Medigap Plan C is a comprehensive Medicare Supplement insurance plan. It covers nearly all out-of-pocket costs that Original Medicare leaves behind. However, this plan has been closed to new enrollees since January 1, 2020. Congress passed the MACRA law in 2015 to end first-dollar Medigap coverage. That law banned new policies covering the Medicare Part B deductible.
As a result, only people who became Medicare-eligible before 2020 can still buy Medigap Plan C today. For those already enrolled, the plan remains fully active and unchanged. It ranks among the most generous supplemental coverage options ever offered. Plan C covers both the Part A and Part B deductibles. It also pays for skilled nursing coinsurance, hospice care, and foreign travel emergencies.
What Does Medigap Plan C Cover?
Medigap Plan C provides near-complete coverage of Medicare cost-sharing gaps. It pays the Part A deductible, which is $1,736 per benefit period in 2026. It also covers Part A hospital coinsurance for up to 365 extra days. The plan pays 100 percent of Part B coinsurance and copayments. Skilled nursing facility coinsurance is covered from days 21 through 100. Hospice care coinsurance is included as well.
The plan also covers the Part B annual deductible of $283 in 2026. This is the feature that sets it apart from most other Medigap plans. Foreign travel emergency care is covered at 80 percent after a $250 deductible. The first three pints of blood per year are fully covered. However, there is one notable gap. Plan C does not cover Part B excess charges.
Part B excess charges occur when non-participating doctors bill above Medicare-approved amounts. These providers can charge up to 15 percent more than Medicare allows. In most cases, this gap rarely affects enrollees. Many states limit or ban excess charges entirely. You can compare standardized Medigap benefits on the official Medicare website.
| Coverage Area | Plan C |
|---|---|
| Part A Hospital Coinsurance + 365 Extra Days | Yes – 100% |
| Part A Deductible ($1,736 in 2026) | Yes – 100% |
| Part B Coinsurance or Copayment | Yes – 100% |
| Part B Deductible ($283 in 2026) | Yes – 100% |
| Part B Excess Charges | No |
| Skilled Nursing Facility (Days 21–100) | Yes – 100% |
| Hospice Care Coinsurance | Yes – 100% |
| Foreign Travel Emergency | Yes – 80% |
| First 3 Pints of Blood | Yes – 100% |
Medigap Plan C Benefits Table
The following table compares Plan C side by side with Plan G and Plan N. These are the two most popular Medigap plans available today.
| Coverage Area | Plan C | Plan G | Plan N |
|---|---|---|---|
| Part A Hospital Coinsurance + 365 Extra Days | Yes – 100% | Yes – 100% | Yes – 100% |
| Part A Deductible | Yes – 100% | Yes – 100% | Yes – 100% |
| Part B Coinsurance or Copayment | Yes – 100% | Yes – 100% | Yes – with copays* |
| Part B Deductible | Yes – 100% | No | No |
| Part B Excess Charges | No | Yes – 100% | No |
| Skilled Nursing Facility (Days 21–100) | Yes – 100% | Yes – 100% | Yes – 100% |
| Hospice Care Coinsurance | Yes – 100% | Yes – 100% | Yes – 100% |
| Foreign Travel Emergency | Yes – 80% | Yes – 80% | Yes – 80% |
| First 3 Pints of Blood | Yes – 100% | Yes – 100% | Yes – 100% |
*Plan N requires a copay of up to $20 for some office visits. Emergency room visits that do not result in admission have a copay of up to $50.
This comparison reveals important differences among the three plans. Plan C and Plan G both offer extensive coverage. However, Plan G covers Part B excess charges while Plan C does not. Plan N costs less but introduces copays for certain visits. Typically, the Part B deductible coverage in Plan C saves enrollees $283 per year. Plan G offers slightly broader protection against surprise medical bills from non-participating providers.
How Much Does Medigap Plan C Cost?
Medigap Plan C premiums vary by carrier, location, age, and gender. Since the plan is closed to new enrollees, its risk pool skews older over time. This can drive premiums higher each year. Insurance companies use three pricing methods for Medigap policies. Community-rated plans charge the same premium regardless of age. Issue-age-rated plans base premiums on your age at purchase. Attained-age-rated plans increase premiums as you get older.
Plan C premiums are generally higher than Plan G and Plan N premiums. The closed enrollment pool means fewer young enrollees join each year. As a result, claims costs rise and premiums follow. Plan N typically offers the lowest premiums of the three. Plan G falls in the middle. However, premium differences vary significantly by state and insurance company. Shopping among multiple carriers remains essential for finding the best rate.
