Medicare Advantage
What is Medicare Part C?
Medicare Part C (also known as Medicare Advantage, or MA) plans provide you different options than traditional Medicare. A Medicare Advantage Plan is managed by private insurers that are contracted by the federal government. This means that Medicare Part C is not a program that you enroll in with Social Security.
Medicare Part C includes all services covered with Medicare Part A and Part B, so you are still enrolled in Original Medicare. However, Medicare Part C offers additional ‘benefits’ that Original Medicare does not. You will have hospital and outpatient benefits but will need to pay the plan’s copays as opposed to paying deductibles.
What Medicare Advantage Covers:
Medicare Advantage Plans cover everything that Original Medicare does, but you can receive coverage for services such as:
- Gym Membership
- Vision coverage
- Dental coverage
- Hearing coverage
- Prescription drug coverage
Medicare Part C Costs
In general, Medicare Part C plans have lower premiums because you receive treatment in the networks plan and pay copays as you go. Medicare pays a monthly amount to the insurer to provide your care, which could result in no premium.