When Can I Change My Medicare Supplement Plan?
Everyone keeps asking, “When can I change my Medicare supplement plan?” You know that you should apply
March 5, 2019
Medicare Supplement Plan C
Medicare Supplement Plan C can sometimes be confused with Medicare Part C, known as Medicare Advantage, but the two are quite different despite their similarity in name. Medicare Supplement Plan C provides coverage for most out-of-pocket expenses that are not usually covered with Original Medicare. However, many insurance carriers do not offer this plan.
As of January 1, 2020, you will no longer be eligible for Plan C if you were not already grandfathered in with a company that offers that plan. This is due to Congress issuing the MACRA law. The MACRA law states Medicare Supplement plans can no longer cover Part B deductibles, which is covered by Plans C and F. It is a common misconception that only those with Plan C are allowed to keep it, though. This is not the case. If you were still eligible before January 1, 2020, you could apply for Plan C as long as an insurance company offers it.Â
Play Video
Coverage for Plan C
Medicare Supplement Plan C will cover most out-of-pocket expenses, such as copayments and coinsurance requirements, and cover 100% of the costs associated with:
Coinsurance payments (Medicare Part A) for inpatient hospital care up to an additional year after the Medicare benefits have been used up
Copayment or coinsurance expenses for Medicare Part B
First three pints of blood used in a medical procedure
Hospice care coinsurance expenses or copayments for Part A
Skilled nursing facility care coinsurance
Foreign travel emergency costs
What is not covered by Plan C?
Medicare Supplement Plan C does not cover excess charges for Medicare Part B. The excess charges come from healthcare providers who are not involved with Medicare and can charge you up to 15% more than the Medicare allowable amount. This will need to be paid out-of-pocket. If you have Plan C or are eligible for it, it would be in your best interest to find a healthcare provider who accepts Medicare assignment so you cannot be billed extra.
