The Future of Medicare Supplement Plans F and Plans C - A Synopsis of What You Should Know

In 2015, Congress passed legislation that made changes to the Medicare Supplemental program. Specifically, the change resulting from this legislation is that the Part B deductible will no longer be covered by Medicare Supplement plans for those becoming eligible for Medicare on or after January 1, 2020. Part B covers physician and outpatient services; the 2018 annual Medicare Part B deductible is $183. 

Medicare Supplement Plans C and F, considered first-dollar coverage since they cover the Part B deductible, will not be available to those who first become eligible for Medicare Part B coverage after January 1, 2020 (generally those born in 1955 or later). Anyone already in Plans C and F may keep their coverage.

IMPORTANT NOTE: Plan C and Plan F will not be going away for everyone. If you have Plan C or Plan F now, you can keep it. And if you or a family member become eligible for Medicare Part A BEFORE January of 2020, you can still select Plan C or F and keep it for as long as you want. 

Plan F has been the most popular plan with physicians, family members, and many others who have a Medicare Supplement Plan.

Medicare Supplement Plan F covers the initial Medicare Part B Deductible, and Part B Excess expenses.  It’s the only plan that covers both of these Part B costs, which helps to make healthcare expenditures easier to predict for Medicare Supplement Plan enrollees.

Plan C also covers the initial Medicare Part B Deductible, but not the Part B Excess expenses, making it the second most popular Supplemental Plan selected by physicians and their family members.      

Answers to Common Questions About Medicare Supplement Plans C and F

Can I keep Plan C or Plan F if I'm already enrolled?

Yes. If you are presently enrolled in Plan C or Plan F you can keep it as long as you want. 

Can I enroll in Plan C or Plan F now?

Yes. You can enroll in Plan C or Plan F if you are enrolled in Medicare, or if you are eligible for Medicare prior to January 1, 2020.

Can I switch to Plan C or Plan F, now or in the future?

Yes. As long as you're enrolled in Medicare Part A now, or BEFORE January 1, 2020, you can switch from any other Medicare Supplement Plan to Plan C or F. 

If I become eligible for Medicare AFTER January 1, 2020, can I enroll in Plan C or F?

No. Plan C and Plan F will not be available to anyone who enrolls in Medicare Part A AFTER January of 2020.

Information about the AMA-sponsored Medicare Supplement Insurance Program 

Factors to Consider:

• Enjoy the freedom to choose your own doctors. 
• Coverage travels with you anywhere in the U.S.
• Rates are based on your issue age, and never increase due to age. (Note - In some Community-Rates states, everyone receives the same rate regardless of age.)
• All plans are supported by outstanding physician-exlusive customer service. 
• Turnaround on claims are quick with no claims forms to file. 

Stability and Security 

• The AMA-sponsored Medicare Supplement Insurance Program has been serving the protection needs of physicians and their family members for over 25 years. 
• Thousands of physicians across the nation are insured with an AMA-sponsored Medicare Supplement Plan. 
• The underwriter of the program has some of the highest ratings attainable for financial stability 

The AMA-sponsored Medicare Supplement Insurance Program is administered by AMA Insurance Agency, Inc., and depending on the state you live in, insurance benefits are underwritten by Transamerica Financial Life Insurance Company (Harrison, New York), Transamerica Life Insurance Company (Cedar Rapids, Iowa) and Transamerica Premier Life Insurance Company (Cedar Rapids, Iowa). Product availability varies by state.