What do I need to know about Medicare supplement Plans C, F and G?

Who is this for?

If you're an individual who became newly eligible for Medicare on or after January 1, 2020, these changes may affect you.

As you consider your options with Medicare supplement, Blue Cross Blue Shield wants to make you aware of some changes that could affect your health plan decision. The Medicare Access and CHIP Reauthorization Act of 2015, or MACRA, affected supplement plans nationwide that cover the Part B deductible. Medicare supplement plans that cover the Part B deductible (Plans C, F and high‑deductible F) are no longer available for individuals who turned 65 or became eligible for Medicare on or after Jan. 1, 2020. Because of these changes, Blue Cross now offers Plan G, which is comparable in benefits and available at a less expensive price than Plan F.

If you were Medicare eligible before Jan. 1, 2020

  • Your plan options covering the Part B deductible will not change.
  • If you already have a Medicare supplement Plan C, Plan F or high-deductible Plan F, you can keep it. Your policy will continue if your premiums are paid on time.
  • You still have the option to purchase a Medicare supplement Plan C, Plan F, or high-deductible Plan F in 2020 and beyond, where offered.
  • If you delayed enrolling in Part B because you were still working or had other coverage, you may still have the option of purchasing a Medicare supplement Plan C, Plan F, or high-deductible Plan F, where offered, even if it’s after Jan. 1, 2020.

If you became Medicare eligible on or after Jan. 1, 2020

  • You can still enroll in a Medicare supplement plan. Available plan options may differ depending by carrier.
  • You will still be able to choose from other Medicare supplement plan options, except for those that cover the Medicare Part B deductible ($233 in 2022).
  • Plan D and Plan G have replaced Plan C and Plan F as guaranteed-issue plans. The difference between Plans C and D, and Plans F and G, is the coverage of the Part B deductible.
  • In response to this new law, Blue Cross is offering Plan G, which is less expensive than Plan F. Please visit our Plan G page or call 1‑888‑563‑3307 for additional details on how you can enroll in Plan G.

Frequently asked questions

Why are some Medicare supplement plans no longer offered?

The new MACRA law doesn’t allow Medicare supplement plans to cover the Part B deductible for people who were eligible for Medicare on or after Jan. 1, 2020. Because Plans C, F and high-deductible F cover the Part B deductible, they are no longer be available for beneficiaries who became eligible for Medicare on or after Jan. 1, 2020.

For those people who became eligible for Medicare on or after Jan. 1, 2020, Plans D or G may be available. Plan D and Plan G have replaced Plan C and Plan F.  The difference between Plans C and D, and Plans F and G, is the coverage of the Part B deductible. 

What should I do if I want to buy Plans C, F or high-deductible F prior to 2020?

Although not all insurers offer all Medicare supplement plans, individuals who were eligible for Medicare prior to Jan. 1, 2020 may purchase and keep Plans C, F or high-deductible F if they continue to pay their premiums.

What should I do if I already have Plans C, F or high-deductible F?

If you already have one of these plans and are happy with it, you can keep it. As long as you pay your premium on time, your enrollment will continue.

What changes might occur after 2020?

Blue Cross continuously monitors the latest laws and works with the state and federal agencies to understand how new laws affect Medicare beneficiaries.

It’s hard to predict what changes might occur. As health care costs continue to rise, Blue Cross will continue to work to make health care more affordable. We’re committed to delivering high value products to our members.

How do I sign up for Plan G? 

  • See your Blue Cross independent agent 
  • Enroll online 
  • Call 1-888-563-3307 (TTY: 711) 8 a.m. to 9 p.m., Monday through Friday, with weekend hours from Oct. 1 to March 31. 

Important information about your plan

The Medicare deductibles, coinsurance and copays listed are based on the 2023 numbers approved by the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services. You can go to any hospital, doctor or other health care provider in the U.S. or its territories that accepts medicare. You don't have to use our network. Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan administers Blue Cross medicare Supplement plans. Where you live, your age, gender and whether you use nicotine products (including e-cigarettes, vaping, and nicotine patches or gum) may affect what you pay for your plan. Your health status may also affect what you pay. This is a solicitation of insurance. We may contact you about buying insurance. Blue Cross Medicare Supplement plans aren't connected with or endorsed by the U.S. government or the federal Medicare program. 

If you're currently enrolled in Plan A or Plan C, you can stay with your plan as long as you pay your premium. You may enroll in Plan C if you've lost coverage under a group policy after becoming eligible for Medicare. You're also eligible if you had Plan C, then enrolled in a Medicare Advantage plan, and now would like to return to Plan C. You can do this as long as it's within the first 12 months of your Medicare Advantage plan. You're automatically eligible for Plan A if you're 65 or older. If you're under age 65, you are eligible for Plan A if you've lost coverage under a group policy after becoming eligible for Medicare. You can also enroll if you had Plan A, then enrolled in a Medicare Advantage plan, and now would like to return to Plan A. You can do this as long as it's within the first 12 months of your Medicare Advantage plan. You'll need to meet these requirements to apply for these plans.