here.
Comparing Plan C to Other Options
With the number of Medicare Supplement plans available, it’s hard to know which one may be right for your needs. Explore the different Medicare Supplement plans below.
Benefit | Medigap Plan C | Medigap Plan G | Medigap Plan F |
Part A Deductible | Covered (100%) | Covered (100%) | Covered (100%) |
Part B Deductible ($283) | Covered (100%) | You Pay | Covered (100%) |
Part B Excess Charges | You Pay | Covered (100%) | Covered (100%) |
Eligibility | Pre-2020 only | Everyone | Pre-2020 only |
The Birthday Rule: How to Switch Plans Without a Health Check
Because Plan C prices can rise quickly, many seniors feel stuck, especially those with health issues, and fear being rejected by a new company. However, several states have a "Birthday Rule."
This rule allows you to switch to a plan with the same or fewer benefits (like moving from Plan C to a cheaper Plan G) around the time of your birthday without answering any health questions.
States with a Birthday Rule in 2026-2027
As of January 1, 2026, Indiana and Delaware have joined the list of states offering this protection. Currently, the Birthday Rule applies in:
California, Oregon, Idaho, Illinois, Indiana, Delaware, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maryland, Nevada, and Oklahoma.
Since Plan C has such high benefits, the "Equal or Lesser Rule" in these states usually allows you to switch to Plan G or Plan N to save money immediately.
Find the Right Medicare Supplement Plan For You With SelectQuote
It can be hard to determine what Medicare plan is best for you, your healthcare needs, and your budget. Don't navigate Medicare Supplement plan options on your own. SelectQuote can help you make a confident choice—and stay available to support you as your needs or plan options change. We help you understand the fine print so you can avoid missteps that could impact your health, wallet, or access to care.
FAQs About Medicare Supplement Plan C
Learn more about Medicare Supplement Plan C with answers to frequently asked questions.
Is Medicare Supplement Plan C the same as Medicare Part C?
Medicare Supplement Plan C is supplemental coverage that fills gaps in Medicare Part A and Part B. Medicare Part C, also known as Medicare Advantage plans, provides an alternative to Original Medicare. Medicare Advantage plans are legally required to offer at least the same benefits as Original Medicare, but may include additional routine benefits.
Do Medicare Supplement plans cover pre-existing conditions?
While insurance companies can’t typically make you wait for your coverage to start, they may make you wait for coverage if you also have a pre-existing condition. Pre-existing conditions may be excluded if the condition was treated or diagnosed within six months of the coverage start date under the Medicare Supplement plan.
After the six-month period, the Medicare Supplement plan will cover the condition that was previously excluded. However, it is possible to avoid or shorten the waiting period for a pre-existing condition if you buy a Medicare Supplement plan during your Medigap open enrollment period to replace the “creditable coverage” Medigap plan.
How much does a Medicare Supplement Plan C cost?
Costs vary by state and company. Because Plan C covers the Part B deductible, it is usually more expensive than Plan G.
Do Medigap plans vary by state?
Medigap plans are standardized, meaning they offer the same benefits across most of the states, except for Wisconsin Medicare Supplement plans, Minnesota Medicare Supplement plans, and Massachusetts Supplement plans.
How can I lower the costs of my Medigap Plan C?
Each insurance company sets its monthly premium, and since the plans are standardized, comparing prices across multiple companies is the best way to find the lowest available cost for your coverage.
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