Medicare Supplement Plan A vs C vs D Comparison: Which Basic Coverage Plan Is Right for You?
Medicare Supplement Plan A vs C vs D Comparison: Which Basic Coverage Plan Is Right for You?
Plans A, C, and D represent different levels of Medigap coverage. This guide helps you compare them and choose the right option for your situation.
Quick Answer
| Plan | Coverage Level | Best For |
|---|---|---|
| Plan A | Basic | Those wanting minimal Medigap coverage |
| Plan C | Comprehensive | Those eligible before 2020 who want Plan F alternative |
| Plan D | Mid-tier | Those who want more than Plan A but not full coverage |
Use our Medicare Supplement Penalty Calculator to compare costs across all plans.
Detailed Guidance
Coverage Comparison Chart
| Benefit | Plan A | Plan C | Plan D |
|---|---|---|---|
| Part A coinsurance + hospital costs | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
| Part A deductible | ✗ | ✓ | ✓ |
| Part B coinsurance (20%) | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
| Part B deductible | ✗ | ✓ | ✗ |
| Part B excess charges | ✗ | ✗ | ✗ |
| Blood (first 3 pints) | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
| Skilled nursing coinsurance | ✗ | ✓ | ✓ |
| Foreign travel emergency | ✗ | ✓ | ✓ |
Plan A: The Basic Option
What It Covers:
- Part A coinsurance and hospital costs (up to 365 additional days)
- Part B coinsurance (20% of Medicare-approved amounts)
- First 3 pints of blood
What It Doesn’t Cover:
- Part A deductible ($1,676 in 2026)
- Part B deductible ($240 in 2026)
- Skilled nursing facility coinsurance
- Foreign travel emergency
- Part B excess charges
Average Premium: $50-90/month for age 65
Best For:
- Those on a tight budget
- People with few healthcare needs
- Those who want to self-insure for deductibles
- Medicaid dual-eligibles who need supplemental coverage
When Plan A Makes Sense:
- You rarely visit the hospital
- You can afford the Part A deductible if hospitalized
- You want the lowest possible premium
- You have other coverage that helps with deductibles
Plan C: Near-Comprehensive (Pre-2020 Enrollees Only)
Important: Plan C is only available if you were eligible for Medicare before January 1, 2020.
What It Covers:
- Everything in Plan A
- Part A deductible
- Part B deductible
- Skilled nursing coinsurance
- Foreign travel emergency (80%)
What It Doesn’t Cover:
- Part B excess charges
Average Premium: $170-220/month for age 65
Best For:
- Those eligible before 2020
- People who want near-complete coverage
- Those who don’t want to worry about deductibles
- Frequent healthcare users
Plan C vs Plan F:
- Plan C doesn’t cover excess charges
- Plan F covers everything Plan C does plus excess charges
- Plan C premiums are typically 5-10% lower than Plan F
Plan D: The Middle Ground
What It Covers:
- Everything in Plan A
- Part A deductible
- Skilled nursing coinsurance
- Foreign travel emergency (80%)
What It Doesn’t Cover:
- Part B deductible ($240 in 2026)
- Part B excess charges
Average Premium: $110-150/month for age 65
Best For:
- Those who want more than basic coverage
- People concerned about hospital stays and skilled nursing
- Those willing to pay the Part B deductible
- Budget-conscious shoppers who want solid coverage
Plan D vs Plan G:
- Plan D doesn’t cover Part B deductible or excess charges
- Plan G covers both
- Plan D premiums are typically 20-25% lower
Cost Analysis Example
Scenario: Age 65, Non-Tobacco, Average State
| Plan | Monthly Premium | Part A Deductible | Part B Deductible | Annual Cost (Healthy) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Plan A | $70 | $1,676 if hospitalized | $240 | $840 + deductibles |
| Plan D | $130 | $0 | $240 | $1,560 + $240 = $1,800 |
| Plan C* | $190 | $0 | $0 | $2,280 |
*Plan C only available to pre-2020 enrollees
If hospitalized once per year:
- Plan A total: $840 + $1,676 + $240 = $2,756
- Plan D total: $1,560 + $240 = $1,800
- Plan C total: $2,280
Plan Selection Checklist
- Determine your eligibility (Plan C pre-2020 requirement)
- Assess your healthcare usage (hospitalizations, SNF needs)
- Calculate your risk tolerance for deductibles
- Get quotes for all available plans
- Factor in the Part A deductible ($1,676) for Plan A
- Factor in the Part B deductible ($240) for Plans A and D
- Consider skilled nursing facility needs
- Evaluate foreign travel coverage needs
- Use our calculator for precise estimates
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Plan A worth buying?
Plan A is worth it if you’re on a tight budget and can handle the deductibles. It provides basic protection against the 20% Part B coinsurance, which can be substantial for expensive services.
Why would I choose Plan D over Plan G?
Plan D costs less per month than Plan G. If you’re healthy and don’t mind paying the Part B deductible and potential excess charges, Plan D can save you money.
Can I still get Plan C if I’m new to Medicare?
No. Plan C (and Plan F) are only available if you were eligible for Medicare before January 1, 2020. If you’re newly eligible, consider Plan G or Plan N instead.
Does Plan D cover skilled nursing?
Yes, Plan D covers the skilled nursing facility coinsurance (days 21-100), which can save you up to $209.50 per day in 2026.
What’s the difference between Plan D and Plan N?
Plan D covers more benefits (Part A deductible, SNF) but doesn’t have copays. Plan N has copays ($20 office, $50 ER) but doesn’t cover Part A deductible or SNF coinsurance. Plan N typically has lower premiums.