Who Should Choose Medigap Plan C?
Medigap Plan C is best for enrollees who already have the plan and value first-dollar coverage. It eliminates virtually all out-of-pocket costs for Medicare-covered services. Current policyholders should compare their Plan C premium to Plan G quotes annually. If the premium difference exceeds $283 per year, switching may save money. The Part B deductible coverage may not justify paying significantly higher monthly premiums.
New Medicare beneficiaries cannot purchase this plan. They should consider Plan G or Plan N instead. Plan G is the closest alternative in terms of comprehensive coverage. It covers everything Plan C covers except the Part B deductible. Plan G also adds Part B excess charge protection. For budget-conscious enrollees, Plan N offers strong coverage at lower premiums. The tradeoff is small copays for office visits and non-admitted emergency room visits.
Medigap Plan C vs Plan G vs Plan N
The choice between these three plans depends on your coverage priorities and budget. Plan C offers the broadest first-dollar coverage of the three. However, it lacks Part B excess charge protection. Plan G covers excess charges but not the Part B deductible. Plan N has lower premiums but requires copays. Typically, the premium savings of Plan G or Plan N outweigh the $283 annual deductible benefit that Plan C provides.
| Feature | Plan C | Plan G | Plan N |
|---|---|---|---|
| Part B Deductible Coverage | Yes | No | No |
| Part B Excess Charges | No | Yes | No |
| Office Visit Copay | None | None | Up to $20 |
| ER Copay (No Admission) | None | None | Up to $50 |
| Available to New Enrollees (2020+) | No | Yes | Yes |
| Relative Premium Cost | Highest | Moderate | Lowest |
Plan G has become the most popular Medigap plan since 2020. It replaced Plan F and Plan C as the top comprehensive option. Plan N attracts enrollees who prefer lower monthly costs and predictable copays. For example, a Plan N enrollee pays up to $20 for each office visit. Emergency room visits that do not result in admission cost up to $50. These copays keep Plan N premiums noticeably lower than the other two plans.
How to Buy Medigap Plan C
Only beneficiaries who became Medicare-eligible before January 1, 2020 can buy Medigap Plan C. This means you must have turned 65 or qualified for Medicare before that date. During your Medigap Open Enrollment Period, insurers cannot deny you coverage. This six-month window begins when you turn 65 and enroll in Part B. During this period, companies cannot charge more due to health conditions.
Outside the open enrollment window, medical underwriting typically applies. Insurance companies can review your health history and deny coverage. However, certain guaranteed issue situations protect you. For example, losing employer coverage or leaving a Medicare Advantage plan triggers special rights. These rights let you buy a Medigap plan without medical underwriting.
Plan C is available in 47 states and Washington, D.C. Massachusetts, Minnesota, and Wisconsin use their own standardized Medigap systems instead of the lettered plans. Residents of those three states should contact their state insurance department for equivalent options. Comparing carriers is essential because Medigap benefits are standardized by federal law. A Plan C policy from one insurer covers exactly the same benefits as another. The only differences are price, customer service, and financial stability.
Frequently Asked Questions About Medigap Plan C
Can I still buy Medigap Plan C in 2026?
Only if you became eligible for Medicare before January 1, 2020. The MACRA law banned the sale of this plan to newly eligible beneficiaries. If you qualify, you must find a carrier still offering it in your state.
What is the difference between Plan C and Plan F?
Both plans cover the Part B deductible and are closed to new enrollees since 2020. Plan F also covers Part B excess charges, which Plan C does not. Plan F was historically the most comprehensive Medigap option available.
Should I switch from Plan C to Plan G?
Compare your current Plan C premium to Plan G quotes in your area. Plan G does not cover the $283 Part B deductible but adds excess charge protection. If Plan G saves you more than $283 per year in premiums, switching makes financial sense.
Does Plan C cover prescription drugs?
No Medigap plan covers prescription drugs. You need a separate Medicare Part D plan for drug coverage. You can enroll in Part D alongside any Medigap policy.
Compare Medicare Plans
Ready to explore your Medicare options? Use the official Medicare Plan Finder or contact your local SHIP counselor for free, unbiased help.
Official Sources & Resources
For verified Medicare information and enrollment help:
- Medicare.gov: medicare.gov
- CMS.gov: cms.gov
- NAIC Medigap Guide: naic.org
- KFF Medicare Research: kff.org/medicare
- Find Your SHIP: medicare.gov/contacts
Content last reviewed April 2026. If you notice any outdated information, please contact us.